Sunday, August 21, 2011

It's Been Awhile

It has been quite awhile since I have written a blog.  It is the stuff of life that tends to consume our time, doesn't it? Since I have written, my husband has had a very successful hip replacement and we are getting ready for him to have the second one done.  His orthopedic surgeon is very impressed with his recovery!  Of course, I am not showing favoritism at all, am I?  We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary 9 days after his surgery, and I am so grateful to God for bringing us together and for the years we have had to know and love each other.  We have 2 sons and 2 grandchildren.

Our granddaughter is riding her two-wheeler without training wheels. 






Our grandson has his "little" Big Wheel.  He insisted that I ride on it as well!  That was an interesting sight.










Since my last post, I have cut yet another finger on the same food processor blade, left in about the same place on the counter!  It now sits safely (?) in the food processor instead of on the counter.  Same day of the week, same people present, same function of cleaning the counter. 
This one is healing more quickly than the other and the split
in the nail is not as long...

Our grandson is saying more words, and we chuckle at how much he loves life and family.  Our granddaughter starts kindergarten tomorrow, and my daughter-in-law gave the thumbs up for me to accompany them on her first day.  It is hard to keep up with all the changes.

But, for those with DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder), living with constant change is also hard to keep up with.  Two of the clients I see in my office have DID.  It is a disorder that, for some, is frightening because of the switching that occurs without warning. For others, it seems not to be so fear producing.  Neither is right nor wrong....just different.  Mental illness presents itself in as many different ways as there are people with a diagnosis. I see the frustration and anguish in their eyes and on their faces as they switch in front of me, and try to account for lost time and lost sense of identity. There is hope, but this takes a great deal of time.

Unfortunately, there is still a lot of controversy about this diagnosis.  I want to learn as much as I can about this disorder so I am in the process of studying and learning more about DID.  Several books have been helpful...Sybil, When Rabbit Howls, Switching Time, and More Than One.  I am continually seeking articles and books to continue to educate myself in this area.

There is hope.  








18 comments:

  1. WOW...40 years; that is so super fabulous... Congratulations!

    Oh wow what a big day for your Daughter In-law...I mean granddaughter :)! My daughter went into kindergarten last year; the transition was easier on her than it was me. I think that it is sweet, thoughtful and very supportive of you for going. My MIL is supportive like this as well and I truly love and appreciate her for it.

    I am not familiar with DID but not a stranger to Adult ADD, PPD, Depression & Anxiety disorder; I've seen a marked improvement in people's understanding and willingness to accept and learn about Depression and Postpartum Depression but not so much with ADD. I recall when I first started talking to others about ADD and their response to it was to make a joke. I think people tend to be very selective of Mental Illnes -- thank goodness though their are people out there that understand!

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  2. I'm a nurse by profession but I never got to encounter patients with such cases.

    I'm new to your blog and I hope I could get to know you more. Thanks for sharing. Everybody's been on and off a while. Always be at peace.

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  3. Sometimes, though life seems to take us through a roller coaster ride, we just have to stop and take time to breathe. I so often get caught up in everything around me that I forget to take time for just me. Your position is one that requires your attention 24/7 and that must be strenuous at times. Hope to see you writing more when time allows:)

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  4. So glad to see that you have been writing again. Am so looking forward to reading more.

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  5. I am happy to be here again...following u now.

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  6. Congratulations on your 40th wedding anniversaty. Hope all goes well with the surgery, am following your blog now :) I keep cutting myself in the kitchen too. Take care

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  7. Talk about switching time..switching subjects...amazing how you do that...get that bubble wrap out again need to save at least a few fingers to type blog posts with..hope someone snapped a picture of you riding that "little big wheel" what a visualization.......Together.....As always...XOXOXOXOX
    copto

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  8. Glad to read you again. Granbabies growing up, exciting and a little heartbreaking all at once. I know a little about that.

    Mental illness too, but t enough, it is never enough it seems..

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  9. It sounds as though you have been busy with family...how fortunate! Thanks for your thoughtful post, it made me miss my daughter and grandaughter in NC. Time to book a flight;)
    My Best,
    Leah

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  10. Amy, Thanks for the comments. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of misunderstanding about any kind of mental illness. Are you familiar with NAMI? It is an organization that educates the public, consumers, and family about mental illness...

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  11. Melissa, Thanks for responding. I am a therapist in private practice. I see adult clients with trauma or abuse histories...In the blog I try to include both some personal information and mental health education...I am not hesitant to address tough issues.

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  12. Mary, Thank you for encouragement. Sometimes there are not enough hours in the day!

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  13. Anna, Thanks for you comments. I hope to be able to write more often...

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  14. Alpana, Thank you for following the blog...hope it will be a pleasant experience for you.

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  15. Sulekkha, It is nice to know someone else has "issues" in the kitchen...maybe we can share techniques to keep us safe!

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  16. Bongo, I want to buy stock in bubble wrap..and will keep switching subjects as needed....lol

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  17. Jan, grandkids are the greatest invention...we have thoroughly enjoyed them and are looking forward to many more years of chuckles.

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  18. Leah, hope you can book a flight soon.

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