Institutionalized: 1940

After the Big Day

Greg and I are trying to organize ourselves to move to our own place. Ric is helping us find veteran housing. Greg receives Veterans' benefits from the government because he was part of the Allied Forces during The Second World War.

I did not know I lived through a world war. It was obvious to the volume of the conflict among many nations fighting against the Nazis in Europe.

Another part of the Veterans' benefits that benefits me as well. Greg also receives a disability pension because the brain injury he sustained in the plane crash. It also pertains to the injury of his right hand which he broke during the plane crash as well.

It has been six months since the wedding. I still cannot believe I am married.

Greg's hand has come a long way since we arrived in Canada. He can now use it like a person that has use of both hands. Now, he is helping me with tasks because my hand cannot improve to a regular functioning hand. I only ask for his help if I am really frustrated.

A few days later, we received a letter from Dario, Tony, and Patrick saying that they are inviting us to Toronto in the New Year. The guys sent the invitation early because they believed it will take some time to book our train tickets to Toronto. Also they wanted us to be settled in our married life. I told Greg that we should book our tickets to Toronto in the winter for heading to Toronto in July of the new year. The reason I suggested it is that we will have enough time to move into veteran housing which we have not yet done.

We will ask Ric to drive us to the government building in charge of Veteran housing. Greg needs to fill out an application for housing. Greg asked his dad to drive us. Ric said anything for my son. We have left the house heading to the government office. We have arrived at the government building. Greg and I go into the building. We ask the clerk where Greg goes to apply for Veteran housing. We are now in line for Greg to fill out the application. There are about three or four men in front of us. The wait is about 15 to 20 minutes. I forgot to mention that Ric is in the lobby waiting for us to drive us back home. Now, there is only one man in front of us. It will not be long until Greg can fill out an application. It is now Greg's turn to fill out a Veteran housing application. He is taking his time filling in the application, so he does not miss anything.

Once in awhile, he asks me to clarify anything he does not understand. This has to do with the type of brain injury he suffered.

After 30 minutes, Greg was finished filling out the application. When he gave the filled out application to the clerk behind the desk, she told him that she will mail him if his application is approved and the date he can move in with his spouse. I hope he gets approved. Both he and I want to live an independent married life. We do not want to be dependent on Ric all the time. The clerk also said the letter of approval will be received three or four days after application is submitted.

Three days have passed. Greg has received a letter from the veterans' Affairs office. He read over the letter once then he gave it to his dad to read. He did this to clarify what he was reading. The letter stated that his application was approved. The veterans' housing is in Vancouver. The letter said we can move in any day this week. I am excited to have my own place shared with the one I love. The final item the Veterans' Affairs office approved was that Greg was to receive a disability pension every month. Greg and I are happy that we will be able to sustain ourselves like a true married couple. Greg and I are moving to Vancouver in two days. We need enough time to pack all our belongings.

Two days have passed. It is moving day. Ric is helping us move into the Veterans' complex. All my belongings fit in my hope chest and in one trunk and Greg's fits in one trunk. We do not own a lot of items, so the move did not long.

Greg and I now live in Vancouver. Greg's pension provides us with food. The complex has common areas where Greg can meet other veterans from other squadrons from the same platoon. The men talk about how they were injured and what part of the war they were injured in. Greg is happy to talk to others who understand where he is coming from, seeing Greg happy, makes me happy.