<a href="https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/a-carousel-dream-helped-a-marine-survive-vietnam-then-he-built-it-to-survive-ptsd-delighting-millions/" target="_blank">View original image source</a>.
In a heartwarming tale of resilience, Cpl. Scott Harrison (Ret.) turned his haunting memories of the Vietnam War into a beautiful dream—a carousel in the mountains. While stationed at Con Thien, he found moments of peace imagining a joyful, spinning ride, which helped him escape the horrors of combat, if only for a moment. Fast forward nearly four decades, and he’s created the Carousel of Happiness in Nederland, Colorado, a delightful escape for over a million visitors. Who knew a simple childhood fantasy could bring so many smiles?
After struggling with PTSD and battling alcohol addiction, Harrison rolled up his sleeves and revived a dilapidated Looff carousel, hand-carving each animal himself and pouring his heart into the project. Yes, that’s right—talk about a hands-on approach to healing! Opening in 2010, the carousel has been an essential part of the community and a symbol of triumph over adversity—reminding us all that it’s never too late to recreate your happy place.
It’s stories like Harrison’s that remind us of the healing power of creativity, even when life seems like a wild carnival ride. How many of us have a dream that could use a little dusting off? Let’s hear your stories! What unique way have you turned struggles into something cheerful?
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