Accepting the Ashes- Healing PTSD

Accepting the Ashes-A Daughter’s Look at PTSD

“Accepting the Ashes is both an easy read (short, to the point) and a difficult read, because of its truth and directness. The advice is straightforward and obviously comes from the heart. I appreciate what you wrote, and applaud your work.” Col Charles W. Hoge, M.D., (Ret) Past Director of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and co-author of “Battle Mind”

”Accepting the Ashes” was written by Quynn Elizabeth, daughter of a two-time Viet Nam (also spelled Vietnam) veteran in the year of her father’s death and the escalation of the war in Iraq.

Due to her father’s experiences in war, he struggled with Post Traumatic Stress, heart sadness and alcoholism all his adult life even though he didn’t get diagnosed with PTSD until 1992. In “Accepting the Ashes” Quynn shares her personal story so that other loved ones and soon-to-be veterans, who are fighting right now, might not have to wait 30 years to heal their painful feelings often caused by experiencing war-related stress.

Currently, Accepting the Ashes is being used by The National Chaplain Center in its new Veterans Community Outreach Initiative. This program focuses on educating community clergy and veterans’ caregivers about the special needs of veterans when they return home from war.

In addition to assisting many American families deal with PTSD, “Accepting the Ashes” is being used by a growing number of VA Chaplains and National Guard Family Readiness Offices around the country to aid their veterans, families and volunteers as they attempt to understand and live with Post Traumatic Stress.

”I commend the author for preparing this very helpful little resource for the spouses and families of our veterans. The descriptions of the struggles of combat veterans with the symptoms of PTSD are very accurate.” A. Keith Ethridge, M.Div, Director, National Chaplain Center

“Accepting the Ashes” is for American military men and women, and all those who love them.

”Accepting the Ashes” is one daughter’s attempt to increase communication among veteran families so that long-term healing can occur.

“Accepting the Ashes" does not attempt to diagnose or treat any veteran. It is written from the perspective of an adult daughter, honestly highlighting one man and how PTSD negatively affected him and his family.

"Accepting the Ashes" comes in a 60 page book with illustrations, as well as a 58 minute audio book narrated by Quynn, There is a 3 minute sample available for free (at the bottom of this post), and the 58 minute audio book is available for $2.99.

“Accepting the Ashes” expands on the following ideas to give guidance to those in pain right now.

It is safe to assume that anyone who has experienced combat has PTSD to some degree, whether they will admit it or not.
Partners and loved ones (especially women) cannot expect discussion about painful past experiences.
Many times, suffering people cannot express their pain and won’t seek help, especially men.
When a soldier does not come home from battle, their children are most at risk.
Changing marriage partners or using medication won’t erase grief.
How the veteran views their military contribution to society, compared to cultural recognition of their contribution, affects how severe their PTSD may be and how they deal with it.
If you find your loved one wearing their uniform in places such as a costume party or the grocery store, assume that they might not be at peace with their war experience.
Many will try to mask or numb pain.
When the vet does express a desire for physical or emotional help - HELP!
As soon as possible ask the returned vet “Are you resolved with what happened?”

I've also offered some guidance points from my own experience, as you move along the path of healing -

There is a place for everyone.
Change can happen.
You have to say ‘yes’ to something, not just ‘no’ to something, to change behavior.
War changes people. Period.
You have to demand the right to heal

Find out more about this story at www.acceptingtheashes.net

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