Tags
activist, advocacy, Advocate, creative non-fiction, discrimination, mental health, mental illness, mentally ill, poetry, schizophrenia, stigma, writing, writing programs
Due to symptoms of paranoia the author of this post had to remove it. This is the third time I have had to take something off the Internet because of my symptoms.
The fact that this post is now gone, is a good reminder to everyone reading this that schizophrenia can be a difficult disease to live with.
I’m sorry you came to this post to read about stigma, and you found this message instead, but I think this message is educational – sometimes symptoms can change our lives and our behavior.
Thank you for reading.
Here’s a thought: The “They” who were discriminatory was maybe more of a He/She, maybe? An individual representing the whole? Sometimes I wonder how large the gap in outcomes is dependent on whose hands are holding our future in that moment.
Like my mama always told me, “Don’t worry. They’ll get their’s.”
May the gods smite them where it hurts the most 😡. And may they eat your dust. You have a bright writing future ahead of you. These dweebs can’t take that away.
{{{HUGS}}}
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Good perspective. Thanks for sharing it. The man who wrote to me did say he was going to send my e-mails to his supervisor. I may hear from them again. Thank you!
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Wow, I have so many thoughts and feelings about this. I can’t really even articulate them. I think maybe in the end, “Slow and steady wins the race” from the fable about the turtle and the hare would be my prediction. I think you have the right stuff, and I am confident you will continue to develop your gifts. But I know that really is not the main point. You feel violated, prejudged, and maybe condescended to, I would guess. How awful! Even so, you managed to behave in a manner you can look back on without regret. Very classy!
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Thank you! I saw you posted more of your story. I will continue reading it today. I hope you have a great weekend!
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Thanks! You too!
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Hey, there is a circle here on WordPress that already knows your name! You’re a great writer, and despite these kinds of obstacles that narrow minded people place in your path, your abilities and your dedication to the craft will lead to more success. Who need them? But I know it still hurts, and I’m sorry you’ve had to experience that.
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You are right! Thank you! 🙂
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I miss him too! And he certainly would have insisted you tell them to F off. So did you? Just kidding. I’m advising you not to burn any bridges but to just walk back over it the other way and never look back.
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I didn’t burn any bridges. At least I don’t think so. I definitely didn’t swear at anyone or call them any names. I’ll tell you more about it in an e-mail.
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Xo
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I hurt inside when I read your words here. Not just for you, not just for this, not even just for them. But mostly for you.
And whenever I have that connection – I know I am reading the words of a great writer. I know that we all suffer insecurities, want to be the very best our passion fires in us, want to be accepted for who we are, and need others. I get all that.
And it hurts that you see that as both “universal” and “personal”. That the label “they” use against you, you also carry as your own. And in doing allow that label to hurt you.
I have a grandson. He “is” Downs syndrome to so many: “The Downs boy – they are so loving aren’t they.” Hello? Grumpy child can clear any surface in that “mood” we recognise. Normal child can lob food far and wide in frustration at us not realising he thinks this tastes rubbish. Happy child can drive us nuts with playing the same game over and again as we all do when we are happy.
Do I need to understand Downs Syndrome? Yes. To make both us both more and more normal. Does our grandson need to do anything? No – he already understands us better than we know. He just can’t express that “like we can”.
The “we” who seek “communication skills” because we are not understood or accepted for who we are. The “we” who yearn for more, want more, love more, want to connect more. The we who are each as “not normal” as each other (but hate to admit it).
Your words hurt me because they connect at so many levels. I am my normal. You are yours. And our grandson is his. Don’t hurt for what you are not (or are). That always hurts mostly “me” I find. You are you and add to us all because of that. If we can’t see that – I would say it is us that needs to change – not you.
(And I had no idea that was inside me – please take this long comment as a token of how much you change me – and how much I want that change. And please don’t “change” too much in the pursuit of excellence!)
Paul
((hugs)
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Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to write this to me. I appreciate your support and kindness more than you can know. I need to sit with your words for a while. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
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Paul, It sound like you needed to say what you did.
I knew Becky’s writings would make me think as they always do.
I read everything of hers that I see.
I just can’t find the words to posts what I really want to say. Memory loss….Speech skills and the thought process don’t work as well as they once did.
SO I am One of the
“WE” you mention. The one who was once gifted with the ability to write and speak anywhere to the one who has trouble now. From the English Major and teacher so the student.
Gentle Hugs
Sarah
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Thanks for commenting, Sarah. Your input is always welcome!!!! 🙂
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Becky, Once again you brought tears to my eyes. I am so thankful you have a hubby there to reach out to on days like this.
Hugs my friend.
Sarah
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Thank you, Sarah!! I hope you are feeling better now. 🙂
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