The Aftermath and Gratitude

I never in my wildest dreams expected the reactions that I received from my friends and family. I was simultaneously brought to tears of joy and sadness as I heard my loved ones share...

"I am so sorry you went through that and that I could not be there for you. I should have asked more questions, but I did not want to pry."

"I saw myself in your story as it really resonated with me."

"I have a friend that is going through this and I want her to get out and get help."

"I am so glad you did not take your own life because the world would be sad without you."

"I can't even imagine how you must have felt. All I know is you have always been an example to me and my sisters. You probably never realized the impact you had but we loved being around you, hanging out with you and just being a part of anything you had going on in those days. I want you to know I am always here if you ever need someone. I love you so much!! An I cannot express how happy I am that you met Jose! He is your Angel."

"Thank you for sharing this. I know you have always been reserved and I honestly have always been interested in knowing more and have a closer relationship with you. I look to you for advice because you are such an amazing person and you have major girl power. I love you."

My husband has been hugging me so much after he read my story and was so sad for me. I am getting a double dose of "I love you and appreciate you." Now you know why I hesitated to write and share. It conjured up all of those horrible emotions as if I were living them again. But the aftermath or the outcome of this story has been so positive and I wanted to thank you all.

What I have told almost everyone is that we all had some type of dark and tough moments in our lives, and if you didn't, I hope you never do. If I did not go through what I went through, I would not be the person I am today. I feel a sense of responsibility. I want to be a better friend, family member, listener and support where I can be to those in my life. I am careful with the advice I dispense. I want people to walk away from our interactions feeling a sense of connection and trust.

This is a short blog today as it is only a moment of gratitude.