tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post2797972459403388160..comments2024-02-16T05:03:49.727-05:00Comments on MelissaKnits: Really Depressing Post Preceding GiveawayMelissaKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05181100868057912442noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-5139991629206377112011-05-12T10:02:14.598-04:002011-05-12T10:02:14.598-04:00Sounds to me like you have a really good perspecti...Sounds to me like you have a really good perspective on this very stressful and difficult situation. Your honesty and willingness to openly talk about this will hopefully help. My prayers are for you and your family to find the love and support you need to get through it.mjknitshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00903181554506530441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-26186440251200438372011-05-11T15:05:22.223-04:002011-05-11T15:05:22.223-04:00I can relate to your pain more than I care to admi...I can relate to your pain more than I care to admit. The best thing I can do is pray for you and your family and the situation you find yourselves in. I can fully understand your need to stay close to home . Virtual hugs and comfort is being sent your way.Judyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14106317589863641585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-80821592944180264482011-05-10T16:25:49.226-04:002011-05-10T16:25:49.226-04:00You are amazingly courageous. Hugs to you and my ...You are amazingly courageous. Hugs to you and my thoughts and prayers are going out to you during this trying time. Thanks for speaking up about something that many people keep hidden.ChelleChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00694179576150625795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-82569703038061414872011-05-10T09:19:27.177-04:002011-05-10T09:19:27.177-04:00I hadn't checked your blog in a bit, Melissa, ...I hadn't checked your blog in a bit, Melissa, and don't think I ever commented before, but had to reach across and give you a cyber hug. As a chronically depressed person raised in a more-than-slightly-dysfunctional home environment I can sympathize and know that nothing we say can change your situation. <br /><br />I always tell myself that it's not put on my plate if I can't handle it and I surprise myself sometimes. You will too -- you'll get through and find your depth of understanding, tolerance, patience and love has only increased. The tears won't felt you smaller, they'll only let you grow.Lesliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13896225590676052139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-1782060803196784762011-05-07T13:37:52.576-04:002011-05-07T13:37:52.576-04:00Thanks for writing that post, which was probably v...Thanks for writing that post, which was probably very, very hard to write. I'm sorry for what you're going through. The choices that family members make impact everyone in the family. Here's hoping that your Mom decides to start taking her meds again, so that she can live out the rest of her days in a healthier way. <br /><br />Take care of yourself during this tough time.Judy https://www.blogger.com/profile/10019813216009291474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-90692458832907417682011-05-07T13:18:39.355-04:002011-05-07T13:18:39.355-04:00My prayers are with you. I am looking forward to ...My prayers are with you. I am looking forward to your new book! Don't forget to take care of you.Cathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-36016062022831176682011-05-07T00:23:03.393-04:002011-05-07T00:23:03.393-04:00Melissa: My heart just broke for you when I read y...Melissa: My heart just broke for you when I read your post. I too lived through a parent's illness - my mother was alcoholic, and smoked 2 packs a day, and ate a high-fat diet. She was constantly under emotional distress, taking the rest of the family with her. Not until I was diagnosed with depression myself did I understand she likely had severe depression, and was using the alcohol to self medicate. <br />Despite the doctors warnings, she continued the excesses, didn't take meds, and we lost her at age 63. I'm still heart broken, even though it's already been 17 years since she's been gone. <br />Like the other posters here, I send you my thoughts and prayers, and virtual hugs, without judgement, without prejudice. <br />Don't forget your self care - even if you can only find 10 minutes to do something you love to do for yourself that is really life-affirming. For me, that was knitting...as long as I have stitches on the needle, life goes on. <br />Take care,<br />Love, JacquelineAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-56602064366156882062011-05-06T20:26:16.321-04:002011-05-06T20:26:16.321-04:00Melissa I admire your bravery. My mom is bi-polar...Melissa I admire your bravery. My mom is bi-polar and I have a hard time saying this out loud even to myself. Why? I don't know. I love her and don't want anyone to think of her negatively, I guess. Maybe I'm afraid someone will think, " Oh, that's what you have, just like your mother." I don't have the answers but it's good to hear others are on my side. Thanks so much.billicummingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01198630125586452166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-65765449123015494232011-05-06T13:58:15.887-04:002011-05-06T13:58:15.887-04:00This post resonated strongly with me because my mo...This post resonated strongly with me because my mom is suffering from the dual illnesses of Alzheimers and ALS. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time.Milissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11624237817896490347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-4905129649245193492011-05-05T22:10:59.595-04:002011-05-05T22:10:59.595-04:00Bless you and your Mom. I'm glad you have a st...Bless you and your Mom. I'm glad you have a strong support system.debranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-85799036145854750482011-05-05T15:32:46.555-04:002011-05-05T15:32:46.555-04:00HUGS,
GerryHUGS,<br />GerryGerryARThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10730757811478587648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-55227634574970852182011-05-05T13:05:06.485-04:002011-05-05T13:05:06.485-04:00Thinking of you. I live in a similar boat, but no...Thinking of you. I live in a similar boat, but not quite as severe at this time. It has been in prior times. Thank you for being so willing to speak out. One day mental illness will be as acceptable to others as physical illness.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11094521236412888416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-78293368969386225632011-05-05T12:53:54.164-04:002011-05-05T12:53:54.164-04:00My mother in law had early-onset alzheimer's d...My mother in law had early-onset alzheimer's disease, and before that was "difficult" (which you can read as mostly-undiagnosed mental illness). The ideas and challenges that you write are or have been dealt with by many, talked about by few. The only thing I can think to wish you both is "godspeed".Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14296058970615313823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-19990453734278524362011-05-05T12:45:34.217-04:002011-05-05T12:45:34.217-04:00{{{Melissa}}} May your courage carry you through ....{{{Melissa}}} May your courage carry you through . . .and when it fails you, look to those dearest to you, because they're ready to carry you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-89817689215641581852011-05-05T11:28:27.978-04:002011-05-05T11:28:27.978-04:00Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insights. Y...Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insights. You rock.<br /><br />Keep doing what you need to do for yourself. I am holding you in light and love.Sally Mnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-24311865126430332562011-05-04T23:38:36.981-04:002011-05-04T23:38:36.981-04:00Thank you for, for everything. Thank you for your ...Thank you for, for everything. Thank you for your post, for your openness and frank observations. For showing your mom the respect and love she needs and deserves despite all else. For supporting her decisions. For treating her like the adult she is. Not every cancer story is that which you wrote about, many are of the "he/she's been through 4 what's a few more", or more likely "He/she/mom/dad needs to do this for me" variety, totally disregarding the feelings, wants, desires of the one actually going through treatment. Their intentions are honest, just misguided. With what you wrote, you are an example for others in similar very difficult situations.Thank you again! Lots of hugs, thoughts and prayers for you and your family.<br />I, too, won't be going to Sock Summit. You're not alone on many levels. <br />Congrats on your new book!!Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11356049205953047530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-52676015439240303522011-05-04T21:56:04.504-04:002011-05-04T21:56:04.504-04:00I cannot imagine feeling anything other than respe...I cannot imagine feeling anything other than respect for you and how you have handled your life. I know you were not fishing for such a comment. Hugs to you and your family. We all learn from strong people talking about the basic elements of their challenging lives.<br /><br />Carole <br />South DakotaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-39997900628851790282011-05-04T21:50:42.645-04:002011-05-04T21:50:42.645-04:00I am one of those who grew up with an unwell paren...I am one of those who grew up with an unwell parent who wound up broken but I am repairing myself. <br /><br />My Mom was severally depressed and probably had some sort of schizophrenia type of disorder, based on her thinking. Now she has early onset dementia and has had it for 10 years. She is 62.<br /><br />I totally can relate to what you are going through.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06645996707101717652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-82314638398067271372011-05-04T20:54:35.965-04:002011-05-04T20:54:35.965-04:00I'm just here to say I'm sorry that this i...I'm just here to say I'm sorry that this is the situation, and send a hug your way.ccr in MAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16938353645353176255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-31452430589023467582011-05-04T20:26:50.462-04:002011-05-04T20:26:50.462-04:00It must have been very difficult for you to post y...It must have been very difficult for you to post your thoughts today, and I'm glad you have a way to get this off your chest and out into the ether. It sounds like you're on your way to finding some peace and I hope that peace will meet you halfway. I'm also glad you're surrounded by good people (and that cute pup!). Love & peace to you.Sharripiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08871116974993716125noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-47134007044311689212011-05-04T20:18:34.316-04:002011-05-04T20:18:34.316-04:00thoughts and prayers coming your way, just wanted ...thoughts and prayers coming your way, just wanted to say thank you for being open about mental illness, it is indeed an illness and should never have been hidden ans stigmatized. There is nothing to be ashamed of with mental illness and the more aware people are, the more the world will see this, hugs!!!Anonymoushttp://(optional)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-1540174281140428662011-05-04T18:49:29.111-04:002011-05-04T18:49:29.111-04:00Thank you very much for sharing with us. I can'...Thank you very much for sharing with us. I can't relate 100%, being the one in my family who HAS the mental illness, but I have seen what my behaviour and choices have done to those around me. It is not easy to love someone who is ill, and I thank you, and all those like you, who stick through it all. Thank you. And thank you for being there to support your mom, regardless of the situation. She is a lucky woman to have you.<br />(Hey, even the capcha agrees with me: the word to verify is "impress"!)Mooniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18242937864748572256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-83675776002849300792011-05-04T18:34:43.801-04:002011-05-04T18:34:43.801-04:00I wondered if something like this wasn't what ...I wondered if something like this wasn't what prompted your post, and reply to my comment, on FB this morning.<br /><br />As someone who has dealt with depression most of my life (we can trace it back to grade school) I sympathize with your mom, but I also have a lot of sympathy and respect for you in hanging in there for her. Even if she's made choices you don't agree with, you're still there, and that does mean a lot.<br /><br />I hope that things don't get more difficult for you, or for her. Remember through all of this you're allowed to be angry, to grieve, and most importantly do what you need to do to take care of yourself and your mental health. <br /><br />*hugs* offered.<br /><br />ToniDataGoddesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02333636638760816308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-63356388246109030392011-05-04T18:17:12.300-04:002011-05-04T18:17:12.300-04:00I am glad you felt comfortable enough to bare your...I am glad you felt comfortable enough to bare your soul and hopefully it will give you the inner peace we all need. I wish I could say/do more other than you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.Debbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06738058993182994702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19093186.post-41067696233748884502011-05-04T17:06:47.171-04:002011-05-04T17:06:47.171-04:00Witnessing. And sending virtual whiskey (which can...Witnessing. And sending virtual whiskey (which can be non-alcoholic if that's how you roll) for strength in this difficult time.<br /><br />And thanks for sharing. Your question about the difference between this and someone with cancer making a similar decision is a good one even if no one has any answers.JoVEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16680602039278597976noreply@blogger.com