four traumatic brain injuries, one family and one really good god
Purple Heart Appreciation Day
The "holiday" we never expected to observe.
TRAUMAFAITH IN TIMES OF CRISIS
Claire
8/7/20242 min read
They say “Don’t meet your heroes.”
But I not only met mine, I got to marry him.
Today is Purple Heart Appreciation Day. It is a day set aside to recognize those who gave blood, limb, and livelihood in combat against the enemy. George Washington established this as a merit award that was one of the first to be available to both officers and enlisted service members. While there is strict criteria for the award and some take months to approve, others are awarded in the field or combat theater. When Jordan was wounded General Allyn heard about the situation and insisted on traveling to the hospital to pin his award in person. General Allyn would go on to be the Vice Chief of Staff for the Army and, along with Chief of Staff General Campbell and Surgeon General Horoho, play a vital role in getting Jordan the treatment he needed for his TBI.
I remember every single detail about being notified he was wounded. Each person I talked to for the first 24 hours brushed everything off as being little more than a scratch. But when a commander called the next day he said, “I know you would have wanted to be there for this but they didn’t want to wait on the Purple Heart. It was awarded after he was stabilized. I’m sorry but we couldn’t let that wait until he got stateside.” That bit of urgency clued me in that we might just be in for more of a life change than was first communicated.
And what a life it’s been. My love, I’m so proud of you and thankful for the life we get to keep building together. Because of you, and all the brave men and women who bear the weight of this award on their bodies.
To the Purple Heart recipient in your family, we extend our deepest honor and appreciation. This journey is one filled with uncertainty and set backs. Thankfully we serve a loving God who turns graveyards into gardens. Some of our loved ones will only see true healing in the arms of Jesus. Until then He will sustain us and be glorified in our weaknesses.
“Let it be known that those who wear the Purple Heart Medal have given of their blood in the defense of their country and shall forever be revered by their countrymen”