K. M. Barnes

The Broken Star K. M. Barnes

A dittybag was once described to me as a small bag in which WWII sailors used to carry their toilet articles. They also contained a collection of attitudes, values, memories and behavior, which they brought home with them. Likewise, the Vietnam Veteran brought home his dittybag. This one was too often filled with pain too hard to face. PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, was not recognized at that time. But it has had disastrous effects on those vets, as well as their wives and children. The Vietnam War was much different than past wars. A big wall of pain exists for many, who have no idea how to get through it. They have no understanding of why they are feeling (or not feeling) what they are. Although I no longer wish on stars, I do believe in the power of God. If my story can touch just one life, I will feel what I have been through will have a meaning.