At an August gathering of classmates, we celebrated the publication of a new book by our classmate, Cynthia Marsh Orange! Don't miss the chance to pick up her new book, Shock Waves, and congratulate Cynthia on her recent accomplishment!
Classmate Authors Book About Living with a Loved One’s Trauma
When Cynthia (Marsh) Orange married Michael Orange in 1973, she said she soon discovered she had “married Vietnam” and the trauma he carried with him from his experience as a combat Marine during his tour of duty in the Vietnam War. “We knew something was wrong, but PTSD wasn’t a diagnosable condition until 1980. Because Michael came home physically in tact, we found other explanations for his nightmares and sleep disturbances, his workaholism and hypervigilance, numbed feelings, and other symptoms.” In 2003, the invasion of Iraq and a number of other significant events brought on an emotional crash and Michael was diagnosed with PTSD—33 years after his experience as a young soldier.
In her new book, Shock Waves: A Practical Guide to Living with a Loved One’s PTSD, she incorporates her family’s experience, advice from mental health experts, and stories from others affected by trauma—such as 9/11 and Oklahoma City bombing survivors; families dealing with sudden death or serious illnesses, and survivors of rape or child abuse. She shows readers what PTSD symptoms look like in real life and offers practical tools for self-care for those who struggle to care for a traumatized love one.
“I wanted to write the book I wish my family had access to three decades ago,” she said. “I want others who might be going through similar challenges to know they aren’t alone. Shock Waves is a story of healing and healers. Most important, it is a story of hope.”
If you want to know more about the book or upcoming readings, check out Cindy’s Web site at HYPERLINK "http://web.mac.com/cynthiaorange/iWeb/Book%20News"Shock Waves by Cynthia Orange Shock Waves is available at local bookstores, Amazon, or from the publisher, Hazelden (1-800-328-0098 or www.hazelden.org).
We also celebrated the chance to visit with a few out of towners: Tanya Wasenda Bergman, Cathy Armstrong and Cathy Ziska Steel joined the group for several hours of catching up and remembering the good old days. Our photographer, Eddie Noreen, had his camera flashing....and we'll publish his pictures as soon as they arrive. Meanwhile, here are a few amateurish shots to test your memories! Can you name your classmates?
