Post-Surgery Update

Hello, all. It has been way too long since I have felt up to doing a blog update, but I finally got down here to the computer to put a few words on the page. Well, Lia and I are doing excellent. We are getting some final addendums done to my medical board for medical retirement done, and we should be getting ready to out-process from the service. I just recently, 6 days ago, had a hernia repair surgery done, and it was a success. So, for the last 6 days, I have pretty much been in the bed. I was given 21 days of convalesence leave to heal up and get better. So, LIA has been taking care of daddy. She's been giving me the motivation to get out of bed each day and go for a little excercise in the front yard. It's a painful surgery, to say the least. Well, I hope all is well with everyone, and as soon as I'm 100%, i'll update again with more info about me and LIA.

Been a long time.

Well, I've been a bad blogger here as of late, with all the things going on in my crazy life. LIA and I are doing well together, as always, and I'm really glad I have her by my side right now. Anxiety made a comeback for me here about a week ago, and I had somewhat of an attack, but LIA kept me moving and assured me that i could beat it. I have this problem with wearing my uniform, as I am not proud of a lot of the things I have done wearing it. Well, my command knew that, and still FORCED me to put it on and stand duty in the barracks. Now, I understand I am a Marine still and that I am expected to do certain things. But when someone knows that something(wearing my uniform) triggers my anxiety and anger reactions, and still decides to put me in that situation to get a rise of me, boggles my mind. Once I assured them, that that wasn't a good place for me to be, they took me off duty and myself and LIA strolled down to the river and took some time to throw the ball around and relax. She's a lifesaver. Amazing. Every day I find a new way she helps me, and sometimes it's just her giving me a lick on the back of my hand when i'm stressed, or her giving me a "hug". I'm blessed, truly. Well, i will keep you as updated as I can remember to. Working on my memory and trying to get things together.

Paul

Good afternoon.

Well, hello again, everyone. It's a beautiful Saturday afternoon, and LIA and myself, are standing Barracks Duty at the Wounded Warrior Barracks. It's a nice change of pace, as of late. I have just returned from leave for 23 days back home, and we were constantly busy, visiting friends, family, and getting out as much as possible. I know that LIA is my service dog and that she is there to make me more comfortable in public settings and in helping me get through my PTSD symptoms, but I feel this "responsibility" to spread the word of what these animals are doing for so many people with disabilities. While in Raleigh, I made sure to go to as many places as possible, and just be seen with LIA. We ran into no issues with anyone and it's great that people have a knowledge of service animals. But I feel that since everyone has done so much for me, the least I can do, is spend a few minutes everyday telling strangers and business owners about the organization and what you guys do. It's truly been a rewarding experience and I have been getting positive feedback from most. It's great to know that. I tried to show our faces (mine and LIA's) in Raleigh as much as possible, since it's highly likely, that's where I'll spend my next few years at. I feel like a new man. I feel renewed, rejuvinated, and refreshed by what I am able to do now. LIA is my right-hand "lady", and we're taking the world by storm. haha.
Well, another way me and LIA have bonded, beyond my PTSD issues and my anxiety, was something I didn't see coming a couple weeks back. My girlfriend and I split and it was a new kind of pain, new kind of feeling, for the first time in a LONG time. Only when LIA got here, did I have the confidence to be put in that situation, and even though, we are no longer together, LIA knew I was feeling hurt and heartbroken and never once, left my side for a couple of days. Even when we went outside to throw the ball or to let her HURRY, she would only go about an arms' length away. I shed a few tears, but LIA licked them right off my face and put a smile back on mine. It's amazing how she has made everything so much easier. Now, I understand i'm going to still feel pain and heartache, but she made something she wasn't trained to do, so much easier. She is my best friend on this whole earth, and I'd be lost without her. As we sit here at the duty desk, she must know that I'm typing about her, because she's looking intensly, at the screen. :) Well, that's enough for today. I'll definitely be blogging more, as I am back off leave and getting ready to work with Chadd on the Camp Lejeune program. Thanks so much for reading my random blog, bouncing all around. Enjoy your weekend.

Great time off

Hello, all. It's been a great vacation these past two weeks. LIA and I have been about everywhere. I have one important update that I thought would be noteworthy.
Most times when LIA and I go out to eat, there is usually someone else with us. Well, I've been slowly getting used to lunchtime traffic in busy restaurants and it's been tough. But Wednesday, we DID IT!!! We went to the Red Lobster in Raleigh. It was slam-packed full of people on their lunches, but we entered with confidence and were seated right away. The staff was so friendly, and for being a town not military-oriented, they were very interested in what service dogs are doing for PTSD. Now, I try and spread the word about Paws4Vets and Paws4People as much as I can. I surely think they got the message after lunch. It was very nice to be with just me and LIA, eating and relaxing in a chaos filled restaurant. Someone even picked up my lunch and paid anonymously. Brought a tear to my eye that there are quite a bit of people who absolutely appreciate our service and the things that Paws4Vets is doing to make our lives' easier and managable. Without you guys and LIA, there isn't any telling what I'd be doing right now. It's truly a blessing to have had this intervention. I love you, all and you are my angels. God Bless and goodday.

WHEW

Good morning, everyone. Been very very busy these last few weeks, but things are slowing down and I'm on a little bit of rest and relaxation time, at home for a few weeks. July 4th is among us and LIA and I will be spending it with my girlfriend and her family at White Lake. I'm slowly but surely waiting on the Marine Corps to make their minds up and get me out, and home. LIA has been doing excellent. She's got this barking thing she does when we are out of town, when someone comes in the house, but she's getting better about it. Raleigh presents a new challenge for me and LIA. There are so many places to go that have never seen a service dog in their establishment. We've been blessed thus far and peoples' knowledge is very high. Yesterday, we went to one of the larger malls in the area and got a warm welcome. I was a little rattled by all the people in their, it being a holiday weekend and all, but LIA stuck close and we got through it without incident. Things have definitely taken a turn for the better with my symptoms and all. I haven't had a nightmare in quite some time now, and the only real problem has been my headaches. Together, LIA and I are tackling all my issues as they come at me, and rolling with the punches, so to say. I will keep everyone posted and hopefully be able to post some pictures from this week at the Lake. Hope everyone has a blessed and safe Independence Day. :)