[Alffe]

Life is a journey.

There is a forest, dark and deep - the forest through which I've come. I thought it would be beautiful. I had heard stories that it was. People who'd been there talked of streams of laughter, meadows of peace, pools of nurture, and waterfalls of joy.

I found rivers of hatred, swamps of ridicule and abuse. I found brambles and snares of denial and hopelessness.

After many years, I escaped to a clearing. The gentle breeze pushed away the old things and cleansed me. I drank in the fragrance of hope and saw with new eyes the beauty around me. I held the distant rainbow in the palm of my hand, and strength soared through me.

But the respite didn't last long. I gathered up my possessions and began a new journey into the new forest.

The outer forest is lush and full of the things I've heard about and wanted. The people I meet are affectionate and joyous. But I fear the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Is this forest going to be the same as the other? Is this only another trap? A party before the funeral?

I look back and see a signpost I hadn't noticed before. Pointing to the way I've come, it says, "No longer an option." Pointing to the path I now take, it says, "Your life."

I hoist my knapsack and grip my walking stick. And I begin my journey once again.

********************

by Lisa Halls Johnson in the book "A Reason to Live" author Melody Beattie

[Alffe]

"I have not mentioned the stage called depression--the English poets called it melancholia--because it is really more of a constant companion, lurking within your psyche for days and then springing like a wolf at your throat because of some slight, or the breaking of a shoe lace or even the stubbing of a toe. Its lease on its lair in your subconscious can endure for years. Its antidote, I learned, is contact with people who care."

*******************************
Depression is! We can discuss the degrees, the frequency, the many causes...the effects are the same. It drags you down and tries to pull you under. And fighting it can be exhausting! Survivors win the fight...sometimes one hour at a time.
The allure of suicide is a cruel joke.

[Doody]

One hour at a time is right, Alffe.

I think sometimes when it comes down to fighting it not only an hour at a time, but with every passing second is when some suicides occur. The pain and struggle becomes too much to bare.

Being at a weaker point in my life at the moment, I'm afraid to say too much more because it won't be supportive enough. I can understand why people give up.

That's why people like you are so important. You help to keep the charge going. Hugs.

[Alffe]

Doody I know that your plate is overloaded...like you needed more pain in your life...NOT! I don't need to tell you that it will get better, you already know that. Sometimes we are just overwhelmed on this road...It's ok to take a little breather...to admit that it's too much...to say "uncle"..even to our loved ones. They are right there for you dear lady and are stronger than you think. We are here for you too, lean on us for awhile. (((Doody)))

[Alffe]

this is the thread I was looking for...ty Lara! I was thinking about BJ while making tomato juice this afternoon and I so wish I could give her a real life hug.

I'm reading a wonderful book "Touched by Suicide. Hope and Healing After Loss"

by Michael Myers, and Carla Fine and I wanted to quote something from it.

"People who have been plagued with suicidal thinking, or who have tried to kill themselves and are now well, believe that they have been given a second chance. They are grateful to be alive, and feel that their lives have more significance and purpose. Many emerge from their ordeals with special insights; having been in that awful place, they know both the terror and the allure of wanting to end your own life.

We have much to learn from survivors of suicide attempts, whether we are survivors of a loved one's suicide, clinicians, researchers, or everyday citizens. Individuals who have attempted to take their lives can help us make sense of the life and death of a family member, a friend, a colleague, and show us ways to seek clarity and definition after suicide has touched our lives. By fighting to eradicate the stigma of self-inflicted death, we can start to bring about wholesome dialogue as well as more effective prevention. Above all, we will be able to save lives.

***********

You can do this BJ....It's gonna get better in time.

[Alffe]

Thinking about our BJ who is fighting cancer...sending her positive thoughts and reminding her that she's in our prayers.

[Alffe]

bumping this up for Lonely1....

[Alffe]

This isn't the thread I am looking for but will bump it up anyway and keep looking.