Military caregivers often put others’ needs first, increasing the likelihood that they could end up neglecting their own mental and emotional health. Lauren Burch, a seasoned caregiver, seized the opportunity to find solace and renewal at an OHF Caregiver Retreat.
Lauren, mother of three, Police Officer of 17 years, and a Marine Spouse, is very familiar with meeting the needs of others. Although her husband has deployed “too many times to count,” his last deployment brought exceptional challenges. In addition to caring for their children, managing the household, and fulfilling her professional obligations, Lauren also accomplished a huge personal goal, earning a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice last December.
When her husband returned home from deployment in February, Lauren applied to attend an OHF Caregiver Retreat. “I really wanted to do something for myself, to hit the reset button,” she said. Seagrove Beach, Florida was the perfect escape from Lauren’s daily grind and tireless service to others. Lauren, along with retreat lead Tiers Arnts, and two fellow military caregivers, spent the week kayaking, taking a dolphin sight-seeing tour, enjoying a spa day, and visiting Crab Island. A yoga class on the beach also provided peace and rest from life’s daily stressors and parasailing added spontaneity and adventure to the week.
“This retreat helped me to focus on myself, relax, and realize that doing these things are important,” Lauren says. She values the connections made with her retreat lead and the other SOF caregivers. “It was good to talk about the way we view different things, being a military wife. One was Navy, one Army, and me being Marine, I was a little nervous at first… but we all just clicked!”
“We really are there to support our husbands, but we have to take care of ourselves too.”
The caregivers of our nation’s heroes often sacrifice their own well-being to support those who have sacrificed for us. At Operation Healing Forces, we recognize the immense value of these individuals and are committed to providing them with the care and support they deserve. Our caregiver retreats offer a much-needed respite, a chance to recharge and reconnect with themselves. Through shared experiences, workshops, and therapeutic activities, caregivers can find solace, strength, and inspiration. By empowering these selfless individuals, we honor their dedication and ensure their capacity to continue providing unwavering support to our Special Forces veterans.
Invest in yourself. Experience relaxation, support, and inspiration at an OHF Caregiver Retreat. Apply today.
