December 26, 2024 • 24 mins
In this heartfelt conclusion to the Semper Fi series, we follow Winston and Brooke as they navigate their most challenging crossroads yet. Winston faces the reality of his medical discharge and redefines his purpose by helping fellow Marines, while Brooke confronts her feelings of loss and rediscovery as she recommits to her family and her love of teaching. Together, they embark on a journey of growth, resilience, and renewal, proving that bold choices can lead to healing and hope.
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Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
Hello, everyone.
And welcome back to take yourtime.
The tales and exhales ofcaregivers.
I'm your host Beverly Nance andit's an honor to have you joined
me for the third and finalepisode of our series.
Semper Fi This series has been aheartfelt exploration of the
lives of caregivers and theirloved ones in the military.
(00:21):
Navigating the challengingterrain of love, sacrifice, and
identity.
In today's episode.
We're diving deep into thepivotal moment for Winston and
Brooke.
As they each face crossroads intheir lives.
For Winston, it's aboutgrappling with the loss of his
limb.
And his military identity.
(00:42):
That has defined him for solong.
For Brooke is about confrontingher own feelings of loneliness
and finding solace in anunexpected connection.
This episode is about choices.
The ones we make.
In the darkest of times and howthey shape who we are and who we
become.
So grab a cup of tea.
(01:03):
Settle in and let's journeytogether.
As we unravel the final chapterof Semper fi.
You Brooke sits in a quietcoffee shop near the hospital
(01:43):
where Winston is undergoinganother gruling day of physical
therapy.
She stirs our cup, absentmindedly.
Her thoughts clouded by guiltand confusion.
for months Winston's injurieshave been a shared burden.
But lately she felt herselfdrifting.
Her heart searching for comfort.
She could no longer find andtheir shared pain.
(02:06):
enter Edward A man, she met atthe beach following one of her
counseling sessions.
Brooke had been sitting at thebeach, minding her own business
when she met Edward.
They struck up a conversation atfirst about his photography and
then about life.
There was an ease with him, afreedom in talking to someone.
(02:29):
Who didn't know.
The weight, she carried.
Edward grew up in San Diego.
A military town.
We're hanging out at the beachwith a common way of life.
As a matter of fact, the rhythmof waves became the soundtrack
to his life.
From an early age, he wasfascinated by the interplay of
light and water.
(02:49):
Which led him to photography.
he pursued a career inphotojournalism.
Capturing stories of resilienceand humanity.
From around the world.
However years of traveling towar zones and disaster stricken
areas.
left Edward with his ownemotional scars.
Seeking peace.
He returned to his hometown ofSan Diego and began focusing on
(03:13):
the art of landscapes and quietmoments, using photography as a
form of healing.
When Edward met Brooke at thebeach, he immediately recognized
the weight.
She was carrying, having seen iton himself beforehis empathetic
nature and quiet, demeanorcreated a safe space for Brooke
to open up.
(03:34):
Starting it connection that feltboth unexpected and undeniable.
Her phone buzzes on the table.
Interrupting her daydreams.
It's a message from Winston.
Tough session today, but I'mhanging in there.
Can't wait to see you later.
Love you.
She swallows hard.
The words love you weighingheavier than ever before.
(04:00):
Winston is at the VA hospital.
Lying on the therapy, Matt beadsof sweat dripping down his face.
As he struggles with a newprosthetic leg.
His therapist, Sergeant Hayes, afellow Marine who lost his own
limb years ago, pushes himrelentlessly.
Come on Marine.
I've seen grannies moving fasterthan you get up.
(04:21):
Winston grits, his teeth andpushes himself up.
But he's not just battling thephysical challenge.
His mind is tormented by thelooming uncertainty of his
future.
If he can't return to activeduty, who is he?
Being a Marine, wasn't just ajob.
It was his identity, hispurpose.
After the session sergeant Hayesapproaches Winston.
(04:43):
Who is sitting on the therapybench, shoulders slumped.
You look like hell, Hayes sayssitting down next to him.
Good.
That means you worked hard.
Winston chuckles dryly.
Yeah, well, hard work.
Doesn't change the fact thatI'll never be a Marine again.
Hayes nods, his tone, turningserious.
I know what you're feeling whenI lost my leg.
(05:05):
I thought the same thing.
Hell.
I drank myself stupid for ayear.
Trying to forget the Corps hasno use for a broken man.
Winston looks over at Hayes.
So, how did you stop?
How do you move on?
I didn't stop.
He said firmly.
I shifted.
I found a new mission for me ishelping guys like you.
(05:27):
We don't stop being Marines justbecause we're not on active
duty.
Overcome.
That's what you've got to donow.
Find your new mission.
Winston stares at the floor.
And what if I can.
Hayes claps him on his back.
You can, you're already strongerthan you think.
You showed up today, you showedup yesterday, you showed up last
week.
(05:48):
Didn't you.
That's the first step.
It's one step at a time.
That's how you climb a mountainWinston one step at a time.
The words, linger with Winstonas Hayes gets up and leaves.
For the first time a week, aspark of determination, flickers
and Winstons eyes.
Later that day was imposed hisphone from his pocket and dials
(06:09):
Brooks number.
The exhausted his voice isapparent, as he waits for her to
pick up.
Hey.
He says when she answers, I'mready to be picked up.
Brooke's still sitting in thecoffee, shop glances at the
clock.
I'm on my way.
She replies, masking the turmoilin her voice.
She grabs her keys and heads tothe car.
(06:29):
Mentally bracing herself with aweight.
Of their shared evening ahead.
when she arrives.
Winston is waiting outside thehospital Leaning against the
railing.
His weariness is etched deeplyin his face, but he manages a
faint smile when he sees her.
She steps out to help him, buthe waives her off.
(06:50):
I've got it.
He insist limping slightly as heclimbs into the passenger seat.
The ride home is quiet.
The silence filled with unspokenwords.
Brooke grips the steering wheeltightly.
Her mind already wandering intothe evening ahead.
That evening after dinner,Brooke approaches Winston as he
sits in the living room,flipping through channels on the
(07:12):
TV.
I'm going out tonight.
She says trying to sound casual.
To, to the movies with, with myfriends.
Winston the glances at herbriefly and nods.
Okay.
Have fun.
I'll put the boys to bed ateight.
She feels the pain of guilt, butquickly brushes it aside.
Grabbing her purse.
She hands out the door and driveto the park.
(07:34):
Where she at Edward agreed to methe tension in her chest begins
to ease as she spots himstanding near the bench where
they often talk.
Edward greets her with a warmsmile.
Brooke you made it.
Yeah.
She said softly taking a seatbeside him.
I needed to get out of thehouse.
Thank you.
(07:55):
For the next hour.
They talk about everything andnothing.
His presence, a balm to her.
weery soul.
But even as she laughs.
At something, he says the shadowof guilt looms, large in her
mind, she knows she's treadingdangerous waters.
But for now, she lets herselflinger in the fleeting comfort
of Edwards company.
Uh, their conversation growsquieter as the evening.
(08:19):
Deepens.
And Edward gently places hishand on hers.
Brooke doesn't pull away.
Instead.
She looks at him.
Her emotions, a whirlwind.
A longing and guilt.
The moment stretches and beforeshe knows it, his hand brushes
her cheek.
The touch is brief, butelectric.
(08:40):
And it makes her chest tightenedwith a confusing mix of
feelings.
She finally stands and whispers.
I should go.
It realize his expressionunreadable.
Be safe Brooke.
When Brooke arrives home, thehouse was quiet.
Save for the hum of thetelevision in the living room.
Winston is still awake.
(09:01):
His eyes flicker to meet hers asshe steps inside.
You're back late.
He says his voice neutral, butlaced with curiosity, YeahBrooke
replies setting her purse downon the counter.
The movie ran longer than Ithought.
Winston liens for it slightly.
Did you have a good time?
She hesitates.
(09:22):
The weight of her guilt.
Pressing down.
Yeah, it was nice to catch upwith the girls.
Winston studies her for amoment.
His gaze searching.
You seem different.
Is everything okay.
Brooke as a smile.
Though it feels brittle.
Everything's fine Winston.
I'm just tired.
All right.
He says softly, leaning back.
(09:43):
I get some rest.
As Brooke has upstairs her heartaches with the weight of what
she's hiding.
The comfort she sought withEdward now feels like a
betrayal.
She's unsure if she canreconcile.
The next day.
Brooke finds herself in thekitchen, preparing for a family
gathering.
The smell of fresh coffee andbaked goods feels the air.
(10:05):
As she tries to push herthoughts of Edward aside.
However, her oldest sister,Laurel.
Ever perceptive notices,something is off.
Well, their husband's laugh overthey sports debate.
In the living room, Laurelcorners, Brooke.
You've been a bit out of ittoday.
Laura remarks.
Raising her eyebrow what's goingon with you?
(10:28):
Brooke hesitates gripping theedge of the counter for support.
I been saying someone Laurel.
She whispers her voicetrembling.
His name is, is Edward laurel'sface registers shock.
But she quickly composesherself.
Placing a reassuring hand onBrooke's arm.
(10:49):
Edward are you, are you serious?
What about Winston?
Brooke sighs.
Her shoulders slumping as shepours out her heart.
It's not like that.
Well, well, it is like that,but, but it isn't like that.
She makes, he makes me feelalive.
Laurel.
Like I'm someone other than justa caregiver.
(11:10):
I love Winston, but sometimes Ifeel like I'm suffocating.
Like i've lost myselfcompletely.
Laura looks at her sister with amixture of compassion and
concern.
Brooke.
This is serious.
You need to figure out what youwant.
Winston deserves honesty, andyou deserve clarity.
(11:32):
You can't keep living like this.
It's not fair to anyone.
Brooke nods wiping a way straytear.
I know I'm just scared.
Scared of what's next.
Their conversation isinterrupted by laughter from the
living room.
But the weight of Brooksconfession lingers between them
for the first time a weeks, shefeels a glimmer of relief and
(11:54):
sharing her truth.
Even if it brings more questionsthan answers.
Later that night, Brooke findsherself unable to sleep.
The silence of the house feelsoppressive, amplifying the
cacophony of thoughts in hermind.
She slipped out of bed andtiptoes into the kitchen.
The faint glow, therefrigerator, light her only
(12:16):
companion.
Her gaze.
falls on the family photo pin tothe fridge.
A snapshot of better days.
When she had Winston laughfreely.
Um, burdened by their currentstruggles.
As she traces the edge of thephoto.
A wave of guilt washes over her.
She wonders if she has thestrength to keep fighting for
(12:38):
their relationship.
Or if her heart has alreadydrifted too far.
Edwards words echo in her mind.
But so does a memory ofWinston's resilience in therapy.
His determination to adaptdespite his pain.
The weight of her dual livesfeeling unbearable.
Brooke sinks into the chair atthe kitchen table.
(12:59):
Her head in her hands.
Slightly pleading for clarity.
She knows won't come easily.
The next morning, Wednesdaynotices Brooks, subdued,
demeanor.
As they share the quietbreakfast.
After a few moments of silence,he places his coffee cup down
and looks at her.
Intently.
(13:20):
Brooke he begins his voicesteady but concerned.
I know something's beenbothering you.
I don't want to push, but if youever need to talk, I'm here.
His words, catch her off guard.
For a moment.
She considers brushing him offagain.
But the vulnerability in hiseyes stops her.
(13:40):
Brooke realizes that Winston isoffering her at opening.
A chance to be honest, to beginuntangling the web of secrets,
threatening to consume them.
I I'm trying to figure thingsout.
She says, finally, her voicetrembling.
There's so much.
So much I need to sort through.
Winston nods.
(14:02):
Not pressing further.
Take your time.
Just know you don't have to faceit alone.
Brooke's chest tightens withconflicting emotions.
She knows the road ahead will bedifficult.
But Winston's quiet support.
Give her a flicker of hope thatperhaps they can find their way
back to each other or at least away forward.
(14:24):
Later that afternoon as Winstonsits in the living room, trying
to focus on the news, thefamiliar hum, or the mail truck.
He draws his attention.
He sets his coffee cup down andwalk to the mailbox, his
prosthetic leg clinking slightlywith each step.
The stack of mail feels heavierthan usual and among the usual
bills and flyers.
(14:45):
Is an official envelope.
Bearing.
The Marine Corps insignia.
Winston's stomach knots as hetears it open.
His hands trembling.
He already knows what it isbefore he reads the words.
Medical discharge effectiveimmediately.
the carefully typed letterdetails the terms of his
(15:08):
release.
Thanks him for his service andhighlights the medical reasons
behind their decision.
To Winston, it reads more like adismissal than gratitude.
He sinks onto the porch steps.
The envelope slipping from hisgrasp.
The warm breeze passes his face,but he hardly notices.
For a moment.
He feels like a ghost ofhimself.
(15:29):
a man who no longer belongs.
Being a Marine.
Wasn't just a job.
It was his purpose, hisidentity.
And now with a single letter.
Is all gone.
Inside Brooke calls outWednesday and everything.
Okay.
Out there.
Her voice jolts him back.
But instead of responding.
(15:50):
He folds a letter and tucks itinto his pocket.
He needs time to process to feelthe full weight of the loss.
Returning inside.
He grabs his journal from theside table and flip to a fresh
page and writes.
I was born to serve.
But what am I now?
(16:11):
That evening when, since it'salone in the garage, the letter
unfolded beside him.
He replays Sergeant Hayes wordsin his mind.
We don't stop being Marines justbecause we're not going active
duty.
But the truth feels harder tobelieve now.
He knows he needs a new mission,but the path forward seems
impossibly steep.
(16:31):
Brooke finds him there.
Her shadow falling across thedoor.
Hey.
She says softly.
Her eyeflickeringer into theletter.
You got it.
Didn't you.
Winston nods, but does it meether gaze?
Yep.
It's official now.
I'm out.
(16:53):
Brooke steps closer, her voicetrembling.
I know this is hard.
But you're still Winston.
You're still the man who foughtfor his country, who fights
every day to keep going.
He finally looks at her.
His eyes red rimmed, but steady.
I just.
I don't know what.
(17:14):
I don't know who I am withoutit.
You'll find out.
She says with her hand restinglightly on his shoulder.
And I'll be there no matterwhat.
For a moment.
They sit in the quiet together.
The weight of the dischargeletter, a reminder of the
battles, they still have toface.
(17:34):
Both together and apart.
In the months that followedWinston's medical discharge.
He threw himself into a gruelingroutine of physical therapy and
mental growth.
Inspired by Sergeant Hayes andfueled by his own struggles.
Winston began to explore ways hecould help other Marines who
found themselves in similarsituations.
(17:55):
He started attending veteransnetworking events and speaking
to groups about his journey.
Gradually and ideal took root.
one afternoon, as he sat at thekitchen table with his laptop.
He looked up at Brook.
I've been thinking aboutstarting my own thing.
He said his voice steady, buttinge with excitement.
Helping Marines like me.
(18:17):
Guys who are trying to figureout what's next.
Brooke put down the stack.
The papers that she was gradingand smiled.
That sounds incredible.
Winston.
You'd be amazing at it.
With Brooke's encouragement.
Winston began laying thegroundwork to become an
independent contractor.
His goal was to providepersonalized support, to injured
(18:38):
Marines, helping them navigatethe complex world of medical
discharge.
Rehabilitation and finding a newpurpose.
It wasn't easy, but for thefirst time, in a long time
Winston felt, a renewed sense ofdirection.
He wasn't just surviving.
He was building somethingmeaningful.
Meanwhile, Brooke found herselfreevaluating her own life.
(19:00):
The night, she ended things withEdward had been.
One of the hardest moments shefaced.
She met him at their usual spotin the park, her heart heavy
with resolute.
Edward.
She began.
Her voice shaking.
I can't do this anymore.
I've been using our timetogether as an escape.
But it's not fair for you.
(19:21):
Or my family.
Edward nodded his expressionpained, but understanding.
I get it, Brooke.
I just want you to be happy.
I need.
I need to try to fix what'sbroken at home.
She said, Thank you for beingthere for me.
But this, this has to end.
As Brooke walked away fromEdward for the last time she
(19:42):
felt it.
Mix of sadness and relief.
The clarity.
She had sought four months wasfinally within reach.
Brooks' next step wasrediscovering a part of herself
that had long been buried.
Her love of teaching.
Encouraged by Winston's,determination and her sister
support.
She began researchingopportunities to return to the
(20:02):
classroom.
It started with substituteteaching and as the weeks
passed.
Her confidence grew.
She soon accepted a full-timeposition at a local elementary
school.
Standing in front of theclassroom.
Again, Brooke felt is sense ofpurpose.
She hadn't experienced in years.
At home, the changes in bothWinston and Brook create a new
(20:24):
dynamic in their marriage.
They began sharing theirstruggles and dreams more
openly.
We're building trust oneconversation at a time.
Brooke supported wisdom as helaunched his business.
And he celebrated her decisionto follow her passion for
teaching together.
They found a balance.
That had been missing for solong.
(20:44):
One evening.
As I sat on the porch, watchingthe sunset Winston turned to
Brooke.
I don't know where this path isgoing to take us.
He said, But I'm glad we'rewalking it together.
Brooks smiled her hand restingin his.
Me too.
We're stronger than we've givenourselves credit for.
(21:05):
The road ahead.
Wasn't without challenge beforethe first time in a long time,
Winston in Brooke felt hopeful.
their bold choices.
Had not only reshaped theirindividual lives, but also about
them closer together.
Reminding them.
of the the power of resilienceand the strength of their love.
(21:28):
Looking for resources for peoplelike Brooke and Winston.
We recommend the veterans crisisline.
At veterans crisis line.net.
The wounded warrior project.
Wounded warrior project.org.
Caregiver action network.
Uh, caregiver action.org.
(21:49):
Operation home front.
At operation homefront.org.
We also recommend.
Our very own caregiving life.
Support group on Facebook.
You can find us under caregivinglife.
At Facebook.
Remember, reaching out for helpis a sign of strength.
(22:10):
You're not alone in yourjourney.
Being a caregiver can beexhausting.
But taking time for yourself,isn't just a luxury.
It's a necessity.
That's where Take Care TimeRespite Box comes in.
Carefully curated to providecomfort, relaxation, and joy.
Each box is designed to help yourecharge and find moments of
(22:32):
peace in your busy life.
Inside the box.
You'll find.
Hand-selected.
Self care items such as balmingteas, soothing candles,
inspirational books.
Activities to help you unwindand refocus from puzzles.
to journals.
It reminder.
That you deserve.
To feel cared for too.
(22:54):
Because when you take care ofyourself, you're better equipped
to take care of those.
You love.
Visit takecaretime.com to learnmore and order your respite box
today.
You deserve it.
Do you have a caregiver storythat you would like to have told
email us atpodcast@takecaretime.com we
(23:15):
would love to hear from you.
Please note.
This episode featuresreenactments and dramatize
details.
While in most cases, the exactverbatim dialogue may not be
known.
All dramatizations are groundedin thorough research and crafted
to honor the stories shared.
To respect the privacy andconfidentiality of individuals
involved names and someidentifying details have been
(23:37):
changed.
Until next week.
Take care.
You
Hello, everyone.
And welcome back to take yourtime.
The tales and exhales ofcaregivers.
I'm your host Beverly Nance andit's an honor to have you joined
me for the third and finalepisode of our series.
Semper Fi This series has been aheartfelt exploration of the
lives of caregivers and theirloved ones in the military.
(00:21):
Navigating the challengingterrain of love, sacrifice, and
identity.
In today's episode.
We're diving deep into thepivotal moment for Winston and
Brooke.
As they each face crossroads intheir lives.
For Winston, it's aboutgrappling with the loss of his
limb.
And his military identity.
(00:42):
That has defined him for solong.
For Brooke is about confrontingher own feelings of loneliness
and finding solace in anunexpected connection.
This episode is about choices.
The ones we make.
In the darkest of times and howthey shape who we are and who we
become.
So grab a cup of tea.
(01:03):
Settle in and let's journeytogether.
As we unravel the final chapterof Semper fi.
You Brooke sits in a quietcoffee shop near the hospital
(01:43):
where Winston is undergoinganother gruling day of physical
therapy.
She stirs our cup, absentmindedly.
Her thoughts clouded by guiltand confusion.
for months Winston's injurieshave been a shared burden.
But lately she felt herselfdrifting.
Her heart searching for comfort.
She could no longer find andtheir shared pain.
(02:06):
enter Edward A man, she met atthe beach following one of her
counseling sessions.
Brooke had been sitting at thebeach, minding her own business
when she met Edward.
They struck up a conversation atfirst about his photography and
then about life.
There was an ease with him, afreedom in talking to someone.
(02:29):
Who didn't know.
The weight, she carried.
Edward grew up in San Diego.
A military town.
We're hanging out at the beachwith a common way of life.
As a matter of fact, the rhythmof waves became the soundtrack
to his life.
From an early age, he wasfascinated by the interplay of
light and water.
(02:49):
Which led him to photography.
he pursued a career inphotojournalism.
Capturing stories of resilienceand humanity.
From around the world.
However years of traveling towar zones and disaster stricken
areas.
left Edward with his ownemotional scars.
Seeking peace.
He returned to his hometown ofSan Diego and began focusing on
(03:13):
the art of landscapes and quietmoments, using photography as a
form of healing.
When Edward met Brooke at thebeach, he immediately recognized
the weight.
She was carrying, having seen iton himself beforehis empathetic
nature and quiet, demeanorcreated a safe space for Brooke
to open up.
(03:34):
Starting it connection that feltboth unexpected and undeniable.
Her phone buzzes on the table.
Interrupting her daydreams.
It's a message from Winston.
Tough session today, but I'mhanging in there.
Can't wait to see you later.
Love you.
She swallows hard.
The words love you weighingheavier than ever before.
(04:00):
Winston is at the VA hospital.
Lying on the therapy, Matt beadsof sweat dripping down his face.
As he struggles with a newprosthetic leg.
His therapist, Sergeant Hayes, afellow Marine who lost his own
limb years ago, pushes himrelentlessly.
Come on Marine.
I've seen grannies moving fasterthan you get up.
(04:21):
Winston grits, his teeth andpushes himself up.
But he's not just battling thephysical challenge.
His mind is tormented by thelooming uncertainty of his
future.
If he can't return to activeduty, who is he?
Being a Marine, wasn't just ajob.
It was his identity, hispurpose.
After the session sergeant Hayesapproaches Winston.
(04:43):
Who is sitting on the therapybench, shoulders slumped.
You look like hell, Hayes sayssitting down next to him.
Good.
That means you worked hard.
Winston chuckles dryly.
Yeah, well, hard work.
Doesn't change the fact thatI'll never be a Marine again.
Hayes nods, his tone, turningserious.
I know what you're feeling whenI lost my leg.
(05:05):
I thought the same thing.
Hell.
I drank myself stupid for ayear.
Trying to forget the Corps hasno use for a broken man.
Winston looks over at Hayes.
So, how did you stop?
How do you move on?
I didn't stop.
He said firmly.
I shifted.
I found a new mission for me ishelping guys like you.
(05:27):
We don't stop being Marines justbecause we're not on active
duty.
Overcome.
That's what you've got to donow.
Find your new mission.
Winston stares at the floor.
And what if I can.
Hayes claps him on his back.
You can, you're already strongerthan you think.
You showed up today, you showedup yesterday, you showed up last
week.
(05:48):
Didn't you.
That's the first step.
It's one step at a time.
That's how you climb a mountainWinston one step at a time.
The words, linger with Winstonas Hayes gets up and leaves.
For the first time a week, aspark of determination, flickers
and Winstons eyes.
Later that day was imposed hisphone from his pocket and dials
(06:09):
Brooks number.
The exhausted his voice isapparent, as he waits for her to
pick up.
Hey.
He says when she answers, I'mready to be picked up.
Brooke's still sitting in thecoffee, shop glances at the
clock.
I'm on my way.
She replies, masking the turmoilin her voice.
She grabs her keys and heads tothe car.
(06:29):
Mentally bracing herself with aweight.
Of their shared evening ahead.
when she arrives.
Winston is waiting outside thehospital Leaning against the
railing.
His weariness is etched deeplyin his face, but he manages a
faint smile when he sees her.
She steps out to help him, buthe waives her off.
(06:50):
I've got it.
He insist limping slightly as heclimbs into the passenger seat.
The ride home is quiet.
The silence filled with unspokenwords.
Brooke grips the steering wheeltightly.
Her mind already wandering intothe evening ahead.
That evening after dinner,Brooke approaches Winston as he
sits in the living room,flipping through channels on the
(07:12):
TV.
I'm going out tonight.
She says trying to sound casual.
To, to the movies with, with myfriends.
Winston the glances at herbriefly and nods.
Okay.
Have fun.
I'll put the boys to bed ateight.
She feels the pain of guilt, butquickly brushes it aside.
Grabbing her purse.
She hands out the door and driveto the park.
(07:34):
Where she at Edward agreed to methe tension in her chest begins
to ease as she spots himstanding near the bench where
they often talk.
Edward greets her with a warmsmile.
Brooke you made it.
Yeah.
She said softly taking a seatbeside him.
I needed to get out of thehouse.
Thank you.
(07:55):
For the next hour.
They talk about everything andnothing.
His presence, a balm to her.
weery soul.
But even as she laughs.
At something, he says the shadowof guilt looms, large in her
mind, she knows she's treadingdangerous waters.
But for now, she lets herselflinger in the fleeting comfort
of Edwards company.
Uh, their conversation growsquieter as the evening.
(08:19):
Deepens.
And Edward gently places hishand on hers.
Brooke doesn't pull away.
Instead.
She looks at him.
Her emotions, a whirlwind.
A longing and guilt.
The moment stretches and beforeshe knows it, his hand brushes
her cheek.
The touch is brief, butelectric.
(08:40):
And it makes her chest tightenedwith a confusing mix of
feelings.
She finally stands and whispers.
I should go.
It realize his expressionunreadable.
Be safe Brooke.
When Brooke arrives home, thehouse was quiet.
Save for the hum of thetelevision in the living room.
Winston is still awake.
(09:01):
His eyes flicker to meet hers asshe steps inside.
You're back late.
He says his voice neutral, butlaced with curiosity, YeahBrooke
replies setting her purse downon the counter.
The movie ran longer than Ithought.
Winston liens for it slightly.
Did you have a good time?
She hesitates.
(09:22):
The weight of her guilt.
Pressing down.
Yeah, it was nice to catch upwith the girls.
Winston studies her for amoment.
His gaze searching.
You seem different.
Is everything okay.
Brooke as a smile.
Though it feels brittle.
Everything's fine Winston.
I'm just tired.
All right.
He says softly, leaning back.
(09:43):
I get some rest.
As Brooke has upstairs her heartaches with the weight of what
she's hiding.
The comfort she sought withEdward now feels like a
betrayal.
She's unsure if she canreconcile.
The next day.
Brooke finds herself in thekitchen, preparing for a family
gathering.
The smell of fresh coffee andbaked goods feels the air.
(10:05):
As she tries to push herthoughts of Edward aside.
However, her oldest sister,Laurel.
Ever perceptive notices,something is off.
Well, their husband's laugh overthey sports debate.
In the living room, Laurelcorners, Brooke.
You've been a bit out of ittoday.
Laura remarks.
Raising her eyebrow what's goingon with you?
(10:28):
Brooke hesitates gripping theedge of the counter for support.
I been saying someone Laurel.
She whispers her voicetrembling.
His name is, is Edward laurel'sface registers shock.
But she quickly composesherself.
Placing a reassuring hand onBrooke's arm.
(10:49):
Edward are you, are you serious?
What about Winston?
Brooke sighs.
Her shoulders slumping as shepours out her heart.
It's not like that.
Well, well, it is like that,but, but it isn't like that.
She makes, he makes me feelalive.
Laurel.
Like I'm someone other than justa caregiver.
(11:10):
I love Winston, but sometimes Ifeel like I'm suffocating.
Like i've lost myselfcompletely.
Laura looks at her sister with amixture of compassion and
concern.
Brooke.
This is serious.
You need to figure out what youwant.
Winston deserves honesty, andyou deserve clarity.
(11:32):
You can't keep living like this.
It's not fair to anyone.
Brooke nods wiping a way straytear.
I know I'm just scared.
Scared of what's next.
Their conversation isinterrupted by laughter from the
living room.
But the weight of Brooksconfession lingers between them
for the first time a weeks, shefeels a glimmer of relief and
(11:54):
sharing her truth.
Even if it brings more questionsthan answers.
Later that night, Brooke findsherself unable to sleep.
The silence of the house feelsoppressive, amplifying the
cacophony of thoughts in hermind.
She slipped out of bed andtiptoes into the kitchen.
The faint glow, therefrigerator, light her only
(12:16):
companion.
Her gaze.
falls on the family photo pin tothe fridge.
A snapshot of better days.
When she had Winston laughfreely.
Um, burdened by their currentstruggles.
As she traces the edge of thephoto.
A wave of guilt washes over her.
She wonders if she has thestrength to keep fighting for
(12:38):
their relationship.
Or if her heart has alreadydrifted too far.
Edwards words echo in her mind.
But so does a memory ofWinston's resilience in therapy.
His determination to adaptdespite his pain.
The weight of her dual livesfeeling unbearable.
Brooke sinks into the chair atthe kitchen table.
(12:59):
Her head in her hands.
Slightly pleading for clarity.
She knows won't come easily.
The next morning, Wednesdaynotices Brooks, subdued,
demeanor.
As they share the quietbreakfast.
After a few moments of silence,he places his coffee cup down
and looks at her.
Intently.
(13:20):
Brooke he begins his voicesteady but concerned.
I know something's beenbothering you.
I don't want to push, but if youever need to talk, I'm here.
His words, catch her off guard.
For a moment.
She considers brushing him offagain.
But the vulnerability in hiseyes stops her.
(13:40):
Brooke realizes that Winston isoffering her at opening.
A chance to be honest, to beginuntangling the web of secrets,
threatening to consume them.
I I'm trying to figure thingsout.
She says, finally, her voicetrembling.
There's so much.
So much I need to sort through.
Winston nods.
(14:02):
Not pressing further.
Take your time.
Just know you don't have to faceit alone.
Brooke's chest tightens withconflicting emotions.
She knows the road ahead will bedifficult.
But Winston's quiet support.
Give her a flicker of hope thatperhaps they can find their way
back to each other or at least away forward.
(14:24):
Later that afternoon as Winstonsits in the living room, trying
to focus on the news, thefamiliar hum, or the mail truck.
He draws his attention.
He sets his coffee cup down andwalk to the mailbox, his
prosthetic leg clinking slightlywith each step.
The stack of mail feels heavierthan usual and among the usual
bills and flyers.
(14:45):
Is an official envelope.
Bearing.
The Marine Corps insignia.
Winston's stomach knots as hetears it open.
His hands trembling.
He already knows what it isbefore he reads the words.
Medical discharge effectiveimmediately.
the carefully typed letterdetails the terms of his
(15:08):
release.
Thanks him for his service andhighlights the medical reasons
behind their decision.
To Winston, it reads more like adismissal than gratitude.
He sinks onto the porch steps.
The envelope slipping from hisgrasp.
The warm breeze passes his face,but he hardly notices.
For a moment.
He feels like a ghost ofhimself.
(15:29):
a man who no longer belongs.
Being a Marine.
Wasn't just a job.
It was his purpose, hisidentity.
And now with a single letter.
Is all gone.
Inside Brooke calls outWednesday and everything.
Okay.
Out there.
Her voice jolts him back.
But instead of responding.
(15:50):
He folds a letter and tucks itinto his pocket.
He needs time to process to feelthe full weight of the loss.
Returning inside.
He grabs his journal from theside table and flip to a fresh
page and writes.
I was born to serve.
But what am I now?
(16:11):
That evening when, since it'salone in the garage, the letter
unfolded beside him.
He replays Sergeant Hayes wordsin his mind.
We don't stop being Marines justbecause we're not going active
duty.
But the truth feels harder tobelieve now.
He knows he needs a new mission,but the path forward seems
impossibly steep.
(16:31):
Brooke finds him there.
Her shadow falling across thedoor.
Hey.
She says softly.
Her eyeflickeringer into theletter.
You got it.
Didn't you.
Winston nods, but does it meether gaze?
Yep.
It's official now.
I'm out.
(16:53):
Brooke steps closer, her voicetrembling.
I know this is hard.
But you're still Winston.
You're still the man who foughtfor his country, who fights
every day to keep going.
He finally looks at her.
His eyes red rimmed, but steady.
I just.
I don't know what.
(17:14):
I don't know who I am withoutit.
You'll find out.
She says with her hand restinglightly on his shoulder.
And I'll be there no matterwhat.
For a moment.
They sit in the quiet together.
The weight of the dischargeletter, a reminder of the
battles, they still have toface.
(17:34):
Both together and apart.
In the months that followedWinston's medical discharge.
He threw himself into a gruelingroutine of physical therapy and
mental growth.
Inspired by Sergeant Hayes andfueled by his own struggles.
Winston began to explore ways hecould help other Marines who
found themselves in similarsituations.
(17:55):
He started attending veteransnetworking events and speaking
to groups about his journey.
Gradually and ideal took root.
one afternoon, as he sat at thekitchen table with his laptop.
He looked up at Brook.
I've been thinking aboutstarting my own thing.
He said his voice steady, buttinge with excitement.
Helping Marines like me.
(18:17):
Guys who are trying to figureout what's next.
Brooke put down the stack.
The papers that she was gradingand smiled.
That sounds incredible.
Winston.
You'd be amazing at it.
With Brooke's encouragement.
Winston began laying thegroundwork to become an
independent contractor.
His goal was to providepersonalized support, to injured
(18:38):
Marines, helping them navigatethe complex world of medical
discharge.
Rehabilitation and finding a newpurpose.
It wasn't easy, but for thefirst time, in a long time
Winston felt, a renewed sense ofdirection.
He wasn't just surviving.
He was building somethingmeaningful.
Meanwhile, Brooke found herselfreevaluating her own life.
(19:00):
The night, she ended things withEdward had been.
One of the hardest moments shefaced.
She met him at their usual spotin the park, her heart heavy
with resolute.
Edward.
She began.
Her voice shaking.
I can't do this anymore.
I've been using our timetogether as an escape.
But it's not fair for you.
(19:21):
Or my family.
Edward nodded his expressionpained, but understanding.
I get it, Brooke.
I just want you to be happy.
I need.
I need to try to fix what'sbroken at home.
She said, Thank you for beingthere for me.
But this, this has to end.
As Brooke walked away fromEdward for the last time she
(19:42):
felt it.
Mix of sadness and relief.
The clarity.
She had sought four months wasfinally within reach.
Brooks' next step wasrediscovering a part of herself
that had long been buried.
Her love of teaching.
Encouraged by Winston's,determination and her sister
support.
She began researchingopportunities to return to the
(20:02):
classroom.
It started with substituteteaching and as the weeks
passed.
Her confidence grew.
She soon accepted a full-timeposition at a local elementary
school.
Standing in front of theclassroom.
Again, Brooke felt is sense ofpurpose.
She hadn't experienced in years.
At home, the changes in bothWinston and Brook create a new
(20:24):
dynamic in their marriage.
They began sharing theirstruggles and dreams more
openly.
We're building trust oneconversation at a time.
Brooke supported wisdom as helaunched his business.
And he celebrated her decisionto follow her passion for
teaching together.
They found a balance.
That had been missing for solong.
(20:44):
One evening.
As I sat on the porch, watchingthe sunset Winston turned to
Brooke.
I don't know where this path isgoing to take us.
He said, But I'm glad we'rewalking it together.
Brooks smiled her hand restingin his.
Me too.
We're stronger than we've givenourselves credit for.
(21:05):
The road ahead.
Wasn't without challenge beforethe first time in a long time,
Winston in Brooke felt hopeful.
their bold choices.
Had not only reshaped theirindividual lives, but also about
them closer together.
Reminding them.
of the the power of resilienceand the strength of their love.
(21:28):
Looking for resources for peoplelike Brooke and Winston.
We recommend the veterans crisisline.
At veterans crisis line.net.
The wounded warrior project.
Wounded warrior project.org.
Caregiver action network.
Uh, caregiver action.org.
(21:49):
Operation home front.
At operation homefront.org.
We also recommend.
Our very own caregiving life.
Support group on Facebook.
You can find us under caregivinglife.
At Facebook.
Remember, reaching out for helpis a sign of strength.
(22:10):
You're not alone in yourjourney.
Being a caregiver can beexhausting.
But taking time for yourself,isn't just a luxury.
It's a necessity.
That's where Take Care TimeRespite Box comes in.
Carefully curated to providecomfort, relaxation, and joy.
Each box is designed to help yourecharge and find moments of
(22:32):
peace in your busy life.
Inside the box.
You'll find.
Hand-selected.
Self care items such as balmingteas, soothing candles,
inspirational books.
Activities to help you unwindand refocus from puzzles.
to journals.
It reminder.
That you deserve.
To feel cared for too.
(22:54):
Because when you take care ofyourself, you're better equipped
to take care of those.
You love.
Visit takecaretime.com to learnmore and order your respite box
today.
You deserve it.
Do you have a caregiver storythat you would like to have told
email us atpodcast@takecaretime.com we
(23:15):
would love to hear from you.
Please note.
This episode featuresreenactments and dramatize
details.
While in most cases, the exactverbatim dialogue may not be
known.
All dramatizations are groundedin thorough research and crafted
to honor the stories shared.
To respect the privacy andconfidentiality of individuals
involved names and someidentifying details have been
(23:37):
changed.
Until next week.
Take care.
You
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