Starting Over

It's been about a year since I've lived around here. I thought that I didn't miss it but after a while I realized that New Orleans will always be my home. I'm thankful for all that I've been through in the past year. All of those things made me a stronger person I think. I can deal with the things that life may throw at me now.

I met my husband on November 14th 2008. He is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. He put up with me when I was absolutely psycho. I gave that man hell and he didn't kill me. I'm grateful to say the least. He's shown me more patience, kindness, and love than anyone with the exception of my parents.

I met him in a rather unusual setting. I was sitting in the day room at a small, square, brown table with some of the other patients at the hospital. He was sitting across from me trying to figure out what to write on the blank white page in front of him. He asked another patient a question then looked at me with his green eyes and said, "Name a positive quality about me."

I was surprised. He hadn't spoken to me at all so I didn't know anything about him. I awkwardly replied,"You're nice..."

"Oh, that's great. I have to write ten positive qualities about myself and I'm drawing a blank. Doctor Angela gave me this assignment and said I needed to finish it today. Is she your Doctor too?"

"I don't know who my doctor is yet. Nobody's talked to me about it."

The mental hospital isn't really so bad. It's not like they portray it in movies although I'm certainly not saying that I'd like to go back. Also, keep in mind that having a stay in a mental hospital doesn't mean that you're crazy even though many people make that irritating assumption.

After I left the hospital I left my parents home to live with some friends while I waited for my now husband to pick me up to live with him a good distance from this place that I had decided just had too many bad memories.

I don't regret the time spent away. I think that it was a good thing in a lot of ways, but I'm so glad to be back here. It's good to be starting over here rather than pick up where I left off. We have good jobs and a great home. I'm happy. It's been a long time since I've been so happy. I'm stable and like I said, I'm strong enough now to deal with things life may throw at me.

 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org