My husband's military reunion is this weekend in Sevierville, Tennessee. This is the weekend of my birthday. While it is true, a lady does not 'share her age,' all I will say is my age is just a number. I am still young at heart, and I do all I can to make my life as young and vibrant as humanly possible. Still, I am in awe of how the years are flying by -- not just passing by -- but FLYING! As a military man during the Vietnam conflict, my husband kept everything inside. At first, I felt threatened that he refused to share his war experiences with me. After a few years, I realized, war is something a soldier does not share. When I was younger, I couldn't understand. I thought a husband and wife shared everything. Silly me!

The Vietnam 'conflict' was a war where family was not considered, at least for the military family. My husband came home, never to get counseling or reentry adjustment, or whatever they choose to call it now. Never did anyone (especially a Family Support Group) contact us about how he was doing and how we were doing. We simply trudged along, readjusting to life as a husband and wife. A bit difficult for me. I had been married only three months when he left. No Power of Attorney. No documents about anything and I did all that I could to make an independent life. After he returned home, well --let's just say, it was an adjustment. Suddenly I had to share my decisions with him, and he with me. Suppose I shall keep the rest of this only to myself.

Now, flash forward, to many, many years later as we meet up with his band of brothers. I have to compliment all of them after meeting them in the 2007 reunion in Michigan. As a group, we all got along great and it was truly a new, lively, and lovely family for me. I felt right at home.

As for this year, I am hopeful to feel right at home again. Phil, my husband, has Karaoke music set aside, and of course, I will be up there singing my heart out, while hoping the rest of the group will do the same.

Vietnam was a long time ago. We all have moved on, recognizing that some of the guys have PTSD -- my husband included, and many of the wives have accepted the emotional scars of war. For the Iraq and Afghanistan soldiers, I am hopeful that they will not have to walk in the shoes of the Vietnam era veterans. I cannot imagine going off to war for three, four and five tours. Nor can I imagine what war is like. I have only lived it during the flashbacks and rages my husband experiences, and each time, I want to cradle him close to me, to make the hurt, fear and anger go away. I cannot erase these horrific experiences from his mind, but I can comfort and pray that someday he will return to me. Perhaps a bit battle scarred, and scared. Life is never easy. Marriage? Let's don't even go there.

According to the "VA" officials, it 'doesn't help my husband's case that he is still on his first wife.'

Yes, those were the words they shared, and I wanted to go on the attack, but I took a deep breath and told my husband I was supporting his experiences and his life.

My wish for all who fight a war is to find peace. Peace within yourself knowing you did the right thing and you coped the best way you could. And for all who have fought in a war, whether it was World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, the Cold Wars, Iraq, Afghanistan and beyond, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Yes, this weekend will be an experience and I will share more after the fact. As for this chick, let's just say, champagne and O.J. is on my grocery list. Wine is ready to be packed, along with my beach chair, camera, and Netbook. This is my birthday weekend, and I plan to ENJOY! You'll just have to return to my blog to read more -- LATER!

P. S. While writing this, my husband phoned. He spoke with the VA about his claim today. The clerk stated 'claim is still in Washington -- SINCE MARCH 2008 - and it was reviewed AGAIN in May 2009. Now it has gone to the Judge.' Gees. Could the VA move ANY SLOWER???????