The Misfits

This is about our family's journey to a new norm after our son Chris was seriously injured in an IED explosion while deployed to Afghanistan. I chose the title "A Misfit's Mother's Journey" to honor some small way all the amazing young men in his squad, "Martin's Misfits". I owe a debt to these amazing men who worked together to save my son's and his buddy's lives and to the young man who sadly lost his life. This is a debt I can never repay. I hope you will find inspiration in our story and admiration of the young men who understand the consequences and are still willing to risk life and limb in the hope of protecting others.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Where do I start...my name is Leigh Van Etten. I am the mother of 5 wonderful children and many, many wonderful unofficially adopted children, many of which are in the military. While ALL my children have my heart and soul and mean more to me than anything, this story is about one of my children in particular and his/our family's journey back to a new normal.


Our son Chris went against the Air Force grain of our family and choose to join the Marines. Which I really was okay with. He is stubborn and needed something more stubborn than him, definitely not the Air Force! On 13 July 2009 I handed my son over to Mother Marine Corp, one of the saddest, yet proudest days of my life. A day, even knowing what I do now, I would do all over again. Who would have thought that 2 years and 11 months to the day later and almost to the hour I received his first call from basic telling me he arrived safely, I would have gotten a call from HQ Marine Corp telling me that my son was seriously injured in an IED explosion while deployed to Afghanistan. 


This is a mother's perspective on our journey from the first phone call and on. I hope this will inspire others in whatever journey they maybe on and show there is always a way around any obstacle, over, under or around, but there is always a way.

9 comments:

  1. WOW! your families strength is amazing! Its going to be a interesting journey and thank you a head of time for sharing it with us.

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  2. Leigh - we are on the journey with you. Remember, just as you are there for Chris, your AF family is there for both of you!

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  3. I have been through, to some extent, what your son is going through--waking up confused, alone, and in agony.

    My wife has received that same phone call.

    My mother has watched them bring her son in to the SICU.

    I can't say I know what you're going through, or even begin to imagine it, but I do know what your son is going through.

    There are people out here in the ether who stand willing to help in any way they can, and I stand with them. If there is anything you need, don't hesitate to drop me a line at tcoverride@gmail.com. My wife and I will gladly share our experiences with you and your family, and let you know about the challenges ahead of you.

    For now, take comfort in knowing that your son is safe, that he is in the best trauma care in the world, and that you and him aren't going to go through this alone.

    Regards,

    Chuck Ziegenfuss,
    Wounded Warrior
    Author, www.frommyposition.com
    Founder, Project VALOur-IT

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  4. God bless your son and welcome aboard the blogosphere. . .

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  5. I am so sorry you are having to go through this, but thanks for sharing it with us. Sharing it on your blog may help you sort it all out in your mind, and give you a place to dump. And connect with others and hear their stories and share resources. Your stories need to get out, as our country needs to know that freedom is not free. We lost eight July 8th. Eight moms and dads and families across the USA grieving.

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  6. Leigh ~

    My name is Stacy. I live in O'Fallon. My daughter Katlin dated Chris years ago when they were in school. I am so sorry for what Chris and your family are going through. Your family exudes tremendous strength and love. I look forward to following your blog. I have a loved one who is also a wounded warrior. And I too have a blog. You can always find me at http://stacysflutterings.wordpress.com. Please feel free to call or email me anytime. You are not alone. We are here for you and your family.

    God Bless ~

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  7. Leigh,

    It's good to see you have the courage to blog about your jouney. Take Chuck up on his advice and get in contact with him. He's a standup guy and does great deeds for wounded servicemen and women.

    If there is anything you need let me know, Ms. Romine said it best, your AF family is here for you!

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  8. Can't offer more than prayers for your situation. But you have them and they are powerfull. [ not because of me but because of the recipient]

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  9. LEIGH,
    PLEASE CONSIDER SENDING YOUR BLOG ENTRIES TO YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER WITH A LINK TO CHRIS'S FUNDRAISING PAGE. TOO MANY PEOPLE, THOSE WITHOUT LOVED ONES IN THE MILITARY, FORGET THAT WE ARE IN A WAR. WHILE DEATHS ARE ANNOUNCED ON TELEVISION, OUR WOUNDED ARE OFTEN IGNORED. YOUR BLOG IS BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN, AND WILL HELP TO REMIND ALL OF US THE PRICE THAT CONTINUES TO BE PAID FOR FREEDOM.

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