My son, Cameron an 8th grader in middle school. These are trying times, and for those of you who have/had teenagers you understand.

For his Career class they could get extra credit for having a guest speaker. Well, I was ALL over this, I was so excited to go and talk about a non -profit, explain Stiggys Dogs and possibly bring even bring a dog. Cameron was mortified (to say the least) and completely against it.  Hurt feelings and all, I let it alone (after a few days of harassment!) and forgot all about it. Until last Tuesday night, when he informs me I am to speak on Thursday.  Lot’s of prep time, just like a teenager……

Walking down the halls, the smell, the dozen of teen kids crowding the halls…..brought back a lot of memories! Those dreadful middle school years…….

There I stood, looking at 30 kids, squirming in there seat, staring right back and wondering what I was going to talk about. Cameron, front row, did a .05 second introduction.

I asked if any one knew what a non profit was? One boy spoke up , “Yes, that’s when you work for nothing.”  Ha, How true, was what I wanted to say, but I spoke on about how it was more about giving something and ended it with, and yes you can get paid!

I started to tell them about Stiggys Dogs.  I explain the it was in honor of my nephew, Cameron cousin, Ben……I had barley gotten that out of my mouth because a lump was stuck in my throat.  I proceeded to try to tell them that he was a Navy Corpsman who was Killed……….In….Action………….and I could feel the tears starting to sprout. Shit, I was completely unprepared for this. I scanned the room, caught my sons eyes briefly, as I turned around to take a deep breath. I met Ben when he was that age, and a flash of him appeared out of no where in my mind, catching me off guard.  I exhaled, turned around and started another whole topic.

It was hard to explain PTSD to teenagers, but they all listen intently. They were interested in the dogs, how they helped, and asked a lot of informed questions. Out of a class of 30, 15 had dogs, 3 had family serving in the military, 1 person wanted to join  the Military when they grew up (and that was before my PTSD  talk), but  almost ALL knew that there was a war going on in Afghanistan!

Cameron, I hope I didn’t embarrass you to much. And for the 8th graders in Mr. Nelsons Career Class, Thank you!