Reach Out for Help
This story may be edited for strong language. This story belongs to the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Matthew Patton Foundation.
This has been a long time coming, and I'm finally able to do it. I'm so glad that this special lady, Mrs. Lynn Patton created this foundation. We all need to be able to be heard in our time of distress. I wish, I was proactive with my mom, Earth Angel, SGT 1st Class Deloris M. Thomas.
My mom, was not just my hero, but all the soldiers who dwelled in the Atlanta and Macon, GA areas. She defeated the odds and did what's right, but she was dealing with her internal battles of grieving for her mom and workforce related issues, which soon lead to her death. If I weren't grieving as well, I would have been proactive on looking for help as she requested and for the whole family. There is a stigma of seeking counseling is a taboo in all cultures; not just in the African American homes. The brain and the heart is what determines a person next thoughts and moves. It is very well connected to heart attacks and aneurysms to name a few. Physicians do not teach us that; neither do they teach us that PTSD is a factor of heart conditions such as what my mom had; massive heart attack, and what my grandmother had, aneurysm.
Again, I'm grateful to know of a foundation who truly cares about their soldiers. Please reach out. Your life depends on it. You are not just out there to keep us and other countries safe, you also have to do self care. Ah ha moment.. Did you know that psychologists seek counseling too? Why not us?
Story Type:
Family Member Story
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