The Power of Compassion and Why It Matters

Compassion is a virtue that involves showing concern and sympathy towards the misfortunes of others.

In my book, both Haywood and Lilly Runyan become exceptional personas of this virtue when Haywood decides to write a book about the homeless situation in his town.

Lilly, on the other hand, also showed compassion when she recognized Oley Washington Jr. as the same veteran her college colleagues attacked in Washington, D.C.

Lilly, showing great remorse for the actions of her comrades, attempted to stop their attacks, but it was too late. Nevertheless, the guilt she felt carried her throughout the years until she reunited with him again and apologized profusely for what happened.

In a way, her compassion brought Oley back to his memories. When we treat others with mercy instead of indifference, we can significantly change their lives—whether we see it or not.

Compassion also helps challenge prejudices. When Haywood tells his wife that he plans to write about the plights that most homeless people face, he shows excellent understanding when he emphasizes their humanity. He never gave the impression that they deserved to be without shelter, nor did he say it. He was, if anything, a real Christian man who just wanted to change the world through the power of words.

That latter part is also what compassions entail—action. We cannot just say we "feel" compassion. If anything, we also show it. Aside from looking at a situation with kindness and understanding, we are also compelled to improve the situation. In the book, many church volunteers showed great compassion when they offered to help build a children's recreation center named after Oley's father. After the center was finished, many people hailed it as a miracle, and considering Oley's transformation from a homeless amnesiac to a respected veteran with a purpose—their words definitely ring true.

That said, I sure hope we can all show a bit of compassion every day, no matter how small. Who knows? Maybe we could make someone's day a little brighter. 

by Carl Kegerreis

Why It's Crucial to Stay in Touch with Loved Ones

Oley Washington Jr. has suffered for quite a long time. After his unfortunate run-in with some anti-war protesters in D.C., he was not only physically injured but has suffered from tremendous mental pain—including losing critical parts of his memories.

Sometime after his accident, he became homeless. With no recollection of his memories, he couldn't contact his parents, much less seek help even when his injuries faded in time.

Fortunately, Oley could live through his whole ordeal and eventually regain his memories. Nevertheless, he would've benefitted from help if he could remember his loved ones.

Here are some reasons why we should always keep in touch with our loved ones:

1. It keeps us connected. Modern technology has provided us with ample opportunities to connect with others. From emails to instant messaging to even Zoom, we can schedule video calls to ensure we stay linked with our kin whenever, wherever.

2. It eases loneliness. People who are in foreign places may feel lost. This is especially true for people who may be traveling abroad or veterans who must serve in a different country. Regardless of the situation, keeping in touch with your loved ones eases the loneliness you feel when you're in a foreign land.

3. It strengthens our bonds.

Love is not just a feeling but an action. It is also an essential part of any loving relationship. Keeping such a bond alive is constantly ensuring your loved one feels safe, secure, and respected. One way is to open the lines of communication—literally and figuratively. By ensuring that you and your loved one have ample communication time, you can rest assured that your bond and affection will steadily grow.

Fortunately, Oley was able to reunite with his mother in the end. While his father died during Oley's "lost years," there is no doubt that if he had lived, he would've definitely ensured his son was taken care of. Regardless of how old we get, we should at least do our best to keep our familial ties as strong as possible. 

by Carl Kegerreis

Reasons We Honor Veterans

Veterans Day is a known holiday in the United States, usually celebrated on November 11. It should not be confused with Memorial Day, which is celebrated in May and is the older holiday between the two.

In my book, "I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets," Oley Washington Jr. is a veteran who served in the Vietnam war. After an unfortunate run-in with anti-war protesters in Washington D.C., he ended up bruised and battered, with no recollection of his past life.

Fortunately, things turned out all right. However, we can't say the same for all the other veterans who were not so fortunate. Here are some reasons we must continue to honor them:

1. They sacrificed their lives to preserve our freedom.

The choice to join the armed forces is no easy feat. In fact, many people who join are often faced with the possibility that they may not get home safe. Regardless of that harrowing probability, they still set aside their own personal goals for the matter and sacrificed their lives and future for the greater good.

2. They served our nation's best interest.

People who have conflicted ideas about war may look at the armed forces with a critical eye. Nevertheless, one cannot deny that their hard work is key to serving the nation's best interest. In fact, some of their help includes strengthening allied ties between countries and ensuring our territorial claim is not disrespected.

3. They are often overlooked and neglected after service.

Many veterans who finished their terms of service often come back to civilian lives with little to no preparation. While things have gotten better, many former soldiers still suffer post-service. From mental health issues, homelessness, and even drug abuse. Celebrating veterans is a way of acknowledging and recognizing their sacrifices, even at the expense of their overall health.

Veterans are often overlooked regarding societal issues. However, acknowledging their struggles and contributions can foster better relations with our citizens and national unity. With so much suffering and hatred in the world, learning to show gratitude for a soldier's sacrifice makes their devotion all the more worthwhile.

by Carl Kegerreis

How Family Can Provide Support to Veteran Relatives

Many people often feel relieved once they hear the news that their loved ones are returning from service. While this is a moment to celebrate, family members should also be aware of the readjustment period their veteran relative will face soon. Here are some tips that you can offer to make their readjustment period easier:

·   Offer them a place to stay. Veterans make up a large portion of individuals who end up homeless. You can reduce this risk by offering a room to your loved one. If you can't live with them, consider connecting them to a place near your home so you can visit them often.

·  Allow them time to adjust to a new routine. Many soldiers undergo a rigid schedule during training and combat. Once they return to their private lives, they may find it difficult to relate to and understand what used to be routine for them. When this happens, offer patience and give them time to get used to their new environment.

·  Connect them with job opportunities. Former soldiers who are relatively young may have difficulty finding new job opportunities. You can offer assistance by connecting them to people you know in hiring or link them to veteran job placement programs online.

·  Avoid probing questions. Family members who are ecstatic that their loved ones are returning may ask invasive questions at the height of their excitement. While that is understandable, it can also be intrusive, especially if your veteran relative is still not ready to talk about their time overseas.

Reconnecting with loved ones is one of the reasons why soldiers keep fighting. As they risk their lives for a cause, civilian members can also do their part by ensuring their return is as welcoming as possible. For more help and advice, consider contacting your local veteran support groups. Good luck!

by Carl Kegerreis

Mental Health Issues that Affect Most Veterans

People who decide to join the military sacrifice a lot of things. From their health, sanity, and even their lives—each person has made the conscious decision to serve their country.

Nevertheless, their sacrifice is not without its consequences. Soldiers fortunate to return to civilian lives often develop mental health issues that could affect the rest of their lives. Here are some commonly-reported issues veterans face:

·   Post-traumatic stress disorder ("PTSD"). This mental condition develops when people have experienced a shocking or traumatizing event. When a person experiences PTSD, they may re-experience distressing events triggered by reminders, which can affect their relationships. When left untreated, they may risk losing their connections with their loved ones.

·  Major Depressive Disorder or "Depression." Depression is a severe medical illness affecting how you think and act. This condition involves the person feeling intense sadness that hinders their ability to function in everyday life. Many soldiers may report guilt, worthlessness, anger, extreme sadness, and loss of pleasure in activities they once enjoyed. When left untreated, depression can often lead to a lack of enjoyment of life and even death.

·  Substance Use Disorder. This disorder develops when individuals cannot control their use of substances like legal or illegal drugs, medications, and alcohol. This disorder also co-exists with other mental health issues like PTSD and depression. Most veterans often report going through these substances as coping mechanisms because they cannot deal with the reality of the events they experienced.

While these three are the most commonly reported disorders, there are still other issues that veterans are at risk of experiencing. Fortunately, the country has multiple Veteran Support Systems that deal with these mental health issues. If you or your loved one can relate to these symptoms, please contact your nearest health care provider. Stay safe.

by Carl Kegerreis