Interesting how, when allowing emotions to surface, that it can cleanse you of negativity. Throughout my deployment, compartmentalization was encouraged in order to stay focused on the task. Afterwards, it was so engrained in me that I accepted my circumstances as just another thing happening. But these last few weeks have brought positive things my way.last week I sat under a tree on a trail I was walking and everything came out. I just began crying. Another person passing thought I was injured. I told them I was o.k. and I think they understood. Being in nature allows one to be honest with one’s self and be vulnerable to these emotions. It really was something I needed, but didn’t know I needed. If that makes sense. Just like this forum. Anyway, thanks for your thoughts, encourage and support.

Thank you. Yes, my legal representation says the court will vacate the conviction. Unfortunately it will be up to me to contact anyone that doesn’t get notice, such as the state licensing board. They will then have to review and allow me to re apply. There in lies another issue. It has been 10 yrs, so requirements and procedures change. I most likely would have to take my boards again. And then any job interview given I would have to explain why my license was revoked, then re issued. You can see how the repeated trip through this would be stressful. Here in California, the licensing requirements for my profession are the most stringent in the world, literally.
This is why I have decided to seek out a job overseas. Many countries will look at my bonafides, where I was licensed before and jump at the chance to have me on staff. It is a shame that this is how it is, since I served this country in two conflicts and was injured as well as receiving accommodations. I don’t hold any animosity anymore, though. That is just too cumbersome an emotion to haul around.
As for advice? I have learned that advice is more or less a viewpoint of experience from one’s own journey, and everyone’s journey is unique. So I don’t volunteer that. When asked how I keep my will in the face of all that has happened, I simply say ( with a slight nod ) that my focus and will was all that they left me and I’m not willing to let them have that. 🙏🏼