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10/08/14 07:18 PM #1    

Joy Drennen

Linda - My mother had a mental illness diagnosis.  She did some incredibly mean things to me when I was growing up.  She died July 13, 2013 at age 97.  By  then, I had been her caretaker for three years - one in Assisted Living and two years in a nursing home, with her giving many displays of dementia, even though she always knew me.  It took me a long time to get over the hurts, but I finally managed, and the last thing we said to each other was, "I love you."  That was a blessing.  So I'm reasonably certain I did some strange things during my high school years and beyond.  Was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in my early 30's.  (It was called manic depression when I was diagnosed.)  I had some horrendous manic episodes, which finally ended in 2004.  Apparently I made up my mind about it.  Told therapist I wasn'[t going to be dealing with bipolar any more.  I credit right therapist, right meds, and spiritual intervention, because one does not get over Bipolar Disorder - but I did get over it.  By now, I'm sure you know the warning signs of something coming on, which helps. I stay on meds and see my therapist once a month.  Also, my friends here and in California keep an eye on me as well. (Left California in  1990, and have kept up with my friends.)  Anyway, feel free to get in touch with me if you need to. There's no point in thinking you have to deal with stuff by yourself.    Joy Drennen


10/08/14 08:47 PM #2    

 

Sharon Skarlis (Beckwith)

Linda and Joy -- I thought I was alone in having an unusual mother, but after reading your posts, it is good to know others can relate. My mother is 95; my brother and I have NEVER heard her say she loves us. Self centered and angry at the world, she expects us to see to her every need. She showers love and affection to her two dogs, but yields her cane in our direction if she doesn't get what she wants. Nothing we do is good enough. In spite of her, I've led a full life, but my brother has not. It will be a relief to him when she passes the boundaries of this earth and he will finally be able to find a life of his own ... hopefully with someone who will show him love and compassion. Maybe one day the science of mental health will be more easy and accurate to diagnose and be understood.

Meanwhile, we are SURVIVORS.  Blessings to you both.


10/08/14 08:52 PM #3    

 

Robert, W Johnson

Linda,

I am sorry for the years of frustration you endured.

My wife Judy Lyons was a friend of your sister Kay.

She asks for information and contact information about kay.

Sincerely,

Bob Johnson


10/09/14 10:37 AM #4    

 

William Graham

Linda, Joy, and Sharon,

First of all I want to thank you for allowing us into your most personal life.  Wanda and I will most certainly keep you in our prayers.  You are right, that none of us knows when the Lord will call us home, but one thing we can be sure of  is the love and respect of your classmates. 

Life sometimes is not fair and it takes awhile to figure it all out.  Our stories seem so familiar, but as individuals it is personal to us.  I could go on, but will only say that I can relate.

Your story is really powerful and heartfelt.   Thanks again.

God Bless............ Bill Graham

 


10/09/14 11:41 AM #5    

 

Karen Anderson (VanBuskirk)

Linda,

I am so sorry that you had to endure such horrible experiences.  I too was terribly abused as a child until the day I left home after graduation.  My father was extremely abusive and to this day many including family are not aware.  I suffered a severe bout with PTSD about a year after leaving home.  Unfortunately, PTSD doesn't always resolve itself with time and/or therapy.  A strong faith can sustain you and dear friends and family support you when things get dark.  Working to help others (in any form ie, teaching, nursing, volunteering) seems to help focus our thoughts outside our internal events and make a brighter day.  I do hope your future can become brighter each day and your inner strength grows.  You must give yourself much credit for having survived your past and looked to the future.  You became a teacher, and it's my guess a darn good one as I recall a really nice person in high school.  God bless and hugs each day.

Karen Anderson Van Buskirk


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