So glad to be back at this blog! Honestly, I don’t know what I am sharing here than would be any different than sharing in BOOK #9…my new memoir…
I feel so blessed to be able to be there with my friend Paul as he goes thru some challenging times…we both have bipolar disorder, and right now, as I write, Paul is struggling with the manic end of the illness, which, for him, comes outnas a talkative, boisterous male voice…
Paul tries so hard to be taken seriously—and I do, as I listen to his tirades about homosexuality, heterosexuality and being treated as unwell by some…I believe he is doing his best to be understood, and I try my best to hear him—fully—as I Iisten, nod and follow his train of thought, the best I can…
The gift I give Paul is ATTENTION…I attend to his talking points and encourage him to expand on certain thoughts he is talking about…This is what I need when I am in a manic state of mind—just to be HEARD—I don’t have to prove my worth or improve my stance…only to be heard as I am, in no matter what broken form I bring to the table!
As the sun goes down before me, in my west-facing view, I KNOW that my good friend Jesus is meeting Paul exactly where he yearns to be met too. Jesus is THE ULTIMATE listener, and He KNOWS what is best for Paul, at this crucial time. Paul hasn’t been able to sleep these past two evenings, but has just taken his sleep mede at 4 pm…and hopefully he can get back on track. He is such a responsive and loving friend, and has ALWAYS been there for me when I have been struggling with mental health challenges…I so appreciate his listening ear!
Being a good friend is the best gift we can be for one another! Like my friend Sandra—who happens to be my X-wife—she is soooooooooooooooo kind and supportive, and always ready to listen—and respond to whatever I may be going through. I thank God for the gift of friendship—not only HAVING friends but BEING a friend!! Friendship is the stuff of greatness!!!!