Facing the Wall: A Mission

By Mary S. King

Perceiving right or wrong, in reference to war, is not my call this is for our elected officials. But, when our veterans return from battle, it is the responsibility of our nation to help them adjust... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1413480969
• ISBN13: 9781413480962
• Release Date: April 2005
• Publisher: Xlibris Corp
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.5" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

This should become a classic

Mary S. King has written a book that should be required reading for every American citizen. She deserves a Vietnam Service Medal, as she has served, and continues to serve our country in an honorable way. She has taken her marriage vows seriously, as she loves and supports her combat veteran husband, Jim, who is still suffering from his wartime experience. With this book,she invites us into their world. It is a world of broken dreams. She has had to accept that the early promise of her marriage to a decent, caring man, has deteriorated into a lifetime of fighting horrendous demons of the war. With great bravery, she takes over the role of breadwinner and support system for her husband, who is too damaged mentally and emotionally to handle that role. She loves her husband and their two sons fiercely, going above and beyond the call of duty as she stands by Jim through his depressions, flashbacks, and eventual hospitalizations in the VA. It is only after he is officially diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome that things improve somewhat. As Mary notes, "when you fight PTSD, or any illness, it is easier to struggle against it when you know what the demon is that you are fighting." Their ensuing trip to The Wall in Washington, D.C. is an emotionally wrenching scene that is hard to forget. This book provides great insight into the true emotional, physical, mental and spiritual costs of war for veterans, their family and friends. Mary is a true American heroine, standing for the values of faithfullness, courage and hope. Her story speaks for legions of women who have paid a steep price for loving a war veteran. I know of what I speak, for I was once a "Vietnam wife." How sad that this book is so timely, as the Iraq war rages on. Fortunately, the wives,sweethearts, and families of our veterans in this latest war, will have this book to inform, inspire and encourage them. It's a book Mary, myself and so many others wish we could have had many years ago, when there was nothing written for or about us. Thank you Mary, for shining a light on us!

Facing the Wall: A Mission

As I reread Mary's words, it was as if an old friend was telling me a new story. This book covers all the trials of a young family coping with the after effects of a trauma, in this case a war. It maps out an unknown path with twists, turns and blind alleys. It is an overview of a battle to "just make it through" the days. Facing the Wall is a recounting of love that is deep and "a mission" that continues.