Reconnecting with a gal after a hiatus of
Twenty four years.
It's discovering that her husband is suffering like
I once did from depression, and anxiety and
Sleeplessness.
It's deliberately returning back to that
Painful place in my memory, a
Black hole where I'd rather not go,
But I dwell there for a few moments so that
I can encourage the woman, so that she
Can, in turn, encourage her soul mate.
"I felt abandoned by God, too," I confess.
(Just like her husband feels right now.)
"But out of sheer duty and obedience I
Forced myself to read His word and pray even
Though He felt so far away, as though
He didn't even exist."
We compare meds.
I recommend a book.
I tell her that the trial was the most
Fearful one I've ever faced, that
Clinical depression is different from
Normal grief, and harder to
Endure.
I share that I'm well now, that I
Sleep soundly once more.
"But it's like being in remission," I add.
"Periods of depression may occasionally return, but
Never like the first bout. I know now how to
React and move on.
Tell your husband there's hope,
Even when
He can't see it, or
Feel it, or
Believe it.
There's hope."
I'm proof.