Today one year ago, I had to say goodbye to one of my best friends. She was only 42 years old and chose to return to her source. She suffered from depression. I dont mean moments of temporary distress: Why doesnt that guy like me or why did I gain even more weight? I am talking about deep, dark feelings and thoughts of despair and unhappiness on a daily basis, day in, day out, year in, year out. I am not in the habit of talking about it, it is painful. Yet today Ill make an exception. Too often we hear about people not able to cope any longer and stigma, surrounding mental health issues, is still very much present. It was not always easy being friends with someone who suffered from depression, in fact many times it was very difficult. Wed been friends for 25 years and she asked me sometimes why I wanted to stay friends when she was experiencing such difficulties. She felt like she could only take and not give back enough in return. And I told her, and I had to tell many others who had a clear opinion, that she was my friend. She gave me plenty: her friendship, her awful sense of humour, her intelligence, her creativity (once we went to school dressed as Greek Goddesses, in a sheet and nothing else) and her complete acceptance of who I am and more so of who I am not. She made my life more fun, so there, she gave me plenty. I miss her. When I whined about that one guy not liking me, she laughed straight in my face and said: He is way above your station darling (thanks). When I cried out in despair how it was possible I gained even more weight she said: Well, you do eat like a pig and I mean that most kindly (thanks again). And then we laughed, because there was still much laughter beteween us. I just want to say, she left us with love: You taught me what I need to know and that is love. We remember her with love, grattitude and respect. Try not to judge and be there if someone is struggling.
Posted on: Sat, 30 Aug 2014 06:22:16 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015