Me & Him on the porch with coffee. I’ve been such a lucky woman to have been surrounded by strong, resilient, brave women, who were taken far too early by terrible diseases. Parkinson’s, cervical cancer, lung cancer & COPD, just to name a few. These were diagnosed with physical symptoms, confirmed by physical testing. What did we learn and why does this happen? Mom told me that she hoped people would learn from her illness…to help others. Carol…same thing. I know they’re in His hands now & grateful for the place they’re in.

Mental disabilities and illnesses are a horse of a different color. My long time friend, Joanie, who worked in the mental health field, told me that diagnosing Bi Polar Depression, Schizophrenia & others were more tricky. “Drop the doctor in the middle of a maze, Judy, and tell them to find their way out”.

I can’t even imagine being the victim of a mental illness (MI). I can’t imagine the battle, the stigma attached. Years ago, cancer was surrounded by secrecy and now an everyday word. Why should MI be any different? Those afflicted don’t choose these, as physically ill victims wouldn’t either. They’re not faking, not looking for a attention, not weak. They’re real, public and ohsovery strong.

This coffee talk is dedicated to our daughter, Megan…a warrior..a brave woman, who keeps working to save and help others. She’s not fearful of stigma and is a nurturer. She’s stood by Carol and Mom to the end, always knowing exactly what to say and do. I hope she continues her education and I can’t think of anything she could say better to someone than, “I know just how you feel. I’ve been in your shoes. You can do this.” To those of you who are naysayers, please remember that YOU, yourself may be ill some day and look to others for kindness and compassion.

I know this is a strong post, but today, I felt the need to be on a soapbox. Those of you who know me, know I have a hard time having patience for judgmental and non-compassionate people, but try very hard to understand. I believe that those less fortunate than YOU are here to teach us…placed here by Him, the best example of kindness and compassion, I can think of.

Happy joyous Sunday!

Originally written on January 29, 2014