A couple pictures.

Good afternoon, all. It's busy busy busy busy here nowadays. Trying to complete all my appointments to separate from the Marine Corps and retire medically. I have been keeping busy, trying to get things in order to move back to my hometown. It'll be a very nice change of pace. Anyways, LIA and I have been doing GREAT. With the weather so beautiful, we have been keeping active and getting to the beach as often as possible. Haven't ran into any real problems, but a few people, in certain public businesses are still a little uneducated about Service Dogs and their rights. Nothing that after speaking with a manager, couldn't be solved. Just an education issue with employers/employees. I'm blessed to have the most wonderful friend by my side, to help me keep my cool in those situations. If she wasn't there, I'd definitely be a little more aggressive. So, problems averted and we continue to move forwardly, making progress with my PTSD. LIA and I have spoken to the VA in the Raleigh/Durham area about transferring my care and making sure there is not a lapse in my psychiatric care. So, I'm beginning to get a hold on the idea of being back home. :) Here are a few pictures I took yesterday, since I finally got a camera. Enjoy your Sunday, everyone.

It's been a while...

Good evening, everyone. It has been a good bit of time since I was on here to blog last. I have been busy, as me and LIA take on the world. Things couldn't be better right now. LIA and I traveled to Portsmouth, VA to see the neurosurgeon about two weeks ago. The news was mostly good, considering that I probably won't have to have surgery, pending one final test. If the results come back in, this pituitary tumor will just have to become a part of me.
Everyone has been telling me how "normal" I am becoming. I can only attribute this success to my right-hand gal, LIA. She has consistently been my rock. She continues to give me that nudge to just keep on pushing, and worry about today. No more thinking about what was, just what will be.
I did have a nightmare four nights ago, in which I awoke to LIA laying on my arm, licking my face. I immediately knew that I was not in Iraq, and that I was in my bed at home. I was able to fall back asleep and let it go from my mind. The next day, even in the living room, LIA wouldn't leave my hip. On the sofa, she would lay her head on my lap and I knew, as I already did before, that this is best thing that has happened to me in a good many years. My best friend is letting the things that once crippled me, become minor inconsistencies in my days.
Well, since I have been trying to get out as much as possible, and spend time in the sun, we traveled to Topsail Island with my girlfriend this weekend. LIA absolutely loves the sand at the beach and it really puts a smile on my face to see those ears perk up at the waves coming and going. She's still a little unsure why they do that, but I can tell she's getting used to it. We went to a local seafood restaurant on the island, and everyone was very welcoming of Alicia, LIA, and I. The community here, and in the surrounding areas, thanks to Paws4Vets, has become so aware of what service animals, like LIA, can do. She was absolutely PERFECT in this restaurant. Now, let me give a little description of the setting. Very RITZY (i think I spelled that right) place, with candles and such, and on the ocean. Very much not my normal atmosphere, but LIA made it so easy to just sit in peace IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RESTAURANT. Never in my life, did I imagine I would be able to sit in the middle of a crowded, fancy restaurant again. Just didn't seem like it would ever be. LIA has gotten very used to what makes me uneasy and knows when to give me that nudge on my hand, to let me know it's "all good", as they say. Once we were seated, I was comfortable in the environment, and conversating with Alicia. We ate our meal, walked on the beach, and headed to our hotel for the evening. We all sat on the balcony as the sun went down, and LIA loved the wind whipping. Great weekend getaway.
Now, I have said it before, and I will say it over and over again. LIA, the paws4vets/paws4people organization, and everyone behind me, have changed my life. I have nothing but the utmost respect for all of you who have helped me overcome, what I once thought would be the end of me. In my darkest of hours, you all saw something in me, to be persistent and to continue to motivate me. Thanks to you, and of course, Miss LIA, I am where i am today. I could go on for hours about what you have done for one tired Marine. You all have a special place in my heart. Thanks again.

Well, it's a little late and I should get some sleep. Have a great week everyone.

-Paul

11:55 a.m. wednesday

Good afternoon, everyone. It's been a while since I have gotten a chance to blog, two weeks at least. Things have been looking up medically for me. I am almost positive that surgery will not be neccessary at this point. My pain is being managed well and I am getting more active again. LIA has been completely by my side the whole time. It's been important for me to have her there as "my rock" when life's tests roll in.
I just read the story about the family and their service animal being kicked out of a store. I really do hope that the awareness of service animals picks up and people realize that these animals are changing lives. LIA has completely changed my life and made my everyday challenges into mere speedbumps. Sure, there will be hard times ahead, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

LIA and I started the Paul get-back-in-shape program with beach walks/river walks yesterday. I hope to be able to do it four times a week, if my headaches will allow it.

LIA has been doing great. In the last few weeks, we have been a bunch of places and seen a bunch of new things. We went to Portsmouth Naval Medical Center for my appointments with the neurosurgeons. We went to many local Norfolk businesses and spent some time sitting by the water. Weather wasn't the best to do that it, but it worked out. I have noticed in the local area and all military locations that I have been to, that the military members and civilians on post, know what LIA is doing in the store, or restaurant. For the most part, we have had it smooth with the public aspect since she arrived, minus the small gas station incident.

Hope everyone enjoyed their Easter Holiday.

Semper Fi,
Paul

Medical update

Hi everyone. Hope everyone is doing alright. It's a beautiful day here in Jacksonville, nc. Had a doctors appointment today , and am being referred to a neurosurgeon for the brain tumor. Should be no big deal, but im a worrier, so it's got me a little jaded. I had some temporary vision loss last evening, and they think it'll be a good idea to get the tumor out so i can stop having the pain and eye issues. I am definitely all for it. LIA is doing awesome. She sat there with me today in the examination room and came right up to me when I got the news that I'd probably have to have surgery. She is my best friend on earth. And she knows me better than anyone. It's an affirmation to what these dogs can do. Well, time to get some rest.

article

hi all! it's kyria invading paul's blog....just wanted to leave a link to the wonderful article in which paul and LIA are stars (again). please check it out, they are such a great team!