The Majesty of Our Mountains

These mountains that surround my beloved home, the Treasure Valley. Rocky Mountains on one side, Owyhee Mountains on the other. They have imprinted my psyche since birth.

I like to tease my family and say that on my epitaph I would like it to read like this:

"She loved the land more than she loved her men,

Except for the son, whose heart he did win."

I have always loved this State, and do not think I would have ever left if I had not had a large amount of tragedy fall on my shoulders that I just did not know how to cope with, and back then, so little was known about P.T.S.D.

Now that I have been home again for five years, and have had a chance to stabilize myself form that Cali life, I am very thankful and blessed to have worked with the Wyakin Foundation, whose mission is to serve as a conduit, connecting wounded and injured veterans to their successful and fulfilling civilian futures through education, development, and guidance. I am grateful for the time I have spent with several of their participants, offering them a free monthly massage through my practice, Body Blessings Massage & Aromatherapy.

Massage therapy is so healing, on so many different levels. However, there are times when therapists need to take a sabbatical for their own self-care, which I am doing with mixed emotions, yet I know that with God at the helm, all things are possible. This area we live in has tremendous healing energy, and I am very happy to see my state 'step up' and have so many services for Veterans start to become available, not just with Wyakin, but with other non profits and initiatives that are springing up, such as the upcoming 'Ridefor22', which is in it's third year and is organized by a Veteran in the Nampa area. This is a motorcycle ride that focuses on the 22 Veterans (now 21) who are taking their lives.

My own mother, Helen Louise (Persons) Edwards, a former first responder for the City of Boise and a nurse for both St. Luke's and St. Al's in the early 60's, took her life when I was just eight years old. Those of us who are left in the wake of suicide may always have questions in our mind's eye about why. Suicide and mental health are very difficult topics to discuss, however, it is my belief that no system will change without those who are affected directly by a system speaking out and sharing their stories. I published my own story, 'Borderline - Swan Song of an Unfinished Life', and I will be at the event along with Wyakin to help support Veteran Suicide Awareness month, which the State of Idaho has graciously proclaimed the month of April 2018 to be designated as, for there is great energy happening in this State around Veterans and Veteran healthcare.

I hope that many of you will attend the Ride for 22 at the High Desert Harley-Davidson in Meridian on April 21st, and come to know some of the organizations and vendors who support this great cause.

We are so blessed in this little slice of heaven out here in the last of the Wild West. Come on out and enjoy this event with your family and friends. After all, we have always loved our Veterans!

Hope to see you there! - Elizabeth Anne