Veterans Wives Group

Kristy's story

As a daughter of a returned service Vietnam Veteran I have noticed throughout the years that mine and many other children of veterans lives are very different to the normal lifestyle. We are highly protected by our fathers, when I was younger was shielded from doing anything that may in the slightest bit be (or have the potential to be) dangerous. When I was in my high school years many of the friends that I had, drifted away from me because I wasn't allowed to do the simple yet normal things in life like going to the shopping centre after school as well as many other things.

There have been many a time when I have come home and seen the worst in dad and I learnt from as early back as I can remember that staying away during these times was in everyone's best interests. Also staying quiet and doing what I was told when dad got home from work was also something I learnt to do very quickly.

It took a long time to realise that many of the things that dad so frequently did were the result of his time in Vietnam. He would sit in the same seat at the table for meals (always with his back to the wall!!) and sit in the same seat in the family room when watching the television. And of course the common one of waking him up and having his hands in a gun position pointing at you and then him yelling at you not to do that.

These things all became part of living with a veteran and one that we have had to adjust to. I have been told that going through the experiences that we have been through makes us stronger people. We dealt with so much more then those who lead a "normal" life that some things don't worry us like they would do to others. If anyone out there is anything like me it brings you closer to your dad and creates a bond that will never be broken no matter what they do.

Many of my friends have drifted away over the years and the ones that are still around often still don't understand the life I have led and I have often received criticism from them for being so close to and so family orientated. My family means everything to me and I will continue to love and support them as they have done for me.

My dad has never been like some other veterans and would never harm us in any way and is very caring about our well being and us. He has been a tremendous support to me over the years and I love him and his great sense of humor as well. I am very proud of my father and his achievements in life. I am not at all ashamed to admit he went to Vietnam and fought for his country and he is not ashamed of it either. I go to many of the Vietnam Veterans family functions held at the RSL with him and my family as well as attending important days like ANZAC day and Vietnam Veterans Day in August.

My dad is my lifesaver and no matter about the issues he has had to deal with I will always have a special spot for my special father that will never be broken.

Kristy

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