A Veteran’s Reckoning with the Past, Present, and Future

Life after the military isn’t easy. The battles don’t stop when the uniform comes off. Instead, they continue to haunt veterans in their daily lives as they struggle to find purpose in a world that no longer feels the same.

The transition to civilian life can be extremely difficult, both psychologically and practically. For those who have heard the roar of guns, witnessed the chaos of battle, and endured the bloodshed of war, adjusting to a completely different environment and mindset is not just a challenge—it is a deeply personal struggle that can feel overwhelming.

The structured and disciplined world of the military, where every action has a purpose and every mission a clear objective, is suddenly replaced with a civilian world that often feels uncertain, unstructured, and indifferent to their past sacrifices.

The memories of combat, the weight of regrets, and the sense of lost purpose can be deeply unsettling, leading many veterans down a difficult road. The invisible wounds of war, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, can take hold, making it difficult to find stability, maintain relationships, or even feel a sense of belonging in society.

The internal battles do not end with the war; instead, they linger in nightmares, resurface in unexpected triggers, and manifest in ways that are often misunderstood by those who have never worn the uniform.

At the same time, the skills, discipline, and resilience that veterans develop during their time in the military can serve them well if channeled positively. The ability to remain calm under pressure, think critically in high-stakes situations, and maintain an unwavering commitment to duty are all qualities that can help them rebuild their lives.

With the right support system, guidance, and resources, many veterans can successfully transition into new careers, form meaningful relationships, and find a renewed sense of purpose in their civilian lives.

This is precisely the journey Bill embarks on in Lost and Found by PS Cleary. As a former Marine, Bill struggles with these challenges, carrying the weight of his past while trying to navigate the complexities of his present. Spanning over three decades, the novel takes readers from the rough streets of Boston and New York, where ambition and danger collide, to the quieter shores of Galveston, Texas, where Bill seeks solace but finds that some ghosts refuse to stay buried.

Along the way, he is forced to confront the demons of his past, make life-altering choices in a demanding career, and fight for a love that may not be strong enough to withstand the shadows of old mistakes.

The Past Never Let Go

One of the biggest ghosts from Bill’s past is Fatima, a woman he once swore to protect during a mission in Iraq. When an attack separated them, he believed she didn’t survive. That moment stayed with him, filling him with guilt for years. Every time a good thing happened, he always felt pain for the one he left to die in Iraq. 

Then, in his years as a veteran, out of nowhere, he learns that Fatima is alive.

This discovery forces him to question everything. Did he fail her? Was he a weak soldier? Did she ever need his protection? Was all that guilt for nothing? Veterans often face these same thoughts. Even when reality differs from their beliefs, the emotions do not simply vanish. Although they have left the warzones, the internal turmoil remains as tenacious as ever, eating away your sense of joy. 

Building a New Life, One Battle at a Time

After leaving the military, Bill secures a job in finance in New York. The job is intense, demanding quick decisions and a persistent work ethic, which he knows well. Since the military taught him all these years ago. However, the only difference is that in this world, the battles are fought in boardrooms, not war zones.

Then there’s Jenn. She’s beautiful, unpredictable, and just as complicated as he is. She has ties to crime, secrets she won’t fully reveal, and a way of pulling him into danger. Can he trust her? Can she trust him? Or are they both trapped by who they used to be?

Their relationship is passionate but filled with tension. Love alone may not be enough to keep them together.

A Future Still in Question

Years later, Bill moves to Galveston, Texas, hoping to finally leave his old life behind. But no matter where he goes, the past follows. Some ghosts don’t stay buried, and some mistakes demand to be faced.

For veterans like Bill, moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting, it means learning how to carry the past without letting it control the future.

Lost and Found is one man’s journey to find love, redemption, and peace after war. Because no matter how many battles someone has faced, the hardest one is usually fought to meet yourself again.

Lost and Found by Patrick Cleary is now available on Amazon.