Transforming Today's World Magazine - JAN 2014 Special Edition Vol 5 Issue 3 | Page 50

I was listening attentively when the meeting shifted to discussing vets
suffering with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Suddenly I
felt rather numb…like I was removed from the experience somehow.

of a ‘Word’ program. As the meeting progressed, I
learned that NAC flew in about 800 vets a year for
treatment of PTSD and conditions of all kinds.
They had such a comprehensive therapeutic
program; I was blown away! They didn’t look
at persons with a disability as ‘dis-abled’, they
looked at these people as possessing true abilities.
The NAC was dedicated to affording everyone a
chance to develop their potential, so they could
lead productive lives and attain the happiness and
peace they had never dreamed of before. I was
listening attentively when the meeting shifted
to discussing vets suffering with PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder). Suddenly I felt rather
numb…like I was removed from the experience
somehow. I found myself saying out loud, “My
God…if only my husband would have known
about this program…if he could have been given
a ‘Word’ to share…My God…..maybe he wouldn’t
have died.”

“After witnessing how sharing the meaning of words can actually
help people communicate, I had a renewed hope and expectation
for all suffering in silence. “
I started to weep quietly, just frozen in my chair- I
felt as stiff as a piece of steel….I guess I was trying
to hold on somehow…to not ‘go there’ again….I
wanted to shut down and focus on the meeting.
But between the “Dinner With A Purpose” and
learning about the gift of the NAC, it was just too
much for me…the tears just kept coming, and
they kept coming all day long.

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After witnessing how sharing the meaning of words can
actually help people communicate, I had a renewed hope
and expectation for all suffering in silence. As we left the
meeting, Lisa put her arms around me and gently said:
“You will finally be able to honor your husband….he is so
proud of you and is looking down on you from Heaven.”
After those precious words, I doubt I will ever be the
same again. At that moment, Lisa became the total and
profound meaning of the word love. That special word
personifies Lisa Coltman, and what she gave me that day
in Park City Utah will resound in my spirit until the day
I die: Thank you Lisa, for giving me back my heart. And
amazingly, you did it all…. with just a simple ‘Word’.