Well said, Vicky!

((((((Everyone that remembers the hurt)))))),

I used to highlight and circle phrases in books (my own books) -- phrases that 'clicked' when I was in therapy trying to adapt to 'everything'.

I've found that some people (writers especially) have the words that express exactly what's in my heart.

The saying/phrase that I wanted to pass on went something like this -- "Tea and talk is 'Jewish Therapy'. You talk and share experiences and memories over tea until the experiences and memories become just that -- experiences and memories that you share with another human being."

I had so much trouble coping with losing my Brother to suicide and losing my baby to stupidity and to not standing up for my own boundaries. What's gotten me through all of this is talking with others. It's amazing how many people share the same experiences as we do and yet -- we always think we're the only one. For me, fnding out that I wasn't 'the only one' made it so much easier for me to learn how to forgive myself and how to go on and have a life in spite of the pain.

Bless you all for reaching out to help someone who's in such severe psychic pain. I've been there and the hands and the words reaching back to help me and to hold me up saved my life.

Hugs for the room.

Barb

As I read this thread and the responses to it, I could only think about the compassion and warmth of this place where, initially, we came for information and support to help with the medical/physical aspect of this "demon disease"...yet how it is so easily able to transform itself into a healing place for aching hearts. I have no doubt that a peaceful healing has taken place for many...even those who have suffered similiarly, yet didn't feel they wanted to tell their "own" stories here in this moment. Thank you, Harley, for being instrumental in bringing about a healing that might not otherwise have happened if it were not for your strength and courage.

Therese