Semper Fi 3

In this heartfelt conclusion to the Semper Fi series, we follow Winston and Brooke as they navigate their most challenging crossroads yet. Winston faces the reality of his medical discharge and redefines his purpose by helping fellow Marines, while Brooke confronts her feelings of loss and rediscovery as she recommits to her family and her love of teaching. Together, they embark on a journey of growth, resilience, and renewal, proving that bold choices can lead to healing and hope.

Transcript

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Hello, everyone. And welcome back to take your time. The tales and exhales of caregivers. I'm your host Beverly Nance and it's an honor to have you joined me for the third and final episode of our series. Semper Fi This series has been a heartfelt exploration of the lives of caregivers and their loved ones in the military. Navigating the challenging terrain of love, sacrifice, and identity. In today's episode. We're diving deep into the pivotal moment for Winston and Brooke. As they each face crossroads in their lives. For Winston, it's about grappling with the loss of his limb. And his military identity. That has defined him for so long. For Brooke is about confronting her own feelings of loneliness and finding solace in an unexpected connection. This episode is about choices. The ones we make. In the darkest of times and how they shape who we are and who we become. So grab a cup of tea. Settle in and let's journey together. As we unravel the final chapter of Semper fi. You Brooke sits in a quiet coffee shop near the hospital where Winston is undergoing another gruling day of physical therapy. She stirs our cup, absent mindedly. Her thoughts clouded by guilt and confusion. for months Winston's injuries have been a shared burden. But lately she felt herself drifting. Her heart searching for comfort. She could no longer find and their shared pain. enter Edward A man, she met at the beach following one of her counseling sessions. Brooke had been sitting at the beach, minding her own business when she met Edward. They struck up a conversation at first about his photography and then about life. There was an ease with him, a freedom in talking to someone. Who didn't know. The weight, she carried. Edward grew up in San Diego. A military town. We're hanging out at the beach with a common way of life. As a matter of fact, the rhythm of waves became the soundtrack to his life. From an early age, he was fascinated by the interplay of light and water. Which led him to photography. he pursued a career in photojournalism. Capturing stories of resilience and humanity. From around the world. However years of traveling to war zones and disaster stricken areas. left Edward with his own emotional scars. Seeking peace. He returned to his hometown of San Diego and began focusing on the art of landscapes and quiet moments, using photography as a form of healing. When Edward met Brooke at the beach, he immediately recognized the weight. She was carrying, having seen it on himself beforehis empathetic nature and quiet, demeanor created a safe space for Brooke to open up. Starting it connection that felt both unexpected and undeniable. Her phone buzzes on the table. Interrupting her daydreams. It's a message from Winston. Tough session today, but I'm hanging in there. Can't wait to see you later. Love you. She swallows hard. The words love you weighing heavier than ever before. Winston is at the VA hospital. Lying on the therapy, Matt beads of sweat dripping down his face. As he struggles with a new prosthetic leg. His therapist, Sergeant Hayes, a fellow Marine who lost his own limb years ago, pushes him relentlessly. Come on Marine. I've seen grannies moving faster than you get up. Winston grits, his teeth and pushes himself up. But he's not just battling the physical challenge. His mind is tormented by the looming uncertainty of his future. If he can't return to active duty, who is he? Being a Marine, wasn't just a job. It was his identity, his purpose. After the session sergeant Hayes approaches Winston. Who is sitting on the therapy bench, shoulders slumped. You look like hell, Hayes says sitting down next to him. Good. That means you worked hard. Winston chuckles dryly. Yeah, well, hard work. Doesn't change the fact that I'll never be a Marine again. Hayes nods, his tone, turning serious. I know what you're feeling when I lost my leg. I thought the same thing. Hell. I drank myself stupid for a year. Trying to forget the Corps has no use for a broken man. Winston looks over at Hayes. So, how did you stop? How do you move on? I didn't stop. He said firmly. I shifted. I found a new mission for me is helping guys like you. We don't stop being Marines just because we're not on active duty. Overcome. That's what you've got to do now. Find your new mission. Winston stares at the floor. And what if I can. Hayes claps him on his back. You can, you're already stronger than you think. You showed up today, you showed up yesterday, you showed up last week. Didn't you. That's the first step. It's one step at a time. That's how you climb a mountain Winston one step at a time. The words, linger with Winston as Hayes gets up and leaves. For the first time a week, a spark of determination, flickers and Winstons eyes. Later that day was imposed his phone from his pocket and dials Brooks number. The exhausted his voice is apparent, as he waits for her to pick up. Hey. He says when she answers, I'm ready to be picked up. Brooke's still sitting in the coffee, shop glances at the clock. I'm on my way. She replies, masking the turmoil in her voice. She grabs her keys and heads to the car. Mentally bracing herself with a weight. Of their shared evening ahead. when she arrives. Winston is waiting outside the hospital Leaning against the railing. His weariness is etched deeply in his face, but he manages a faint smile when he sees her. She steps out to help him, but he waives her off. I've got it. He insist limping slightly as he climbs into the passenger seat. The ride home is quiet. The silence filled with unspoken words. Brooke grips the steering wheel tightly. Her mind already wandering into the evening ahead. That evening after dinner, Brooke approaches Winston as he sits in the living room, flipping through channels on the TV. I'm going out tonight. She says trying to sound casual. To, to the movies with, with my friends. Winston the glances at her briefly and nods. Okay. Have fun. I'll put the boys to bed at eight. She feels the pain of guilt, but quickly brushes it aside. Grabbing her purse. She hands out the door and drive to the park. Where she at Edward agreed to me the tension in her chest begins to ease as she spots him standing near the bench where they often talk. Edward greets her with a warm smile. Brooke you made it. Yeah. She said softly taking a seat beside him. I needed to get out of the house. Thank you. For the next hour. They talk about everything and nothing. His presence, a balm to her. weery soul. But even as she laughs. At something, he says the shadow of guilt looms, large in her mind, she knows she's treading dangerous waters. But for now, she lets herself linger in the fleeting comfort of Edwards company. Uh, their conversation grows quieter as the evening. Deepens. And Edward gently places his hand on hers. Brooke doesn't pull away. Instead. She looks at him. Her emotions, a whirlwind. A longing and guilt. The moment stretches and before she knows it, his hand brushes her cheek. The touch is brief, but electric. And it makes her chest tightened with a confusing mix of feelings. She finally stands and whispers. I should go. It realize his expression unreadable. Be safe Brooke. When Brooke arrives home, the house was quiet. Save for the hum of the television in the living room. Winston is still awake. His eyes flicker to meet hers as she steps inside. You're back late. He says his voice neutral, but laced with curiosity, YeahBrooke replies setting her purse down on the counter. The movie ran longer than I thought. Winston liens for it slightly. Did you have a good time? She hesitates. The weight of her guilt. Pressing down. Yeah, it was nice to catch up with the girls. Winston studies her for a moment. His gaze searching. You seem different. Is everything okay. Brooke as a smile. Though it feels brittle. Everything's fine Winston. I'm just tired. All right. He says softly, leaning back. I get some rest. As Brooke has upstairs her heart aches with the weight of what she's hiding. The comfort she sought with Edward now feels like a betrayal. She's unsure if she can reconcile. The next day. Brooke finds herself in the kitchen, preparing for a family gathering. The smell of fresh coffee and baked goods feels the air. As she tries to push her thoughts of Edward aside. However, her oldest sister, Laurel. Ever perceptive notices, something is off. Well, their husband's laugh over they sports debate. In the living room, Laurel corners, Brooke. You've been a bit out of it today. Laura remarks. Raising her eyebrow what's going on with you? Brooke hesitates gripping the edge of the counter for support. I been saying someone Laurel. She whispers her voice trembling. His name is, is Edward laurel's face registers shock. But she quickly composes herself. Placing a reassuring hand on Brooke's arm. Edward are you, are you serious? What about Winston? Brooke sighs. Her shoulders slumping as she pours out her heart. It's not like that. Well, well, it is like that, but, but it isn't like that. She makes, he makes me feel alive. Laurel. Like I'm someone other than just a caregiver. I love Winston, but sometimes I feel like I'm suffocating. Like i've lost myself completely. Laura looks at her sister with a mixture of compassion and concern. Brooke. This is serious. You need to figure out what you want. Winston deserves honesty, and you deserve clarity. You can't keep living like this. It's not fair to anyone. Brooke nods wiping a way stray tear. I know I'm just scared. Scared of what's next. Their conversation is interrupted by laughter from the living room. But the weight of Brooks confession lingers between them for the first time a weeks, she feels a glimmer of relief and sharing her truth. Even if it brings more questions than answers. Later that night, Brooke finds herself unable to sleep. The silence of the house feels oppressive, amplifying the cacophony of thoughts in her mind. She slipped out of bed and tiptoes into the kitchen. The faint glow, the refrigerator, light her only companion. Her gaze. falls on the family photo pin to the fridge. A snapshot of better days. When she had Winston laugh freely. Um, burdened by their current struggles. As she traces the edge of the photo. A wave of guilt washes over her. She wonders if she has the strength to keep fighting for their relationship. Or if her heart has already drifted too far. Edwards words echo in her mind. But so does a memory of Winston's resilience in therapy. His determination to adapt despite his pain. The weight of her dual lives feeling unbearable. Brooke sinks into the chair at the kitchen table. Her head in her hands. Slightly pleading for clarity. She knows won't come easily. The next morning, Wednesday notices Brooks, subdued, demeanor. As they share the quiet breakfast. After a few moments of silence, he places his coffee cup down and looks at her. Intently. Brooke he begins his voice steady but concerned. I know something's been bothering you. I don't want to push, but if you ever need to talk, I'm here. His words, catch her off guard. For a moment. She considers brushing him off again. But the vulnerability in his eyes stops her. Brooke realizes that Winston is offering her at opening. A chance to be honest, to begin untangling the web of secrets, threatening to consume them. I I'm trying to figure things out. She says, finally, her voice trembling. There's so much. So much I need to sort through. Winston nods. Not pressing further. Take your time. Just know you don't have to face it alone. Brooke's chest tightens with conflicting emotions. She knows the road ahead will be difficult. But Winston's quiet support. Give her a flicker of hope that perhaps they can find their way back to each other or at least a way forward. Later that afternoon as Winston sits in the living room, trying to focus on the news, the familiar hum, or the mail truck. He draws his attention. He sets his coffee cup down and walk to the mailbox, his prosthetic leg clinking slightly with each step. The stack of mail feels heavier than usual and among the usual bills and flyers. Is an official envelope. Bearing. The Marine Corps insignia. Winston's stomach knots as he tears it open. His hands trembling. He already knows what it is before he reads the words. Medical discharge effective immediately. the carefully typed letter details the terms of his release. Thanks him for his service and highlights the medical reasons behind their decision. To Winston, it reads more like a dismissal than gratitude. He sinks onto the porch steps. The envelope slipping from his grasp. The warm breeze passes his face, but he hardly notices. For a moment. He feels like a ghost of himself. a man who no longer belongs. Being a Marine. Wasn't just a job. It was his purpose, his identity. And now with a single letter. Is all gone. Inside Brooke calls out Wednesday and everything. Okay. Out there. Her voice jolts him back. But instead of responding. He folds a letter and tucks it into his pocket. He needs time to process to feel the full weight of the loss. Returning inside. He grabs his journal from the side table and flip to a fresh page and writes. I was born to serve. But what am I now? That evening when, since it's alone in the garage, the letter unfolded beside him. He replays Sergeant Hayes words in his mind. We don't stop being Marines just because we're not going active duty. But the truth feels harder to believe now. He knows he needs a new mission, but the path forward seems impossibly steep. Brooke finds him there. Her shadow falling across the door. Hey. She says softly. Her eyeflickeringer into the letter. You got it. Didn't you. Winston nods, but does it meet her gaze? Yep. It's official now. I'm out. Brooke steps closer, her voice trembling. I know this is hard. But you're still Winston. You're still the man who fought for his country, who fights every day to keep going. He finally looks at her. His eyes red rimmed, but steady. I just. I don't know what. I don't know who I am without it. You'll find out. She says with her hand resting lightly on his shoulder. And I'll be there no matter what. For a moment. They sit in the quiet together. The weight of the discharge letter, a reminder of the battles, they still have to face. Both together and apart. In the months that followed Winston's medical discharge. He threw himself into a grueling routine of physical therapy and mental growth. Inspired by Sergeant Hayes and fueled by his own struggles. Winston began to explore ways he could help other Marines who found themselves in similar situations. He started attending veterans networking events and speaking to groups about his journey. Gradually and ideal took root. one afternoon, as he sat at the kitchen table with his laptop. He looked up at Brook. I've been thinking about starting my own thing. He said his voice steady, but tinge with excitement. Helping Marines like me. Guys who are trying to figure out what's next. Brooke put down the stack. The papers that she was grading and smiled. That sounds incredible. Winston. You'd be amazing at it. With Brooke's encouragement. Winston began laying the groundwork to become an independent contractor. His goal was to provide personalized support, to injured Marines, helping them navigate the complex world of medical discharge. Rehabilitation and finding a new purpose. It wasn't easy, but for the first time, in a long time Winston felt, a renewed sense of direction. He wasn't just surviving. He was building something meaningful. Meanwhile, Brooke found herself reevaluating her own life. The night, she ended things with Edward had been. One of the hardest moments she faced. She met him at their usual spot in the park, her heart heavy with resolute. Edward. She began. Her voice shaking. I can't do this anymore. I've been using our time together as an escape. But it's not fair for you. Or my family. Edward nodded his expression pained, but understanding. I get it, Brooke. I just want you to be happy. I need. I need to try to fix what's broken at home. She said, Thank you for being there for me. But this, this has to end. As Brooke walked away from Edward for the last time she felt it. Mix of sadness and relief. The clarity. She had sought four months was finally within reach. Brooks' next step was rediscovering a part of herself that had long been buried. Her love of teaching. Encouraged by Winston's, determination and her sister support. She began researching opportunities to return to the classroom. It started with substitute teaching and as the weeks passed. Her confidence grew. She soon accepted a full-time position at a local elementary school. Standing in front of the classroom. Again, Brooke felt is sense of purpose. She hadn't experienced in years. At home, the changes in both Winston and Brook create a new dynamic in their marriage. They began sharing their struggles and dreams more openly. We're building trust one conversation at a time. Brooke supported wisdom as he launched his business. And he celebrated her decision to follow her passion for teaching together. They found a balance. That had been missing for so long. One evening. As I sat on the porch, watching the sunset Winston turned to Brooke. I don't know where this path is going to take us. He said, But I'm glad we're walking it together. Brooks smiled her hand resting in his. Me too. We're stronger than we've given ourselves credit for. The road ahead. Wasn't without challenge before the first time in a long time, Winston in Brooke felt hopeful. their bold choices. Had not only reshaped their individual lives, but also about them closer together. Reminding them. of the the power of resilience and the strength of their love. Looking for resources for people like Brooke and Winston. We recommend the veterans crisis line. At veterans crisis line.net. The wounded warrior project. Wounded warrior project.org. Caregiver action network. Uh, caregiver action.org. Operation home front. At operation homefront.org. We also recommend. Our very own caregiving life. Support group on Facebook. You can find us under caregiving life. At Facebook. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength. You're not alone in your journey. Being a caregiver can be exhausting. But taking time for yourself, isn't just a luxury. It's a necessity. That's where Take Care Time Respite Box comes in. Carefully curated to provide comfort, relaxation, and joy. Each box is designed to help you recharge and find moments of peace in your busy life. Inside the box. You'll find. Hand-selected. Self care items such as balming teas, soothing candles, inspirational books. Activities to help you unwind and refocus from puzzles. to journals. It reminder. That you deserve. To feel cared for too. Because when you take care of yourself, you're better equipped to take care of those. You love. Visit takecaretime.com to learn more and order your respite box today. You deserve it. Do you have a caregiver story that you would like to have told email us at podcast@takecaretime.com we would love to hear from you. Please note. This episode features reenactments and dramatize details. While in most cases, the exact verbatim dialogue may not be known. All dramatizations are grounded in thorough research and crafted to honor the stories shared. To respect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals involved names and some identifying details have been changed. Until next week. Take care. You