If I could walk in your shoes for a day, what would the voices say to me, what would the faces look like? Could I survive your reality or would I go mad?
Prompt #13: tell about whose shoes you’d like to walk in for a day.
The Trifextra Weekend challenge: exactly 33 words written in first person narrative.
*Since his pre-teens, my son has struggled with a myriad of mental health issues. Diagnosed at age 12 with severe panic/anxiety disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, he also has bouts of depression, and times when he experiences auditory and visual hallucinations. As much as I try to be empathetic, I can’t totally grasp what he’s going through. Some days, I’ve wished I could be inside his head, to experience what he does, so that I could understand and perhaps be better equipped to help him. Yet, being witness to his episodes of panic and depression, I don’t think I could survive them with as much strength and courage as he does.
Just remember that you built and maintain the foundation for that strength.
Brilliantly said in 57 words.
Coming by from the linkup. My son is 20 and a new daddy. He is bipolar, OCD, generalized as well as socialized anxiety disorder and ADHD. I have a friend whose daughter sounds like your son only add Aspbergers to her list. Having watched both my son and her daughter grow up I often wish I could take one bad moment away. One hurt, one rage, one moment of sadness. For them to have one day of level. Just one day.
I think every parent feels this need on some level. And I can only the imagine the intensity of your need. Great interpretation on this prompt, Tara. Very touching.
Thanks for linking up.
Spoken by a true mother who would take the place of her child in pain or need. Beautifully said.
It must be heartbreaking, at times. But you’re such a supportive and loving mom. Your son is so lucky to have you.
This is very beautifully written from the heart…the heart of a mother. Sweet hugs to you, my friend!
your feet would hurt from disturbing fits at times. Good work.
That was a powerful piece before reading about your son. Then I had to reread it. Hes so lucky to have a mom that *gets* him. He must get his strength from you. Thank you for sharing.
Tara, what a beautiful love you have. This shows what you as a parent are willing to sacrifice for your child.
That is a beautiful tribute, Tara. Full of empathy and pain.
Tara, this piece brought tears to my eyes. I can only imagine the struggles you both face on a daily basis. You both are very lucky to have one another. That unconditional love is imperitive and invaluable…for both sides. Thank you for sharing. We love when you link up.
Hard stuff, Tara. But it seems clear to me that you parent with grace and love.
What a powerfully poignant piece Tara & I bow to your love for your son.Am so glad that he is courageous-what a tough life it must be-I cannot even begin to imagine!God Bless you both & your love for each other.
A beautifully written response to what must be a heart-breaking experience. Thank you for sharing this.
As was noted in my piece, there is an intensity to living with mental illness that is difficult cope with. I would like to think that the love being shared by you and your son is being done as intensely and deeply as is the concern, worry and frustration. When love exists, hope is never too far behind. Good luck to you and your family. Thanks for bravely sharing your story.
Oh Tara, this is such a powerful piece! I think you’d survive pretty well, given the strength it takes to raise a child with such issues. Don’t underestimate yourself. Thanks for sharing something so personal with us.
“Could I survive in your reality or would I go mad?”
What a beautiful, empathetic, perfect question! Could any of us survive another person’s reality? It is unfathomable to try to stand inside the head of one who suffers so much, but when that one is someone you love so much, the unfathomable becomes impossible to do without. You are a wonderful mother doing the very best she can to try to understand the reality that her beloved son must face. Loving and supporting him is all you can do. We can never truly understand what it is like inside another’s head, but we can listen, and empathize, and love. You are doing all of this beautifully.
Love, light, and strength to both of you.
Thank you for writing this exquisite piece.
I can’t even imagine what you must be going through, let alone your son. But you’ve written a beautiful and stark piece that shows your love and empathy for him.
ahh, Tara . . . the description of Empathy is the ability to walk in someone’s shoes . . . you show much empathy (and motherly love) by asking the questions you do. Hugs to you and your son.
He sounds like a good, strong kid (: It’s wonderful that you care so much for him.
You’d go mad. It would break your heart. I can’t imagine any of my three girls going through what your son and I do. The fact you would means you’re an amazing mother. Thank you for showing me this.
I think you are both brave and courageous and just your maternal instinct to understand, heal, encourage him is just as important as the other parts that push to want him to be better and whole.
I respect that about you, I sit in awe at your acceptance of it and the thought of it will not get the best of either of us. It was a great crafting of those thoughts.
Very nice.
This shows me that you are an awesome mom! I wish less understanding people out there could walk in your shoes for a day. I admire your son’s strength and courage too, your compassion, and your skillful use of these 33 words.
I can only imagine what it’s like for each of you…
‘what would the voices say’… those would be tough shoes to fill. A thoughtful response using both prompts.