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Discussion: A Dedication to a Vietnam Veteran "Allan Howarth" part 2
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bimbyjo |
A Dedication to a Vietnam Veteran "Allan Howarth" part 2
Nov 12 2008, 9:03 PM EST
In past conflicts time was available for the families to fully prepare for a joyous welcome for their returning sons & the soldiers had lenghty periods to re-gather themselves to a semblance of normalcy, at least for the appearance & the family's sake.As with past wars, Allan returned a changed man of many & varied moods, fits of depression & violent behaviour. This just on one occasion led to him hurting himself with seemingly senseless bangings of his head against walls resulting in "nan" having to have her son, Allan committed to Ingleburn for several days treatment. Allan returned in 1970 & left the army in 1971 so changed that nan didn't know him as the son she had seen go marching of to war. Allan's outlook on life was haunted by the stress related to both his war experiences & the sudden & unprepared for, return to normal family life. He became more & more withdrawn & uncomfortable around people. This was the first thing about Allan that mum noticed when she first met Allan in December 1970. He wasn't like the normal guys she had previously gone out with. He was so different, so lost yet there was something about him that led to them marrying in 1972. Married life was however a continual struggle & stressful strain. Allan's attempts to absorb himself in work only served to further isolate himfrom others & his re-occuring fits of depression and sudden mood shifts left life at home, tense & awkward as all the family attempted to weather the bad times. The support of the Vietnam Veterans association & Dr Smith as well as the love we feel for each other has helped to keep our family together & yet you can understand those that have failed in similar circumstances. Our hearts go out to them all. 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you?
Keyword tags:
dedication
depression
ptsd
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