Coming Full Circle

By David H. H Morris

The story within recounts the life experiences of David H. Morris, a former Navy SEAL. In 1996 David was diagnosed with chronic severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This disorder was caused by events that took place in 1968 while serving as a member of Mike Platoon, SEAL Team One, in the Republic of Vietnam. The following is his story, told in his words. He hopes the words within will help those who have been diagnosed with this condition, and the thousands of others who walk around with undiagnosed PTSD. Some names have been changed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 13, 2019
• ISBN: 9781643504414

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Coming Full Circle

David L Morris

Copyright © 2019 David L Morris

All rights reserved

First Edition

Page Publishing, Inc

New York, NY

First originally published by Page Publishing, Inc 2019

ISBN 978-1-64350-440-7 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64350-441-4 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

David 1973

My story is dedicated to my loving wife, Becky, who helped me get through the darkest of days, helped me tell my story, and continues to be my lifeline. It is also dedicated to my family for their love and support.

D. H. Morris

Foreword

My life with David began simply. I pulled up to the gas station and asked for five dollars’ worth of gas. What would begin as a fun, carefree relationship would become a fight for my husband’s life.

When we met, it felt as if we were meant to be together. We blended so well. I felt so comfortable with him. He was very kind and had an easygoing personality. There was something a little different about him. Little did he or I know, there was something deep inside we were not aware of, hiding, just waiting for the day it would be released.

I would see signs of it when we were out around crowds. I would just be getting into the evening out, and he would want to leave abruptly and never say why. I just knew he was ready to go. We never talked about it.

I would see signs of it when I would ask him about being a Navy SEAL. Whenever I asked him about it, he would avoid the conversation. I found that odd, thinking it was something to be proud of.

This demon, once it was released, turned our lives upside down. When you love a man with PTSD, there is no such thing as a normal life together. Many times David would say he felt like the devil had a hold of him.

The depth of his despair and his fear of losing himself to this monster was unbearable to watch. All I could do was be there when he felt like talking, or hug him and comfort him when he cried. His case is probably one of the worst. Medications will not cure him; they barely treat his symptoms. He will never be free of this . . . We will never be free of this.

Becky

Becky and David

1982

Introduction

In 1996, I was diagnosed with chronic severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This disorder was caused by events that happened in 1968 while serving as a member of Mike Platoon, SEAL Team One, in the Republic of Vietnam.

The following is my story, in my own words. I only hope it will help those who have been diagnosed with this condition and the thousands of others who are walking around with undiagnosed PTSD. Some names have been changed.

Chapter One

Agent Orange Physical

In January 1996, the Veterans Administration was urging all veterans who served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War to go to their nearest VA hospital for an Agent Orange physical.