DAY 4

Monday, May 4

Matt C

We had a disappointing start to the day when the weather refused to improve. In fact the weather’s been the only disappointment of the trip, though he sun has continued to shine.

We went up to the dock but when we got there it was clear that not all of us would be able to dive as the seas were just too big to allow the less-able divers to get into and out of the water safely. That would not have been fair, so it was decided not to go ahead with the diving.

The alternative plan kicked in and we took Dominic back to the pool and he was able to do more practice with the Pegasus Thruster and also learn some of the Deptherapy exercises which Fraser has devised for him.

I spent the rest of the day with the US Marines and we had a good conversation, almost a heart-to-heart, regarding the stuff they had been through in Iraq and Afghanistan. It was good to get an inter-unit chat because any soldier that you talk to about any conflict they have been in would much rather tell it to someone else from the military rather than civilians and their families.

There’s been more openness as we have got to know each other and I think that’s all part of the therapy of this trip. For instance, Steve from the US Marine Corps who lost both his legs, one above the knee and one below, was very quiet when we first met. You could see he was still terribly disappointed at his situation, but over the last few days he has come out of his shell and his true personality is showing through. I spent the whole morning with him and he is now really enjoying things.

We had a really great time earlier this evening at Sharkie’s where Doc the owner had laid on a great spread and excellent entertainment. I was delighted to be presented with a quilt made by the local Quilter’s Guild which featured both the Stars and Stripes and the Union flag. Local artist Claudia Montgomery also gave us all one of her paintings which was a really fine gesture by her. We have also received tee shirts by the handful, so its just as well I have offloaded my desert kit to Jared for the military-themed bar in his new home where he will hang them. At least I’ll have room in my bag for all the gifts now.

The whole trip has been very good for everyone involved and you can actually see the difference it has made to Dominic and our new American friends. Steve and I are determined to work with Fraser and Martin and bring four British veterans over here later in the year. This is the start of something big for us all.