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38 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | APRIL 2017 The Veteran's Club at Four Seasons was formed by Captain Dick Bentley, in September, 2013. Our mission was to recognize all the veterans living here at Four Seasons. To date we have 80+ neighbors recognized as veterans of the many wars we've endured. These veterans are recognized in our Honor Roll website, www.fourseasonsvets.org Our club is quite unique. We do not have structured meetings, dues, or costs to be involved. Your "Military Service" to our country has you paid up for life. On Feb. 22, Len Tavernetti proctored a presentation praising the C-17 GlobeMaster lll Aircraft. The program detailed construction through implementation of this giant war hero. Within days of this program, we welcomed Major Lizzie Blackstead to our "Honor Roll" and she shared this photo of her and her Medi- Vac group inside the cavernous C-17. Contact: Irve Sturner, irve@verizon.net, (949) 422-9969, www. fourseasonsvets.org. ~ Irve Sturner Four Seasons Veterans Bereavement Group After we lose someone very important to us, there is always some shock and numbness. The whole world and our place in it feels strange and out of kilter. The very space we inhabited so comfortably before is horribly changed and feels wrong and uncomfortable. Who do we fix breakfast for, or take a walk with, or talk to about a TV show or warm our cold feet against in bed? There is no cap off the toothpaste, no hogging of the TV remote, no one to give us directions when we are driving. Actions we loved and habits we found annoying have disappeared. So, what do we do now? Most importantly we need to take care of ourselves. It may be difficult to sleep. We may have no appetite or find ourselves snacking all the time and there can be physical symptoms such as a racing heart or anxiety. So first, tend to the essentials. Try to get out of bed at the usual time. Take a shower. Have breakfast. Make a to-do list. We often have so much to take care of and our grief makes us forgetful, so write tasks down. If you can or need to, ask others to help you. And include things that comfort you, such as a walk or a warm bath, on your list. Try to maintain a sleep schedule. Grief is exhausting. Take 15 to 20 minute naps. Go to bed early. If you can't sleep, try exercising more during the day (not the evening). Avoid caffeinated drinks after 2 pm, and don't drink alcohol for at least two hours before bedtime. If you still can't sleep, talk with your doctor. Keep up with or begin to exercise. Simple activities such as a walk or bike ride, or more strenuous exercise can be a distraction, something to help fill the long days. And exercise releases endorphins which elevate mood and relieve stress. Get necessary nutrition. Eat comfort foods if you have little appetite. Don't snack on junk food if you are a nibbler. Try smaller, more frequent meals if it helps. Be sure to take your medications. See your doctor if necessary. Pay attention to your health. Delay big decisions. You'll have plenty of time later. Don't sell the house, change jobs or clear out keepsakes for a year, if possible. You don't want to make a decision that you will regret later. There are other ways to nurture yourself. We talk about them frequently in our group. If you would like to join us, please do. We meet on Mondays from 1 to 3 pm in the Craft Room. We make the room private. All conversation is confidential. You can just show up or you can reach me at (951) 922-0934 or lauriemlarson425@gmail. com. ~ Laurie Larson Right: Medivac Group in a C-17 Right: Marine War Dog Memorial

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