The soldier returning from a deployment isn’t the same person who left—but then, neither are those who remained behind. When it is time to reconnect with family and friends, to reintegrate back into the “real world,” there may be issues beyond physical or psychological challenges. There may be general questions of faith or meaning, or even spiritual “wounds” caused by the trauma of war. Family members too have adjustments to make and concerns about relationships with that “different” person.

Loyola’s Welcome Home program hopes to ease the process of reintegration by providing a safe, confidential space to talk about whatever issues or experiences are affecting the veteran’s ability to reintegrate, or the family’s ability to reconnect. A trained companion/director, Sheila Laughton, a fellow veteran who understands the stresses of deployment and the challenges of the return home from multiple perspectives (soldier, military spouse and military mom) will listen with you. You’ll meet regularly, for about an hour, for as long as mutually agreeable.

You may examine issues like misplaced anger, irrational fears, social or relationship issues, or inappropriate behavior. You may see how drugs or alcohol, engaging in risky or addictive behavior only temporarily mask symptoms, leaving the underlying pain untouched. You may confront and heal memories that contribute to negative thinking or feelings of quiet desperation. You may also discover gifts, new strengths as well as your “growing edges” to overcome and integrate experiences that have negatively affected your life. You will also examine your personal relationship with God.

This listening ministry is not psychotherapy or counseling but an opportunity for you and God together, to heal, to grow and to thrive. You start by listening with your companion to your own story and looking at how you are dealing with life. How we respond to life’s experiences is more significant than the events themselves. When they are a result of violence or war, there may be spiritual “injuries” recognized or not, which make it difficult to be anything like the person we were “before.”  We may have seen or done things against our moral code. We may have questioned our belief in God or meaning in life. This is an opportunity to look at those questions and perhaps examine your coping skills without judgment. 

It helps to talk about traumatic experiences whether they were last month or 30 years ago.  Memories can be healed. Life can be embraced. You can come home. God understands and forgives. What if the person most in need of your forgiveness is you?

 This program is free for veterans and their families courtesy of an initial grant from the St. Paul Guild of Catholic Women. For further information or to set up an appointment, call Loyola at 651-641-0008, extension 13 or email Sheila@loyolaspiritualiycenter.org .