Ray, of course, was the strong one for the family keeping everything up together.
When, nearly two years later, I finally managed to come out, and stay out, of hospital, my dad gave my mother's Cairn terrier, Brinnie, to me, then 5 years old. She lived to be 12 and was a great companion and help in getting me back to full health. Since then I've always believed in 'the power of dog.'
But nothing, just nothing, of course could have prepared me for Jinks!!
This is a photo of my mum, one of my favourites, taken by my father when Brinnie was just few weeks old.
You are so like your dear mum Hazel......a very lovely photo oh her. Dogs are a great healer & it must have been such a comfort for you to have her dog....generous gesture by your dad too because he must have been missing her very much...he put your happiness before his own.
I know several people still suffering from the after effects of losing a parent - there seems to be inadequate support - people are expected to just cope and as a result suffer long term issues. Not helped at all of course when you are already battling with underlying issues.
I personally believe it is catastrophic loosing your mother, nothing can prepare you for it. To loose your mother so quickly must have been unbearable. My thoughts are with you Hazel, as one who suffers from depression I can imagine how hard it must have been for you during that two years. A lovely idea of your dad to give you her dog. Dogs and cats can be of huge comfort during difficult times
A lovely pic. of you dear Mum and her lovely dog. This time I`ll express my deepest respect for you husband Ray. He did great standing beside you when you have you bipolar episode . I sure know it was difficult for him to.
It`s a great , lovely example what marriage meant to be. In good and in bad times. A fav for also this reason and the lovely tribute of you Mum
Now I've just read this one about your dear mum and the effects for you. So traumatic. How wonderful to have a great husband who understands. This is a beautiful shot of your mum & Brinnie. Pets are amazing in a healing process.
So brave of you Hazel to talk about the events and your fragility in coping with the tragedy A lovely photo -and a lovely capture of the berginia in your other photo. Keep strong with the support of Ray . x
very beautiful photo, her expression is lovely. so sorry you lost your mum so tragically. I lost my mom when she was in her early 90s after she had a long happy life - and she was ready - but still an enormous loss. thanks for sharing..
A beautiful portrait of your mum and your lovely dog! It must have been very hard for you Hazel and thank goodness you had Ray supporting you! Definitely the power of dog helped to pull you through!
So sorry Hazel to hear about your loss and the effect it had on you.It must have been a difficult time for both of you with a family as well pleased the little dog helped to your recovery along with Ray at your side. You have a lovely photograph of your mum to treasure.
Oh Hazel, I'm sorry for the struggles you went through with your mom's death. I don't have Bi-Polar and I do understand what a death of someone so near and dear to you can happen. I'm happy you made it back to good health and are taking photos and what I feel are fond memories of your mother. This is a great picture of her with her dog. Dogs are great healers because they love so unconditionally and can sense when you need them.
An honest and moving post Hazel. I think it is a very positive sign that you are telling us ie 365 friends about your struggles. I had a similar episode after my parents' deaths. Extreme anxiety and depression. For me too a wonderful husband and beautiful pet helped me through it. I'm a stronger and healthier person now having worked through the many issues associated with family.
Thank you for sharing your heart with me. I have no idea what it was like for you at that time. I can only imagine. I'm glad you had your Ray beside you. Our men stepped up didn't they. And your wee dog. My cat is a great comfort to me many a day. Treasure your memories of happy times. 😍
You have been through much Hazel; this is such a happy shot of your Mum and her pup. I am so happy to read that she came to you to help you heal. Hugs Cx
What a beautiful shot and such a sad yet inspiring story. I know only too well the trials and tribulations of people with bipolar. Both you and Ray are an inspiration to anyone affected in this way.
What a cute shot of your mom with here dog! Wow Hazel that made so much inpact to read that you went to a bipolar episode that lasted that long. Hope your stable now and will stay like that.
Sweet picture of your mom and her dog!!! My Dad was bipolar, but back then, they called it manic depressive. Not a fun time, but so glad you are better now!
Yes, it was manic depressive when I first knew that it was what I had - I was 19 when I had my first breakdown and 53 when I found out my diagnosis. Did your dad know? Hope he was not ill too often.
It`s a great , lovely example what marriage meant to be. In good and in bad times. A fav for also this reason and the lovely tribute of you Mum
Yes, it was manic depressive when I first knew that it was what I had - I was 19 when I had my first breakdown and 53 when I found out my diagnosis. Did your dad know? Hope he was not ill too often.