I have a friend
One of the symptoms of depression is that you tend to withdraw from everything; pleasurable activities, family, friends.
One such friend has been staying with us for the last few weeks. We'll call him "Jim." Jim is also bisexual, as well as dealing with other issues such as bipolar, PTSD (combat vet), diabetes and assorted other fun things. He's seen and been through a lot more than I can begin to comprehend.
The other night, when the ground began crumbling beneath my feet, Jim was there. He reached down into the vortex, grabbed my arm, and pulled me back.
When I came out to my wife, Jim was there. When, at the beginning of this last month, I started to crash and burn, he was there. Through this whole drama, he has been there to listen, often late into the night; to laugh with me when I needed cheering. He's stood with me when I couldn't shake off the impending sense of doom, and celebrated with me when it would lift.
There are others, especially my wife, who love me and stand with me, but, much as they'd like to, they can't really understand. Jim has been there. He's worn ruts into that road. He knows what it's like, and like the thousandth man, has stuck with me to the gallows' foot, and after.
Thank you, Jim. For everything.
Comments (1)
Jose:
Indeed. That's why the Bible says: "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:10). You are fortunate to have a friend such as Jim, and I guess I can relate to him in a lot of things.
I deal with bisexual attraction too, and with a type II bipolar disorder. My life has been hard as hell, but here I am: sustained by the grace of God. I don't have a friend that understands my issues and/or is always helping me when I need it. The times I've told my friends about my problems, they just don't understand them... them being heterosexual and all, I just have to cope with it.
Up to this day God has been too merciful with me, even in those times of loneliness and depression. My eyes are set on Him, and I pray for all my life to be eternally consecrated to Him. :)
Posted by Jose | December 24, 2007 12:25 AM