tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773382509071881565.post8958244664351592136..comments2023-10-28T06:37:45.669-07:00Comments on Choices: September 23 is never a good daymadeline40http://www.blogger.com/profile/06549058012582815995noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773382509071881565.post-64738964288299079252011-09-29T06:05:51.678-07:002011-09-29T06:05:51.678-07:00Madeline, I held off from commenting on the day. Y...Madeline, I held off from commenting on the day. You see my grandchild came into the world on the 23rd and I felt a little guilty. I was so full of joy and you full of sadness.<br /><br />My heart goes out to you.xGlynis Peters https://www.blogger.com/profile/01175378917872403609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773382509071881565.post-74864355035801204062011-09-26T11:23:51.608-07:002011-09-26T11:23:51.608-07:00Dear Madeline. Your book arrived today and I'...Dear Madeline. Your book arrived today and I've read it from cover to cover. There are so many things I would like to say - and yet have no clue where to start. Having lived with depression/anxiety (and when I was younger), quite intense phases of OCD - so many of the experiences and emotions poured out on the pages, described my life's journey (and that of my family - particularly my parents). Something which is almost impossible to explain is the fear of not being able to rely on yourself to be 'well'. Logic, encouragement, the awareness of the enormous amount of love and support constantly on offer from family and friends - can be lost when your mind is so preoccupied with existing. There are many times when I can say in all honesty, that; I really don't want to die - it's just the living that I'm not enjoying all that much. I reflect on the years that my parents would have answered their telephone with trepidation - would they need to pick up their son and his belongings because he'd had another 'meltdown'? There were always the fraught aspects of some forms of family therapy - in that someone had to be at fault for why this young man was the way he was. Loving parents who only wanted the best for their children were often an easy target of this blame game. It is also quite paradoxical that we often treat those who care for us the most in a manner that is totally unacceptable and defies any rational behaviour. There is so much more I would like to share - but I will leave it for another time. I think one of the many issues with mental illness is that it's not about winning the fight - but rather about softening the blows that all of the participants of this journey are subjected to. Best wishes. Jeff.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773382509071881565.post-69984110643492309622011-09-24T11:40:51.347-07:002011-09-24T11:40:51.347-07:00Dear Jeff,
I so much appreciate your following my ...Dear Jeff,<br />I so much appreciate your following my blog and your thoughtful comments. I agree, the memories are the most precious things I have. That's why I've worked so hard to keep Paul's memory alive. I can't muse about what might have been - it's not helpful to anyone.<br />I hope you are doing well. Please let me know.<br />All best,<br />Madelinemadeline40https://www.blogger.com/profile/06549058012582815995noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1773382509071881565.post-67724423216248002232011-09-24T02:40:38.258-07:002011-09-24T02:40:38.258-07:00Dear Madeline. My heart goes out to you and your f...Dear Madeline. My heart goes out to you and your family at this time. So much of what you describe brings back such vivid memories of my sister's death (over 35 years ago). Even though time has certainly softened the feelings of sadness and loss - the siginificant dates still bring with them an understanding of an aspect of my life that will never be the same again. I now reflect on a fun-loving, generous and vibrant young lady who brought so much joy to so many. At times it still breaks my heart to ponder what life would have looked like if that fateful event had not occurred, and yet I still consider myself truly blessed to have had the opportunity to share such wonderful times (and some difficult)with such a special person. I must admit the adage of 'time being the great healer' was of very little comfort for a long time. What I have discovered, and will forever treasure, is the fact that memories are more precious than any riches. Rest in the knowledge that many hold you in their thoughts at this time. Sincerely. Jeff.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com