The Sun Comes Back

Reflecting on old blog posts that came as a result of a conversation with a friend on Facebook. We were asking ourselves the question of why it is so hard to take care of one's self first before helping others. We realized that old habits die hard, that women are usually the more nurturing of the genders, and that nurturing others first is what we were taught.

Unfortunately, it can have dire consequences. In my mother's case, she was not taken seriously enough when she was diagnosed with heart problems and died at a very young age (43). I am ten years older than she was when she died and yet, I don't take my meds when I should and so am following in her footsteps. My doctor, quite seriously this time, said I needed to take the medications, so I am.

This conversation with my friend led to a review of old posts because she mentioned that we had both posted blogs with the subject of nurturing.

Wow, what a trip that was to go back and read just a few of those posts. I was a lot more prolific in those days as I had a freakin' lot more to say and no real strong outlets. Today, I have a great therapist/healer in Liz and a husband who is happy to be a part of that process that has helped the both of us so much.

I skipped over to a private blog I had started quite a while ago and was surprised, again, to find such caring comments and advice from my friends. This blog was opened to very few folks, but the outpouring was huge. It warmed my heart to read those posts and comments and to know that those folks are among those I still call friends. Now there are other friends with whom I have had face-to-face conversations during those tumultuous years, too, and a few are no longer in my personal realm, but those who have stayed and endured are folks I would do anything for at any time.

It is good to be reminded, even in rehashing over painful times, that you do come through to the other side and most usually, with the help of your friends (and family). I am thankful to be reminded of the continuity of love and friendship and to know that it never dies.