“I would have learnt to love black days like bright ones.” Spoken as he lay on his deathbed, Joseph held his hand out to his wife. “My dive into depression has hurt all of you”, gesturing to his children that were present. His oldest son, Michael refused to join them as they said goodbye to their father. Joseph had been sick for a while and they all knew his death would be coming soon. They remembered seeing him at his worst on those black days, but were unable to lift him back into a brighter place. His illness had controlled the family life in hurtful ways. Since scientists revealed depression as an illness, he was forgiven. The physical illness is what is taking him away now.
***
Prosery: Walcott’s Dark August
The Bag Lady 
Real and for many – so true.
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Mental illness of any kind acts as a very clever thief of time, Very well said.
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Well done my friend
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I almost lost my son to depression. It is a disease that inflicts so many people in my family. Thank you for writing. And thank you for posting this.
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I’m glad you’re working through🙂
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❤️❤️❤️
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Great insight displayed in your piece Cheryl ❤️
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Well done, Cheryl. Depression is a devastating thing. The missing son makes the story very relatable.
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Thank you
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You are welcome.
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Such a sad prosery, Cheryl! I, too, found depression within that quote.
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
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I’m glad you are better now but your words and poems are always thoughtful or full of thought I should say
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Thank you, Cheryl! I appreciate your kindness. 🙂
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2nd line: “…held is hand out” ….I think you want “his” …
This is a beautiful piece and one that can resonate with anyone who has had a family member, relative or friend suffering from depression. Yes….it is easy (well, not really) to understand depression and therefore the behavior and words said are part of an illnes….unfortunately, it doesn’t make cutting words or actions hurt any less. You’ve captured the feelings here well.
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Thank you
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Your Prosery piece is so sad, Cheryl, and a dark subject too. I like how you used the prompt line to springboard into your story. I have had depression several times and it’s common to become depressed when ill. When a person has depression it affects everyone around them, even if they don’t know what’s wrong.
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Mental illness takes its toll on each family member, even if only one has been diagnosed. Sounds like the oldest child is struggling. Wishing I could give him a hug.
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