It was Father's Day, 1984, when I heard that voice in the hallway...but then I was always hearing voices...voices, I was certain, that were calling to me to help me break the grip of this amnesic insanity. The doctors had prescribed a regimen of medications designed to tame, to drown these voices in my head. Of course, I was not taking the meds. I remain convinced that these voices are the only real link to my past...to my sanity. On this holiday, with its many visitors, would, when I turned around to acknowledge the voice...would it be someone real...someone that had found me and would lead me...home?
I have written this particular piece out of empathy for the approximately 60 million Americans over the age of 18 who suffer from diagnosable mental illness. Mental illness is the leading cause of disability of those ages 15-44.
It often seems a very fine line between sanity and that 'country' which lies on the other side. I am not always so certain in which 'land' I reside. I do, however, hope and pray that all who suffer from mental illness will find their way...home.
Peace and blessings
Happy Father's Day...
Beautifully done, Jeff. You really captured something here today.
ReplyDeleteWhat a meaningful post from a writing prompt!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog name too!
I liked this and started to write a comment and lost it! But I will just say my family has seen the effects of mental illness on loved ones as well as friends. Thank you for sharing this today. Anne
ReplyDeleteJeff very meaningful post and I see the pain of mental illness and its effects on family. Good writing my friend!
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Jeff! Very disturbing to read - which is what makes it so good!!
ReplyDeleteExcellent and insightful. Thanks for this.
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Really well written. I have a very good friend whose family has been ripped apart by mental illness, and it is heartbreaking to watch. Your story reminds me of the old Elton John song, "Madman Across the Water". Very powerful! Kathy
ReplyDeleteOnce again you have captured a thought in just a few words, great job. I also appreciate that you have such empathy for those who battle all kinds of demons!
ReplyDeleteThis is very meaningful to me right now. I'm very concerned about a friends son who we think might be suffering from a mental illness. She is trying to figure out what her next move should be. It is very difficult. Great post Jeff.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully done Jeff ... there is always that line ... it does exist on so many levels and it touches so many people ... and yet it is so difficult to understand ...
ReplyDeleteHmmmm, is that what the voices are?
ReplyDeleteOk, had to add a little sarcasm there, that's just me. For real, I've known this kind of illness firsthand with my daughter Lori. She heard many voices...
Well written & very timely!
ReplyDeleteExcellent, my grandmammy heard voices till she died, I am afraid more that I will forget. Provoking story!
ReplyDeleteJeff! You are a dork! Seriously. You did so perfectly it is cracking me up that you were "challenged" by doing 100 words!
ReplyDeleteYour post actually made me tear up. It is such a perfect reminder of the pain so many suffer all wrapped up in a finely crafted post.
You are a master, Jeff!
Great take on the prompt. And thanks for highlighting mental illness. So many don't understand or acknowledge it. Good work!
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