Welcome to My Bumpy Ride.......

Before you all read on, I guess it is best to introduce myself to you and let you know a bit about myself. I am Susan, and first and foremost, I am a mother to a wonderful young man. Though he is grown, he will always be that three year old little boy, that asked all those questions and expected answers to them all. Though I will tell you much about myself in this blog there is no one or nothing that is as important to me as him, even if I don't discuss him much, because he kina likes to remain private.

For years I was actively trying to find myself, but that was a big waste of time, since by doing so I was not living. All my life I have always known that I was "different", but was unable to know why that was. I first thought that perhaps it was because I was adopted, but that was not the case. Turns out, I am bipolar and pretty much have been all my life. This was explained to me about nine years ago when I had a major melt down. I tend to be more on the depressive side, but have on occasion been quite manic. My last episode was early thru mid 2008, with full blown depression. For five months, I bearly left my house, let alone my bed. Why am I telling you this? I just want it out in the open and let you understand that I discuss my illness from time to time.

Present day, I am currently a full time student, studying social work. At the end of 2011 I was approached by a mentor of mine, who mentioned a new program that was going to launch here in Rhode Island. This new program called the Peer Wellness Coaching, was something that I had always wished would become a reality and to add even more excitement was the fact that this mentor was inviting me to train for a position as one of the Peer Wellness Coaches.

So currently (spring 2012) I am part of the three phases of training and should be employed by the fall of 2012. What is even more excellent about this program is that they are aware of my education goals and are willing to work with me on maintaining those goals.

Also you might hear me mention NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), because I am actively involved with them. I am a facilitator and state trainer for the NAMI Connection groups (peer run support group) here in Rhode Island, and I also help teach high school and college students about mental illness through NAMI RI's Inside Mental Illness program.

So with all that being said...I hope you read on to my daily activities and thoughts and such.



Sunday, July 15, 2012

Saturday Centus - Slowly Losing Him




I found Jenny Matlock’s blog and saw that she has a weekly challenge called the Saturday Centus and decided to take part in it.  I used to do this sort of thing back when I was active in Yahoo 360 and have missed it.  So here it goes…

The prompt this week is:  Wait!  There's more!' 
Number of words: 100 words PLUS the three words of the prompt. 
103 maximum word total.
Style of writing: Any
Pictures: Any 



Slowly Losing Him

She could hear the door slam shut as her son’s backpack hit the floor, followed by small feet running in the house to her.  She could see his excited face as he said, “Guess what happened today!”

She never got a chance to answer, “Mark lost his…” She heard his voice, but she was lost in her own head. 

“How did it get this way?” she wondered as she tried to show interest.
As she tried to get him to stop, he yelled, “Wait!  There's more!”

She smiled at him, with her tears hiding painfully behind her eyes, knowing she was losing him.

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5 comments:

  1. JudieJuly 15, 2012 at 3:46 PM

    Great take on the prompt, Susan! I read your "opening statement" about yourself, as well. Bi-polar disorder runs in my family on my father's side. He had it, and eventually committed suicide, one of my brothers has it, my sister had it, and both her sons have it. It skipped me, though. I have seen first-hand what that illness can do. It takes a really strong person to handle it. I applaud you for your efforts. Best of luck to you in your endeavors!!

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  2. Susan AndersonJuly 16, 2012 at 12:08 AM

    Well done!

    =)

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  3. AnonymousJuly 16, 2012 at 8:22 AM

    Interesting. brings more intrigue to the reader...well done!

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  4. anitamombanitaJuly 16, 2012 at 12:12 PM

    Hello Susan. Welcome to Mrs. Jenny's world of Saturday Centus. I've enjoyed taking part.

    This was a sad but poignant piece.

    I admire your courage and forthrightness regarding your bipolar disorder. Thank you for taking your "weakness" and making it a strength to help others. There's nothing better!

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  5. JennyJuly 24, 2012 at 7:19 PM

    Hi Susan!

    Welcome to SC!

    Your writing was so poignant.

    My daughter struggles with bi-polar and it is a battle every day. My heart breaks to see her suffer...but also swells with pride as she learns to take her life in stride.

    I hope you enjoy SC!

    It's one of my favorite things to do...and it's with a bunch of supportive and kind people as well!

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