Reply #79: Anger becomes a big part of your world, maybe it seems displaced?

[SaveAmerica]

I hear what you're saying but I can speak from both sides of the issue. I *was* where you are now, and I hope that you realize that what you're doing is appreciated. Appreciation for your efforts is separate from the anger. After my husband's year in Iraq I'm now able to understand that other side where anger (unfortunately) starts to grow inside you know matter how hard you fight it. I used to be so positive, was rarely brought to anger and was motivated by good energy to get things done. I started noticing a change in me a few months after my husband hit the sand. Positive only goes so far when you know what we know about why we're in the Middle East. Then add the details about what's going on there (contractors get *everything* they want, servicemembers; not so much, troops being treated like garbage over there, etc etc) and you start to listen to people's comments differently, you stand in a line at the grocery store and wonder if the person in front of you even knows 1/10th of the pain you have felt that day). I hate that I feel like this and am trying very hard to bring myself back around, and I haven't even spent one day in the sand, jungle, wherever. I can't even imagine how that feels to someone who isn't getting it secondary as I have.

That said, I have friends who have been deployed (my husband included) who realize that what you're doing is the best you can do. I imagine you feel helpless, you've worked so hard to do right by these guys and watched as they are sent over anyway (me too!). It's really a difficult place they're in, mentally. Some do realize there are people who are doing what they can and they wouldn't turn away from your thank you. I hope that you'll forgive the ones who do. As you said, you just can't tell who's only 'bumper sticker supporter' or who is a really getting in there and doing things supporter when someone says 'Thank you'. Please don't stop doing the things you're doing and supporting our guys the way you do. It really does mean a lot.