Unless we ourselves have served, it's impossible to know what our veterans have been through — and what they continue to go through once they're home.
Every day, we give our thanks to soldiers for the sacrifices they've made — but is it enough? Are we truly doing all we can to ensure our men and women are taken care of when they return from duty?
According to stories like Stephen Simmons', it seems the answer is no.
Stephen, a soldier from 1986–2008, returned from Iraq homeless and hopeless. Suffering from extreme PTSD, Stephen had no idea where his life was headed.
That's when his friend — also a war veteran — told him about "adventure therapy," an experimental way to battle depression and PTSD.
So with just his Jeep and his trusty therapy dog, Puppi, Stephen set out on an incredible journey.
Now, the findings of his adventures have not only helped him, but are helping people around the world.
After reading through his tale, be sure to watch the video below. My heart melted at 1:30.
Please SHARE if our veterans deserve respect and honor!
In 2008, Stephen Simmons finished his last tour of duty in Iraq. But when he returned home, he came back a very changed man. Suffering from PTSD and struggling to adapt to civilian life, Stephen didn't know what to do.
He turned for comfort to his therapy dog Puppi, whom he'd found atop a mountain years prior. Puppi was his tried and true companion, seeming to share every emotion Stephen experienced.
Despite Puppi's companionship, Stephen struggled every day with his PTSD. He felt hopeless, angry, and depressed. He was desperate for a way to work through his powerful feelings.
So when a friend recommended he try something called "adventure therapy," Stephen decided to give it a try. He and Puppi hopped into his Jeep and made a cross-country trek from West Virginia to Oregon.
As Stephen and Puppi lived out their days in the Jeep, exploring the wilderness and finding adventures, he began to feel new things. "I realized that I cared a lot more about what happened to me than I thought I did," he said.
While Stephen and Puppi continued their explorations — climbing mountains, hiking the wilderness, and working through the past — they came across a little brown kitten up for adoption. Unable to resist, Stephen took him in and named him Burma.
The three became a traveling family. "Our adventures have taken the three of us to the tops of lots of rugged, challenging mountains, rivers, and alpine lakes," said Stephen.
As they ventured on in their travel and exploration, Stephen continued to feel the clouds of his depression part. Of PTSD, Stephen said, "It's not just in our minds."
"We can do things to positively impact how our bodies respond to stress and anxiety," he continued. " 'Adventure therapy' channels your biological symptoms to work in positive rather than destructive ways."
As the three continued their journey, Stephen documented their progress, snapping photos and updating his Facebook page — "The Adventures of Puppi and Burma" — regularly.
As his following grew, Stephen was convinced to publish a photo book — and with help from friends and fans, he did. Now, Stephen hopes that "adventure therapy" will help others overcome their PTSD or depression.
For his own recovery, Stephen gives all his thanks to his trusty companions. "During especially difficult times, I would not have gotten up or gone out for myself, but I would do it for them," he said. "Puppi and Burma have been a blessing in every way."
Be sure to watch the heart-touching video below, and please SHARE if their adventures inspired you!
