"Anything I Can Do..."


April 18, 2013

It's been 3 weeks since my son was arrested.

I count every new event from that day.  Easter was Day #3, for example.  My return to work after Spring Break was Day #10.  My first visit to see him was Day #16.  And so on.  I'm not sure when I'll stop counting.  Thursdays are just hard.

But through all of this I have been supported by amazing people.  Not only my family, and my friends, but people who know my son and me or used to know us.  My Facebook inbox is filled with messages promising prayers and offering kind words.  These messages usually end with "let me know if I can do anything for you".  While this is a standard closing phrase in messages of sympathy, and most people would just see it as such and leave it at that, I actually take people up on it.

Here's what I ask of them:

"If you hear anyone talking about my son and what has happened, be sure to tell them that he is a good boy and he just made a terrible mistake.  He is not a criminal; he's mentally ill, but he's now seeking treatment."

I hope that it's not too much to ask of these kind souls who really just want to make me feel better.  I hope I'm not overstepping my bounds by actually asking something of them in return.  But I don't regret my requests.  Hey, they asked if there was anything they can do.  And yes.  Yes, there is.


4 comments:

  1. I am bipolar, rapid cycling. I read your blog in International Bipolar blog section. Because of the illness I made financial mistakes. I was charged and sentenced to three years in federal prison, Canada. I am commenting to say the with time all passes. It was important for me to have love and support of family and friends. Of equal importance was the fact that upon release I had a plan for therapy and medication set out, including meditation techniques. Good luck.

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    1. Thank you for sharing your story. I can't tell you how much better I feel knowing that there are success stories out there. Let's hope my son can follow his therapy/medication plan as you have. He's got a long road ahead, but I do have hope.

      Peace
      ~SHM

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  2. I am so inspired by your writings. Your honesty and openness are admirable. I know so many people will be affected by your willingness to share your personal struggles and how you are overcoming them. Your hope in the dark times is amazing! I will be praying for you and your family.

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