When you hear the words “mental illness” or “crazy” what do you think of? Even to this day, I refer to an old movie with people walking around mumbling to themselves, rocking back and forth. Perhaps you have your visual of a scary mean face, brows furrowed, evil grin and the word pain tattooed across one set of knuckles. This isn’t the case most of the time, of course, there are those instances but not the story I am going to share.
This guy is handsome, defined build of 6’3″ brown hair, deep green eyes and a crooked smile that went slightly up on the right when he laughed or was happy. His heart is as attractive as his outer appearance, giving, loving, happy and a go getter. Then comes the storm.
It is always a positive thing when the sun is shining and it is that perfect degree out. Everything is green and the flowers are blooming without weeds surrounding them. The air is light but just enough of a breeze that takes off the sweat that should appear on your brow. No one ever complains about that, who would right?
Then the clouds come, the temperature drops, the wind picks up and the storm strikes. That is what we hear on the news. That is the talk at the checkout stand, what we remember to tell in our stories. “The Storm Of (pick a date).” No one ever says, “Oh my goodness, do you remember the sunny day of (Pick a date)?” No, it doesn’t happen. Mental illness is the same way.
I remember the sunny days with this guy, the sunny day of 1982. I have memories of marigolds, planted and his little 5-year-old self-saved them all from a downpour of water. I remember the breakfast of toast, peanut butter and fruit loop sandwich, school programs, hiking, swimming, the list goes on.
I am not saying I do not remember the storms of his mental illness, I do but I do know the sunshine that he can bring. When you see that storm approaching in people, please try to understand what they may or may not be going through. They have sunshine in them try to see what is good, try to see what is sunny.
Do you have storms or sunny days that stand out in the ones you love or hold dear? Please feel free to share them with me, you aren’t alone.
This is such a special post, Clara! Such a heartbreaking issue. I love how your approach is to look at the sunshine while showing love and patience during the rainy season. You are a shining example!