Kathy Stewart, wtop.com
WASHINGTON — The war in Iraq is over. That’s great news for some families, but for others the homecoming images equal heartache.
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, or TAPS, specializes in helping military families cope with the pain of losing a loved one through counseling.
With the holidays and the end of the Iraq war coming at the same time, TAPS is on high alert. They know that for some, this is going to be a rough time.
Four years ago, Ami Neiberger-Miller lost her 22-year-old brother in Iraq. She says the end of the war is bittersweet because it is a reminder that her brother is never coming home.
“We’ve lost part of our future by losing him,” she says. “Closure is kind of a myth. You don’t ever close the book on your loved ones and their death.”
But Neiberger-Miller says it would be unfair to let his death eclipse his entire life. She now works for TAPS and helps other people who have lost loved ones.
Of her own brother, Neiberger-Miller tries to remember the good and not focus on his death.
“As much as it was too short, be grateful we got what we did,” she says.
The TAPS call center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-800-959-8277 for more information.
