Our guests in this episode are Melissa Johnson and Melissa Comeau with the American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN). 

Melissa Johnson's husband is a combat veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm and was wounded in Iraq in 2006, leaving him with traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and blindness. Melissa reflects on the past 15 years of caregiving and shares her advice with those new to the challenge:

• Learn to live in recovery


• Recognize the cycles of caregiving


• Adapt to the transitions


• Accept today, don't worry about tomorrow

Melissa Comeau has been a caregiver for 10 years to her husband, a Marine Corps veteran with traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress. She stresses the importance of controlling what you can and organizing what you can't! Her advice: don't lose yourself! Melissa has found journaling to be healing, and we encourage you to read her book, Sleeping With the War.  Follow updates and learn how to purchase a copy: https://www.facebook.com/sleepingwiththewr/. 

Learn about MVCN's use of the Rutgers Reciprocal Support Model, giving to yourself as you give to others. 

To connect with the American Red Cross directory for ALL caregivers, visit redcross.org/caregivers and herocare.auntbertha.com.

A great resource for anyone grieving a service member or veteran: taps.org.