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Even after an average thunderstorm, there were some things that sometimes needed to be fixed around any home, and Capt. R.E. Ludlow and Sgt. Vincent Trent smiled and saluted each other as they left their homes at the same time to get about the task of inspection.

There were only minor things that could be shored up, but it was as good a time to do them as any, and Capt. Ludlow smiled to see Sgt. Trent's sons Melvin (21), and Milton (9) coming out to have a look with sisters Velma (11), and Gracie (8) tagging along and learning too.

Thus, the same idea was on Capt. Ludlow's mind when he went back into his home, but his eye falling on George had a different reaction than anyone expected.

“It wasn't me – not this time, anyway!  I was right here!  You know I was right here!  Please don't …”

Then George stopped.

“Had a nightmare of old times, George?” Capt. Ludlow said gently.

George began to calm down as Mrs. Ludlow put her hand over his all-too-rapidly beating heart.

“Yes, sir,” he said after a long time.  “It's still our day and you were probably about to ask me if I wanted to come help with anything.”

“Now, you're living in our world, George.”

“I'm trying, Papa, I really am.”

Later when they were working alone, the captain explained to his grandson.

“PTSD is a terrible, difficult thing, George.  I have it for different reasons than you do, but it started when I was Robert's age.  Your mind can take you back to any terrible thing, over and over and over again.”

“It's just terrible, Papa.  I can't do anything about it!”

“Not yet,” Capt. Ludlow said.  “Like everything else, you can heal and grow, George.  You can learn that you are safe, so you don't feel triggered.  But it takes time … and we understand, George.  We understand each other, too.”

“I'm so glad – and I feel safe here.  I do.  I really do – and now I feel super safe.”

Capt. Ludlow had wrapped George up in his arms.

Meanwhile, inside … 

“Well, if I were George I'd be worried too – he just gets into and does so much stuff.”

That of course was Edwina, who then caught the look of her grandmother's deep disapproval and jumped.

“You know, you told George you forgave him, so you have to get your mouth out of these bad habits, Edwina.”

“Oops … sorry!  Sorry, Lord Jesus!  I still need You to help me get my life together over here!  Being quiet now!”

Edwina got a hug too, which also helped her get her life together just a little more.

“Hey!” said five-year-old Lil' Robert as he came out of his room with his mini hard hat and tool belt and tool box.  “Y'all better get ready – Papa said after he gets everything ready with George, he's going to show us what spackle is!”

“Come on,” seven-year-old Amanda said as she came and took Edwina's hand, “because if it spackles, it should sparkle too and we need to get our glitter and stuff!”

“We're probably going to need some Legos too,” said six-year-old Grayson, who then went and filled up his little red wagon with Lil' Robert helping him.