Getting a mTBI in the Army doesn't warrant a Purple Heart????

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129756105
 
An absolutely infuriating interview by NPR about how the Pentagon currently views brain injury. It seems that they don't want to be thought of as handing out medals as though they were candy... so, they restrict their definition of injury  (see: invisible disability... just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it's not happening).

Considering that Purple Heart recipients get faster/cheaper care at VA hospitals, it would seem that this is a heartless sweep it under the rug kind of economic decision. Couple that with the military mentality of "you ain't injured unless your entrails are spilling out of your body", and we have a double whammy of negligence.

Dear Brass,

You're constantly telling the troops to be vigilant in terms of terrorism. How 'bout you do the same with brain injury?  

You don't expect to be told to run with a broken foot... why are you telling the brain injured soldiers to go back to work and suck it up? Having a brain injury is kind of like being drunk. They're having cognitive and emotional difficulties (read: can't do basic logic and are experiencing mood swings) ...Oh, just send the soldier out there with a loaded weapon, sounds like a *fantastic* idea!  

And... Why are you denying them healthcare?

Thanks,

A Brain Injury Survivor

Euphoria

"Euphoria", 12x12", acrylic on canvas
private collection

Poppies and gold.

Let the Day Go On and On

"Let the Day Go On and On", 10x10", acrylic on wood panel
private collection

Tulips, hydrangea, and lily of the valley.

A Whisper, A Word

"A Whisper, A Word", 10x10", acrylic on wood panel
private collection

Peonies!

The New Experience

HMCraig, "The New Experience", 9x12", acrylic on hardboard
private collection


Hello! I wanted to work with a palette that was juicy and indicative of the end of Summer. So, the colors were the new experience.  

This is a wild bouquet of sunflowers and a rather large Peony.   I hope you enjoy it!

Everything Is New

HMCraig, "Everything is New", 12x12", acrylic on wood panel
private collection

Gerberas and Agapanthus! Colors! Oh, my!

Quote

We can complain, because the rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because the thorn bushes have roses.

-Abraham Lincoln

photo by SGrace on Flickr

Patricia Burson

Patricia Burson, "Schoodic Birch", 40"x60"

Patricia Burson is a New England artist who draws immense inspiration from nature. The subjects are presented in an almost abstract way.

Music- Dixie Chicks

Dixie Chicks

Quote

“Never allow anyone to rain on your parade and thus cast a pall of gloom and defeat on the entire day. Remember that no talent, no self-denial, no brains, no character, are required to set up in the fault-finding business. Nothing external can have any power over you unless you permit it. Your time is too precious to be sacrificed in wasted days combating the menial forces of hate, jealously, and envy. Guard your fragile life carefully. Only God can shape a flower, but any foolish child can pull it to pieces.”

-Og Mandino

photo by MyDigitalSlr on Flickr

Piece of a Life (Peace in a Life)

Piece of a Life (Peace in a Life), 24x48", acrylic on canvas


See a larger version here.

This painting was executed as part of a challenge to incorporate my experiences at Spaulding Rehab. I broadened the challenge and included my experience with my injury, and also included other influences (friends, family, support groups).   
 
There are many things in this painting that hold meaning. Some are more significant than others.  You already know about the fish.


I got the pink lilies from Stow Lily.

also... I've also been busy taking care of G. He's had his second knee operation of the summer, and is healing incredibly well, but has not been able to put weight on his leg.

Music- Appalachia Waltz

Un tour de Menage