My husband is missing, thanks to George W Bush

[Mari333]

I just filed a missing person's report. My husband's depression, due to his son being at Abu Ghraib, has gone downhill so much, he left yesterday at 2 pm, and left me a note saying he was going to pick up the mail, he was depressed , it was my husbands birthday, he misses his son, he hasnt heard from him for days, and it is now 7 am EST here in the Midwest and I have not heard from my husband at all.
He always calls and lets me know how he is.
He didnt call. He has been gone all night, and has been diagnosed with severe clinical depression.
I filed a missing person's report with the police.
I also called the Red Cross, so we can get Michael to call his dad, or get sent home on leave.
This has gone too far, folks. My husband is missing, he is clinically depressed, I dont even know where he is,
and I point my finger straight at the White House...they caused this,
and this is what the families are going thru who have children in Iraq.
Say a prayer for my husband.
Say a prayer for my family.
Bring the Troops Home..
The Bush administration does not give a SHIT about the family members or the military.

[Qanisqineq]

1. I don't know what to say Mari

I am hoping for the best and my thoughts are with you. Keep us posted.

[vetwife]

53. Marie ...Amanda here.

Want me to call you..? Been there when Jack's PTSD was really bad. When I used to have to hospitalize him at the VA.. Think positive sweetheart. I will call you if you want me to. Prayers and (((((hugs)))))

[Cooley Hurd]

2. Oh Christ, Mari!!!!

I'm praying for your husband's safe return - stay by the phone and don't lose hope, okay?

[Mari333]

3. I will I am so angry I dont even remember when I wasnt angry

..

[Cooley Hurd]

5. That piece of shit in the WH has destroyed so many lives...

I hate him deeply...

[leftchick]

4. you are absolutely right, this is gwb*s fault...

and I hope he pays for all of the death and misery he has caused you and many other families by ending up impeached and facing war crimes. My heart goes out to you Mari and I will keep you, your husband and family in my prayers. Stay strong.

[peacefreak]

6. Oh my God, Mari

You & your family have put a face on this fucking war. You could be our neighbor, your son, the kid who works at the gas station & your husband, the guy we talk to at the grocery store. All I can do is let you know you are in my thoughts & I am praying for both of your men's safety.

[Mari333]

11. The Red Cross told me they have been taking calls all night

from family members whose kids are in the military, people who are out there in this country, freaking out with angst, panic, and depression because of this "war".
Murderers, Tyrants, Bastards=Bush administration.
Throw them all in jail for this.

[Hekate]

7. Hold on to hope, Mari

I've just sent prayers for the safe return of your husband and son -- as I know all your friends have and will continue to do. Hold on, Mari.

Hekate

:grouphug:

[Ekova]

8. Oh man.

Hoping for your husband, you and your son.

[laylah]

9. Oh Mari!

You all have been through so much. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. :hug:

Jenn

[TryingToWarnYou]

10. Im so sorry

I hope everything works out for you and your family.

[arcos]

12. I'm very sorry :(

I wish you the best of lucks, you'll definitely be in my thoughts.

[nostamj]

13. i'm speechless

you've gone through so much already.

i pray he's safe.

[Mari333]

15. He couldnt find a job, he was obssessing on the news

and watched the news yesterday...the beheading, Bush's lame speech, etc
I called him around noon and told him I loved him. He hasnt heard from Michael for a few days, and he sinks deeply into depression when he doesnt..he keeps hearing he is overqualified for the job interviews he goes to
He stuffs his anger, and that turns into depression.
He has *never* been gone this long without letting me know where he is, or calling and telling me he is okay. Not ever, in all the years we have been married. That, to me, is a red flag.
This war should have never happened, not ever. I cannot tell you with words how angry and tired I am watching my husband take this roller coaster ride over his son's deployment.
No families should have ever gone through this, and no families should go through this.
Get those bastards OUT of the White House. Bring the troops home.
Thanks for letting me vent. I am trying not to worry, but it's hard.

[nostamj]

18. please... vent as needed

were I in your place I'd be venting in ALL CAPS BOLD

[Mari333]

43. nostmaj there needs to be a major story on this

somewhere, someone in the press needs to start covering the stress levels of the military families, and how they are being affected by this..someone has to do it..I spoke with Nancy Lessin and she said its called Secondary Post Traumatic Stress syndrome, and my husband isnt the only one suffering from it..TONS of military families are suffering from it..and the Red Cross told me ALL NIGHT LONG they have been getting calls from people absolutely losing their minds with worry and stress
This should be FRONT PAGE NEWS SOMEWHERE
Its tearing families apart, its tearing families up.

[nostamj]

61. I totally agree. (see post #46)

I think we need to crank up the DU Media Blitz Machine on this.

Does Nancy or the MFSO website have specific info on SPTSS?

Or the Red Cross?

I'll do a call to Guy James today - tie it in to the HUGE coverage of Paul Johnson's family with virtually nothing for the thousands of military families. (the same thing happened with Berg, also not a military death)

it's not to say those deaths were tragic and horrible for the families, but...

it's totally out of balance. and typical of corporate media. as if Laci Peterson was the only woman murdered in the last two years...

[pop goes the weasel]

30. I am so sorry!

I don't know how you are maintaining your sanity right now. Hugs to you, dear.

* must pay for what he has done, for the lives destroyed, for the pain he has caused.

[Warpy]

42. Call your local TV stations

Tell them what you told us. If they're not Sinclair stations, they may pick your story up. This is the kind of thing local TV news shows pray will drop into their laps on slow news days. They can show a picture of your husband on the air, which will do more than the cops can to locate him. Scream loud enough, and your son will be home with a compassionate discharge (Bush has no heart, but his commanding officer might).

You're right, no families should have to go through any of this. Bush needs to be thrown out of power, humiliated, stripped of all wealth, charged, tried, and thrown into prison for the rest of his rotten, wasted life.

[radfringe]

14. don't know what to say....

or even offer suggestions beyond what you've already done

just know that my thoughts are with you

[soup]

16. nothing to add

except my prayers.

unbearable sadness wrapped in rage

May they both come home safely. and soon.

[serryjw]

88. DITTO.........

I will light a candle for all 3 of you...I am so sorry for your pain. We all feel helpless.

[spooky3]

17. I will hope for the best for you, Mari333.

[Mikimouse]

19. I hope that everything is OK, and I will keep all of you in my thoughts...

I will send positive thoughts your way and hopes that your husband returns safely to you, and that Michael comes home soon and intact. :hug:

[madrchsod]

20. i have gone thru the same thing

.as you. there`s nothing i can really say other than i pray he will find himself to call you.

[LosinIt]

21. Do you have a friend/family member there with you?

I hate to think of you going through this alone. I hope you can be comforted knowing that everyone here is thinking of you.

[Solly Mack]

22. (((((((((((((Mari))))))))))))))))))

We are all here for you.

[Cheswick2.0]

23. Mari

I am sorry that you are going through all of this trouble. Since you said "pray for us", I did. I hope it helps.

But when I don't know what to pray and I can't concentrate even on the most basic prayer, I read the psalms.
I like 121, 139 and the 23rd. If you are interested they might give you some comfort.

I am glad you called the red cross.
Please let us know how you are.

[Mari333]

24. Found him..local motel

He never called me, and thats not like him. At least I know he is in a motel. THIS IS NOT LIKE HIM
He has never done this before....ever.
I am going down there now to see if he is okay.

[nostamj]

25. oh thank god

for some good news

[Cheswick2.0]

26. oh good

Hang in there.

[GreenPartyVoter]

27. Mari, am praying for you guys. *hugs*

[LosinIt]

28. Saints be praised! We were all so worried about you guys

I hope that the Red Cross can help to get your son home where he belongs.

[Blue Gardener]

32. Keeping you in my thoughts

Hope he just needed to "get away" for awhile. Damn that Bush to hell.

[pop goes the weasel]

33. To Mari's husband

We know --

That you are a good, productive worker who is being left behind by this so-called "recovery."

That you are a loving father who's son is in a place no one's child should ever be, and that there is nothing you can do to rescue him.

That you are living in a community that is openly hostile to you, to your wife, to the danger your son is in and the concern you hold for him.

We also know --

That you are deeply loved by your wife.

That your son sees in you--the you right now, fighting against the darkness--the model of real manhood

That any of us would be proud to call you neighbor.

May you find peace of mind, peace of soul. May you be blessed.

[enough]

36. I hope Mari's husband sees this.

Thanks for putting this into words, pop.

[duhneece]

48. I can only add my prayers to Pop's post nt

[JohnOneillsMemory]

83. Amen....amen.

[ulysses]

75. thinking of you guys, Mari.

:hug:

[laruemtt]

29. mari, i'm so sorry your family

and so many others are being made to go through this. stay strong as best you can, and take care of yourself. you are all in my thoughts and prayers. :grouphug:

[DemonFighterLives]

31. I hope for the safe return of your husband and son!

Ole Bring Em On B*sh has really done it. They won't intimidate us. Our leader* needs help, he has caused more death and destruction in his term, to include the maimed and terrified.
:hug:

[mopaul]

34. our thoughts are with you and your family

you'll get through this, and there will be better days

[scarletlib]

35. Mari, prayers from West Palm Beach, Fl

I have been following your story. I and my family wish you and yours all the best.

May the highest of powers for peace and goodness help you through this.

[Skittles]

37. a hug for you from Skittles, Marianne

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((BIG HUG)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[Speed8098]

38. I've been reading your story from the beginning of your nightrmare

I am so sorry for the trials and tribulations that you are going through.

I'm afraid that there are a plethora of families with similar situations because of this idiot in the White House.

It never ceases to amaze me that the * supporters can't see the forest for the trees.

I have shared your plight with my friends here on Long Island and we all send our condolences.

Hopefully this nightmare will end soon for you and your family.

You will remain in our thoughts.

Kevin K
Ronkonkoma, NY

[Mari333]

39. Just spoke with Nancy Lessin from www.mfso.org

She said this syndrome of clinical depression is happening to tons of military families, and it has a name
Secondary Post Traumtic Stress Disorder..
My husband isnt the only one
Her experiences, she told me, with a large number of military families she hears from, are that many family members are suffering highly from this...not being able to function, lying in fetal positions, numbing, nightmares, hiding , not able to function socially, etc
My husband is one of them.
Its happening to many military families.
It happened to us early on, because we were already anti war activists...
Its happening to other families right now, because they realize, with the truth coming out about this war being a FRAUD, that their loved ones are over there FOR NO REASON EXCEPT TO MAKE BUSH AND HIS FRIENDS WEALTHY
Therefore, expect to not only see mental health problems manifest with the soldiers themselves, but also with the families.
Get that bastard out of office. IMPEACH

[GreenPartyVoter]

45. Mari, believe me, lots of people are praying and working to get

that SOB out of our oval office.

Hang in there. We'll get him yet.

[nostamj]

46. I had a great chat with Nancy...

she sounds like a wonderful person and I'm sure her support is invaluable.

I really hope she's able to attend the MFSO benefit opening of our show in July.

someone on another thread pointed out that while the Johnson family had extensive TV time, the thousands of families suffering while their loved ones are in Iraq/Afghanistan or, killed or wounded, has been virtually ignored by corporate media to keep the war 'clean' for BushCo.

Secondary Post Traumtic Stress Disorder should be a MAJOR story. 60 Minutes??? are you listening?

note to any NYC-area DUers: the opening (7/12 9:30) performance of the ?W revue is a benefit for www.mfso.org. details in the linked logo in my sig.

[loudsue]

56. Nostamj.....have I told you lately how wonderful I think you are????

:pals: :loveya: You're just a wonderful person! :loveya: I'm so glad you're working with www.mfso.org folks.

DUers, and folks everywhere, are lucky to have a friend like you!

:kick:

[vetwife]

64. He is terrific isn't he ! Thanks Jeff

[peacebuzzard]

60. Such sadness.... those two reports from mfso..today I grieve again,.

When I am at work I am so tired, but now on a day off the reality sets in again. No way to change the reality paradigm. Where, in all the saints names, are we headed to? My eyes are misting and my heart is heavy. Thanks for contributing and letting me see the real world. Like I started to say, when I work I am so tired I just think...work, drink, eat, sleep. Now I ask why? With so much madness around us, senseless insanity, I am not a member of the msfo but I am grateful it is there for those involved with their flesh and blood.

[Mnemosyne]

47. Hang on to each other thru this darkness

depression is hell for those that suffer from it and those that love them.

SPTSD is another thing we can thank * & co. for, don't believe it was very prevalent before war.

My heart to you all.

[mzmolly]

73. (((((Oh Mary)))))

:hug: So glad he is ok!

I also hope this nightmare is over soon. And you can be sure I am voting this "bastard" out of office - !

[doni_georgia]

40. Oh Mari, I'm so sorry, I will keep you and your

husband in my thoughts and prayers. Lighting a candle for you now.

[Eloriel]

41. Thank heaven

(And I'm glad I didn't see this thread until the good news...)

Mari, is your husband getting professional help?

[Mari333]

44. Yes, and so am I

I can only hope he follows thru with it.

[keithyboy]

49. So sorry to hear this. Prayers for you and the hundreds of others who,

like you, are having to suffer through this.

[DancingBear]

50. Dear Mari

You are why we do what we do.

Why we wake up each morning and scream. Why we rail for justice in the face of fear, why we talk till we're hoarse at the uncoverted, and why we move the mountains of lies to uncover the truth below. It is why we work like we do, it is why we come here when we do, and it is why we truly believe we can stop the bastard in his tracks.

We won't stop. How can we?

May you have a safe return with all your loved ones soon. All our thoughts are with you. Should you need us for anything, please let us know.

[Deja Q]

51. He doesn't give a shit about anybody unless anybody has money for him.

He's the most despicable person, next to Reagan and his ilk, ever given power.

My condolances for your situation, I hope he turns up safe and sound. :hug: :hug: :hug:

What's left to say. We're pretty much screwed, and if he's elected in 2004 it's going to make 2003 look like we're an open, friendly society with freedoms for all...

[lpbk2713]

52. Bush has fubarred this country beyond belief.

The total damage will never be entirely assessed. Just a few more months and America's long nightmare will be over. In the meantime I wish all the best to your family.

[playahata1]

54. You are in my prayers, Mari.

Stay strong. Peace and blessings.

[bleedingheart]

55. I am glad you found him and I am praying that your son

is sent home soon so that he can give his dad a big hug and relieve this burden on your family.

I also agree that Bush should be impeached now.

[peacebuzzard]

57. I feel such sorrow. I will say many prayers today for your family.

I keep your son's address on my desk with your name and Hogarth's. You are always on my list when I light my prayer candles. Please keep us posted today.

[merh]

58. My prayers are with you and yours & our troops. (eom)

[loudsue]

59. Mari, hang in there, gal! We're all with you, sending big love & hugs....

I am so sorry you and your family are having to go through this. It has been a nightmare since the day dubya decided to run for president, and it has only gotten darker, meaner and more horrible by the minute under the rule of these fascist, greedy, blood-thirsty thugs.

I'm glad your husband finally called, and I pray that he is able to pull himself together with professional help, and your loving support.

Please remind him that this time in his life WILL pass. The nightmare WILL end, and at some point your lives will be back on track. That is the nature of life....it always changes, in the course of time.

Sometimes in our lives we get hit with everything imaginable going wrong all at once....and we are sure we're going to break completely. Sometimes it lasts far longer than we feel we can bear.

But take a minute and try to look ahead to a future time, and visualize your lives being back to normal, and all the pain being healed, and all the hurtful issues being solved. It's like a "mental vacation" that truly does provide some relief. Then just take a deep breath and breathe in the peace of the moment, where you can really feel the relief.

When my mom was alive, she would always tell me: "This, too, shall pass." And you know what? It was always true. Sometimes the pain got worse before it got better, but it will always get better.

(((((((((((( BIG STRONG HUG!!! )))))))))))))

O8)Prayers going up for Michael, your husband, you, and your other children. May the Sun shine for all of you very soon. O8)

:kick::kick::kick:

[vetwife]

62. Marie..We have talked about this over th phone and on PM and

I want everyone on this site to know that Marianne is barely making it because of this crap. I know this not from Marie but from all the veterans I am dealing with. I have got people in such states of depression I am handling pots and pans so hot of emotion that you would not believe. I have pretty much an open line with the top psychiatrist at the Atlanta VA.It is is that bad ! My husband before he got on the right meds a 101st Combat VN vet wandered off for two days in 94 and was hospitalized and I had no idea where he was for a day and a night till the cops called. He has severe PTSD. This junk going on with this war and I would imagine with your own kids its 10 times worse. The vets are facing war in their heads all over again and the news just keeps ketting worse. Now we the people are going to have to mobolize and demand this crap stop..The whole country is suffering and Marie happens to be one of the worst cases. Although Marie, get him back in counseling quick and don't leave him because I am dealing with my son on Severe depression as well and ain't nobody got any money. they don't care about us ! If you don't have an R by your name or a Bush supporter you are S O L.......Marie write me..This is tough..I know. We are having to move our son age 34 in with us because the clinical depression is getting that bad. He pulled his own tooth two weeks ago and afraid he will do it again as last night he was screaming with a toothache and there is no jobs and no money. Marie I got you in my prayers but I do have a few suggestions as well. Love you girl !

[Darth_Kitten]

63. My prayers are with you, Mari.....

:hug:

And of course with your husband and family.

[Jack Rabbit]

65. ((((!!))))

.

[nostamj]

66. please check out this thread

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x1818946

and write a letter, call a radio/TV program....

[senseandsensibility]

67. Your post brought me to tears

You are right to blame this on *. I am so sorry about your husband, and I will be sending positve thoughts your way that you find him really, really soon. Hang in there, Mari,you have many, many friends out here. Many of us will be contacting the media to tell them to cover stories like yours. Take care of yourself.

[arwalden]

68. Sorry, Dear. --- I'll be thinking about you all.

[maryallen]

71. Take care of yourself, Mari ...

It's important that you do what is necessary to maintain your own mental and physical health. Set aside some time to focus on your needs, and eventually, the care of your husband and son will be more fruitful.

[m-jean03]

69. I'm so sorry Mari

You must be so worried. :cry:
I don't know what to say, please hang in there. :hug:

[PopSixSquish]

70. My Love and Prayers to you

Hang in there Mari, you're not alone. We are all here for you and your family.

[IkeWarnedUs]

72. CNN said Americans need a face to get upset

I have CNN on while reading DU and they just did a quick piece on how the media covers selected victims (like Jessica Lynch, Berg, Johnson, etc.) while thousands more go nameless and faceless. They esentially said it is because people saw coverage of the few - saw their faces and those of their families - and could relate to them.

It was a short, lame piece, but at least it starts the public discussion.

I posted this on Nostamj's thread calling for DU'ers to alert the media to the issue of Secondary PTSD. I am posting here too because I want to chime in on the suggestion you get very vocal about your plight.

If I remember correctly, a few months ago you had some problems with a military family group because you were speaking out against the war. As I recall, you decided it would be best for your son if you kept a lower profile for a while. (I'm not a psychiatrist, but) I think having to censor yourselves has probably contributed to your family's depression and stress.

Sometimes people who cannot work (whether no jobs or disability) are told to do volunteer work or develop a project to keep them occupied and give them a sense of purpose.

You, and especially your husband, could make publicizing your family's plight your new occupation. If Americans need a face to get upset, give them yours. Make it a full time job - again, especially for your husband. Give him (and you) a direction for all that frustration, anger and fear. Develop a strategy and make it a reason to get up in the morning. Start with your local media and maybe aim for a spot on Nightline or Larry King. Empower your husband to have a way to "protect and support" his family.

When the ditto-head military family groups call tell them you tried their way and it didn't work and hang up. You have a support system now (MFSO and DU at least) that I don't think you had in place when you were speaking out before.

Having said that, if your family is in too much pain right now to do that, I completely understand. I don't mean to add something more to your plate. Just my suggestion to go along with my letters and prayers.

[Tamiati]

74. Prayers & Thoughts

I am so sorry to hear this....truly, I wish that there is some real way that I could help....

I understand that you are frustrated, angry and feeling abandoned by many....but WE are with you in this.....We support you & your family & will keep you in our thoughts....Keep the faith as best you can, the posts will help to see you through this...trust me, I know this to be true.

[Samurai_Writer]

76. Thank the gods he was found!

Oh Mari, I can't imagine what you and your family are going through. When I first read your post it felt like a rock had dropped in my stomach, imagining what might have happened. Thank goodness he was found. Has he come home from the motel? How are YOU doing? Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

Hugs

[Carl Brennan]

77. Do you think foul play is possible here?

?

[nostamj]

78. read the thread... he has been found. n/t

[Hekate]

79. Tears of thankfulness for you from here...

and thanking the deities...
May blessings go forward with you and your family, Mari.
:grouphug:

Hekate

[Fenris]

80. Oh Jesus Christ, Mary.

I hope you find him soon!:(:(

[NMDemDist2]

81. i sent emails to several news organizations and to AAR/O'Franken

with a link here to Al's show

[smirkymonkey]

82. My thoughts are with you and your family, Mari

I am so sorry for what you are going through and so angry that you have to suffer for the greed and selfishness of evil men.

This can't go on any longer. They need to be stopped!

[kimchi]

84. Oh my God, Mari, I'm so sorry,.

I can't imagine how worried you are. I am sending prayers for your husband.

[defoliate_bush]

85. My deepest apologies

What you're going through is terrible, needless to say. I have confidence and sincere hopes that you will locate your husband and son very soon. Bush has cost so many lives and caused so many depressions like the one your husband is suffering through. I can't even express my sorrow that this is happening. I wish you much luck.

[tilsammans]

86. (((Mari and family)))

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. :grouphug:

Your story makes me even more committed to ousting those SOBs! :mad:

[Zookeeper]

87. Oh, Mari...

I just found your post and want to express how sorry I am to hear that your stressful situation has intensified. Coincidentally, you were in my thoughts this week, as I wondered why I hadn't noticed you posting much lately. Do you have any reason to believe your son might be sent home soon?

My thoughts and good wishes and with you and your family. :hug:

[Bettie]

89. I'm so sorry

I hope that you find him and he is as well as he can be.

Bettie.