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Continue reading →: The Unpredictability of Life: A Dog Owner’s LessonI found myself standing in the backyard earlier today. A low ceiling of grey clouds crawled gently in the winds above. To my left, a mountain of coniferous pine was swallowed near whole by an enveloping mist. There was a cool breeze that accompanied this visual marvel, but it was…
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Continue reading →: When Horror Meets Reality: The Night a Dead Body BlinkedThe Pale, Pale Face Some days, that dark navy-blue uniform that hangs drowsily in the closet calls for my gaze; the threading and stitching that holds it all together captures me for a time. To untrained eyes, this simple jacket may appear as merely a garment once worn — but,…
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Continue reading →: Finding Strength in Boot Camp: A Military Mom’s StoryI came across a post recently, one explaining that their son had just joined the army, and was away at boot camp. “Boot camp” is a very American way of saying, basic training. This person went on to explain that her son had been calling her during what limited down…
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Continue reading →: Captain’s Logs – Stardate 30,98.99: Surviving Alone on a Strange Planet and Discovering Mysterious MarkingsCaptain’s Logs – Stardate 30,98.99 I have been alone in this strange place for what seems an eon now — however, a cursory observation of the current date, and time, indicates that its merely been; sixteen-hours, forty-six minutes, and twelve seconds… time is a masterful illusionist. This planet appears to…
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Continue reading →: Insomnia and the Weight of Memories: A Nighttime ReflectionAs I lay here at near to three in the morning, struggling to fall back asleep, and after having labored over the last three nights to even find sleep, I’m left feeling not only fatigued; but dejected, sore, chilled and in an odd way, lonely. Sometimes peace feels so distant…
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Continue reading →: The Boy in the WindowI live in a small town. A kind of town that avoids most maps. It’s a character driven place protected by legions of coniferous giants that wander to the tips of the high-reaching mountains before disappearing to the other side. Its modesty commands…
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Continue reading →: A Boy at ChristmasI always get a little sad at the close of the holidays. For me, it’s just such a splendid time of year, the world and its surroundings take on new shape, don vast sprawls of beautiful stringing lights, kitchens boast aromatic bliss, and people seem to think about each other…
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Continue reading →: A Boy on ChristmasOn this, the eve before Christmas, a story comes to mind; it’s about a boy. A quiet boy. He tried hard to bother no one, and at times tried harder to blend in. He often felt awkward, weak, unimportant and unwanted. It was like that for him, this boy, for…
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Continue reading →: Jason David Frank — the Green Ranger“For me, the death of the Green Ranger simply acts as further grounding that heroes are human — thus stresses the importance of kindness, compassion, and humility. Be kind to yourself, to those around you, and to those who challenge you. Have compassion toward yourself even in moments where you…
Hello,
I’m Matthew
Welcome to the official blog of Matthew Heneghan — author of A Medic’s Mind and Woven in War, and host of the trauma-focused podcast Unwritten Chapters.
As a former Canadian Armed Forces medic and civilian paramedic, I’ve lived through the raw edges of trauma, addiction, grief, and healing. Through honest storytelling and lived experience, I write and speak about PTSD, trauma recovery, mental health awareness, and resilience — especially from the lens of veterans and first responders.
If you’re searching for real-life stories of overcoming adversity, the effects of service-related trauma, or insight into the recovery process after hitting rock bottom — you’re in the right place. My goal is to foster connection through shared experience, break stigma, and offer hope.
Explore the blog, tune into the podcast, and discover how writing became a lifeline — and might just become yours, too.
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Author Matthew Heneghan 