Recently Sharon and I were blessed to have three of "our" visiting warriors attend church with us. We were so excited that we lost sight of all the precautions we take when planning events. Knowing PTSD causes stress when in crowded areas we always ensure there is a clear 'escape route'. Meaning a visible open path to a door or exit. The best thing is to avoid putting warriors into crowds or crowded areas altogether.
That Sunday both of us must have been brain dead. First, we sat towards the middle of the sanctuary. There was lots of space around us but the door was behind us; not visible from our seats. Then one of the Sunday School classes invited all of us to their monthly covered dish luncheon. Two of the warriors said sure, they'd like to go. The other one was a little reluctant but went anyway. Sharon and I were so wrapped up in our own excitement that we didn't see the warning signs. When we got to the luncheon it was wall to wall people. Our brains finally kicked in and we suggested fixing plates to go. Of course the damage was done and the class was disappointed they didn't have a chance to visit with the warriors. But I'm sure will understand once they know why we left so quickly. Later we apologized to the warriors for putting them in stressful situations. Guys, next time you can pick where we sit in the sanctuary.
So, lessons learned:
All of you Warriors and families reading this, PLEASE tell us if you are uncomfortable with what we are purposing before it becomes a problem.
GOD Bless you!!
That Sunday both of us must have been brain dead. First, we sat towards the middle of the sanctuary. There was lots of space around us but the door was behind us; not visible from our seats. Then one of the Sunday School classes invited all of us to their monthly covered dish luncheon. Two of the warriors said sure, they'd like to go. The other one was a little reluctant but went anyway. Sharon and I were so wrapped up in our own excitement that we didn't see the warning signs. When we got to the luncheon it was wall to wall people. Our brains finally kicked in and we suggested fixing plates to go. Of course the damage was done and the class was disappointed they didn't have a chance to visit with the warriors. But I'm sure will understand once they know why we left so quickly. Later we apologized to the warriors for putting them in stressful situations. Guys, next time you can pick where we sit in the sanctuary.
So, lessons learned:
- Don't let your excitement overshadow the "rules",
- During orientation ask the warriors to tell us if/when we are getting them into stressful situations.
All of you Warriors and families reading this, PLEASE tell us if you are uncomfortable with what we are purposing before it becomes a problem.
GOD Bless you!!
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