One of the recent Veteran week-long program in Sun Valley was at 3 Rivers Ranch. The week consisted of five days of fly fishing, morning movement, astounding views, intense processing, and a new tribe bonding. There were 8 couples and here is one couples experience of the week.
Jon arrived at Three Rivers Ranch without saying much. He was quiet, reserved and a little uncomfortable in the group settings. The first night his wife Emily had to talk him into staying, he wanted to go home early. In the veteran’s discussion group, Jon found a group of guys who understood him as they had been through similar struggles. Blossoming from this safe space, Jon was able to open up and flourish in the program.
Jon explained “My self-confidence is the highest it has been since leading soldiers into combat. Now I finally believe that I am worthy to live this life with my family and that there are many people in my life that cherish me and our relationship. Higher Ground has created a new outlook on life… One week has changed me completely. I now have a stronger bond with my wife. I now have the confidence to be myself. I received so many compliments over the course of this week from some of the most honest and caring people I have ever met. During this trip I also had the chance to complement others for their dedication to becoming a better person as a whole. I hope that many more vets and spouses have the same opportunity I had. This program isn’t just life changing, in some cases it is saving lives.
Emily added “I can whole heartedly say Higher Ground changed my life. This has been a pivotal point in our marriage. This week made us better as spouses and will only shape us into better parents friends and veteran community advocates. We highly recommend becoming a part of the Higher Ground family because after this week we truly feel like family.”
Emily was so profoundly impacted by the therapeutic recreation she plans to pursue a degree in therapeutic recreation to continue planting seeds for other veterans and spouses.