I’ve noticed in the genealogy and military research communities, many people are afraid to look outside the box. They only explore what they’ve been told is allowed or acceptable to use in their genealogy or military research.
I see the same when topics around a military experience or a family member’s experience of living with the veteran come up. There is often a sense of – we can’t ask those questions or even think about that topic.
When we open up to the outside the box questions and resources, our entire world shifts. Answers are found and peace is within.
My question is, Why are you limiting yourself and not allowing any possible resource to show up to tell the military stories? Especially when the service file burned?
One way to help you open up to topics you may believe do not apply to you, are through the Your Family’s War Journey: A Transformational Master Class. I have completed two live sessions of this course this year in which we have read a book about a 9th Infantry Division combat veteran’s life, and that of his daughter who grew up under the shadow of PTSD, emotional abuse, and other issues that were never discussed. The daughter wrote of her healing journey in the second half of the book.
Some of the topics we explore in this course include:
- Military service.
- Military and genealogical research.
- Life on the home front.
- Inherited trauma and all that goes along with that.
- PTSD, secondary PTSD, abuse, trauma, illness, disease, caregiving, death.
- Combat fatigue and other issues.
- Marriage. Religion. Spiritual practices.
- We discuss our personal stories, experiences with PTSD, inherited trauma, spirituality, religion, or for some, no religious beliefs.
- Healing the past and numerous ways to accomplish this.
In the session I just closed from July, I had four participants. A Vietnam veteran whose father was a WWII combat veteran, a Korean War veteran (both men) who lost a brother in the Battle of the Bulge and another who fought in Italy and came home with PTSD, and two women. One whose father died in Italy in 1944. Another whose family is Jewish and her father fought in the European Theater. Four very different people, experiences, military stories, and questions all came together to create a beautiful experience. The sharing they did was so deep and vulnerable, it brought tears to my eyes at times.
All four people asked me why I felt this course would contribute to their research and the writing they are doing for their family’s military stories, which they will publish for the world or family.
My response was that this book and the discussions we have, writing prompts I provide, additional resources which cover a variety of topics, the weekly live facilitation sessions where I ask people to open up, share and go deeper into their family stories and their own personal experiences, plus the private 1-1 session each attendee receives – it will change their life. It has happened to every person who has taken the course so far. Additionally, three of these people are current clients with research or book projects. The master class added to their project experience. You do not have to be a client to take this class but it will enhance the overall experience.
In the April session, I had one student who was 95% finished with his book about his uncle who was Missing In Action until last year. When the class ended, he had chosen to add several more chapters to his book to cover topics he felt were important because of what we discussed in the class. He also chose to expand a few areas now that he had more resources from the class to do so.
What prevents you from going outside the box, looking at the deeper issues, writing your stories – including your personal story?
If you would like to be invited to the early bird registration for the November master class session, email Jennifer at info@wwiirwc.com right now to get on the list. I am only taking 7 people for this fall class and will open registration to the general public mid-September. Another session will open for January (registration opens in October).
Also, coming in September – a self-paced version of the master class for those who cannot attend weekly live Zoom facilitation sessions. You get a bit more one on one attention from me in this version of the class.
Testimonial from Janet B. “This class enriched and transformed my World War II family research quest in ways I could not have imagined. Jennifer Holik is a gifted facilitator who helped me to unearth memories, make unexpected connections between past and present, and clarify the direction of my WWII project. Her extensive knowledge and rare intuition, along with the well-organized curriculum, created a warm and productive virtual environment for learning and sharing insights with a wonderful group of participants. As I move forward, I plan to make frequent use of the generous amount of helpful materials that the course makes available to view or download following the sessions. I highly recommend this class to all who are drawn to discovering and understanding how war and its aftermath have affected them and their loved ones.”
Are you ready to learn the bigger picture of your family member’s military service? We are taking new clients and can help you find the answers and tell a deeper story about your family member. Email us at info@wwiirwc.com to set up your free phone consultation today to discuss project options, fees, and time.
© 2019 World War II Research and Writing Center
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