Homeward Bound Adirondacks, as well as other veterans, deserve to hear my testimony. It may be long, but it could open your eyes and mind just as it did for me. Please read it completely, it could help you and/or others understand.
As an Air Force combat veteran with a high disability of PTSD, I do not communicate very well with other people. I find it difficult to talk to my friends and even my close love ones. I do not put trust or confidence in very many people, and this at times hurts those close to me. I tend to shut off from others in a group setting out of fear of being judged on my disability. When I was told about Homeward Bound Adirondacks I'm not going to lie, I was very skeptical at first. My loved ones encouraged a couples retreat based on the topic of communication with Homeward Bound along with the Company of Horses. The retreat was held at Camp Dudley on Lake Champlain, NY and was an amazing experience. I have little doubt that this retreat saved some of my close intimate relationships. The staff was amazing, and the horses provided a feeling that I cannot put into words. The thrill of having an 1800 pound animal put trust into me because I could communicate with it was exhilarating. Watching married couples all around me learn to be able to overcome the fear of communication opened my eyes and allowed me to do the same. After the daily agenda was complete, I could communicate with my loved one in way that she could finally understand and accept. Emotions were high, but so was the level of acceptance. PTSD is not something that can be cured, but it can be managed in tense situations. My anxiety and fear were terribly high knowing I was on a retreat with couples who were complete strangers. However, when I stepped inside that horse barn and looked those beautiful horses in the eye, my head became clear. I'm sure this sounds corny to many, but it was noticed and verified by those who do not know me at all. Homeward Bound Adirondacks and Company of Horses changed a "stuck-point" inside of me. My family cannot give enough thanks to Valerie, Lindsey, Debbie and Shane for an amazing retreat weekend. To eat, sleep, and work with complete strangers for three days was at first a huge stressor, but now we have lifelong friends.
As an Air Force combat veteran with a high disability of PTSD, I do not communicate very well with other people. I find it difficult to talk to my friends and even my close love ones. I do not put trust or confidence in very many people, and this at times hurts those close to me. I tend to shut off from others in a group setting out of fear of being judged on my disability. When I was told about Homeward Bound Adirondacks I'm not going to lie, I was very skeptical at first. My loved ones encouraged a couples retreat based on the topic of communication with Homeward Bound along with the Company of Horses. The retreat was held at Camp Dudley on Lake Champlain, NY and was an amazing experience. I have little doubt that this retreat saved some of my close intimate relationships. The staff was amazing, and the horses provided a feeling that I cannot put into words. The thrill of having an 1800 pound animal put trust into me because I could communicate with it was exhilarating. Watching married couples all around me learn to be able to overcome the fear of communication opened my eyes and allowed me to do the same. After the daily agenda was complete, I could communicate with my loved one in way that she could finally understand and accept. Emotions were high, but so was the level of acceptance. PTSD is not something that can be cured, but it can be managed in tense situations. My anxiety and fear were terribly high knowing I was on a retreat with couples who were complete strangers. However, when I stepped inside that horse barn and looked those beautiful horses in the eye, my head became clear. I'm sure this sounds corny to many, but it was noticed and verified by those who do not know me at all. Homeward Bound Adirondacks and Company of Horses changed a "stuck-point" inside of me. My family cannot give enough thanks to Valerie, Lindsey, Debbie and Shane for an amazing retreat weekend. To eat, sleep, and work with complete strangers for three days was at first a huge stressor, but now we have lifelong friends.
"People need to hear veterans and their stories, and Homeward Bound Adirondacks along with Company of Horses did just that."
To tell my story of struggles with dark demons and times of pain to complete strangers, some of whom sit on the Homeward Bound Board of Directors, and see them cry huge tears out of respect and concern was huge for me. I am not looking for pity, but looking for others to understand some struggles and difficulties. People need to hear veterans and their stories, and Homeward Bound along with Company of Horses did just that. They tried to understand our pain and our struggles in every day life. The taboo topics that nobody wants to acknowledge, but need to be addressed. They listened with high regard and respect, and it did not go unnoticed. The use of the horses was an amazing and creative way for us veterans to open up and not have a fear of judgment or ridicule. I will forever be in debt to those that I met at this retreat, and my family and I look forward to the next occasion we can attend with everyone again. From the bottom of our hearts, and with a healthier mind and better relationship--- THANK YOU!!!
If one other veteran or family member of a veteran will read this testimony and take a chance like I did, than I have paid it forward and can feel satisfaction. Once again, thank you to all those involved in creating an amazing couples retreat. Thank you to those at Camp Dudley for the use of your gorgeous facility, and all the volunteers that made the weekend special. Keep up the amazing work.
Sincerely,
Adam J. Livernois
If one other veteran or family member of a veteran will read this testimony and take a chance like I did, than I have paid it forward and can feel satisfaction. Once again, thank you to all those involved in creating an amazing couples retreat. Thank you to those at Camp Dudley for the use of your gorgeous facility, and all the volunteers that made the weekend special. Keep up the amazing work.
Sincerely,
Adam J. Livernois
