I asked
Tim Grutzius, a Fire Lieutenant from Alsip, Illinois, to share his story
regarding his battle with PTSD. His story is like so many courageous firefighters
who have been impacted by mental health challenges and are survivors. His story
matches the theme of this page. Here is part of his blog posted with his
permission. The title matches the intent of Chief Goldfeder’s book “Pass it
On”!
By Tim Grutzius
Pay
it forward, one good turn deserves another, or pass it on. No matter how you say it, giving without
expecting anything in return is what the Aloha Spirit is all about. The more we pay it forward, the better off
humankind will become.
In the early morning hours following my
50th birthday , I reflected on how I was
bestowed with many healing gifts (counseling, chiropractic care, and
acupuncture) on the first day of a new decade of life. I thought about how I had suffered in silence
for 16 + years with PTSD. Though it may
have been hard, in the end it was well worth the lessons learned. Where once I was blind to all the goodness
this world has to offer, now I can see.
It was destiny that in the year 2014 my
path would cross with others who represent goodness and are showing me the
way. First, and foremost I thank my wife
Judy. For without her patient and loving
ways throughout these many years, I would not be telling this story to
others. I would have walked away from
the best profession in the world and just suffered in silence. Judy is my true soul mate and I am the
luckiest man in universe to have found her.
Next comes the best holistic team that has
ever been assembled on my behalf. Sarah
(my counselor), Erin (acupuncturist),
and Lynn (Reiki Healer). They are
working earnestly as my mentors of healing to guide me through the door to
freedom, never to look back at my former self.
Soon, very soon, I will be kicked from the nest with a renewed sense of
the Aloha Spirit!!!! Another special
shout out goes to Dr. Elizabeth Cutright of Lepar Animal Hospital.
If it were not for her suggesting I go to the Natural Health
Improvement Center in Alsip, I would have never met Erin and taken
the journey on the road to wellness.
For more information go
to: http://abalancedlifeselfcare.blogspot.com/2014/06/paying-it-forward-gift-to-ourselves-and.html