No words can express........

It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else's eyes.  ~Sally Field

I am so completely overwhelmed by the response from my speech!  I knew that it was important and that it would help others in a way that I wasn't helped, but I had no idea that I would touch another person's life in such a personal way.....

Yesterday I went to visit my in-laws with my husband and kids for Thanksgiving Dinner.  (We live in Canada eh? lol)  We had a lovely visit and an amazing dinner (Thanks Mom!)  As a tradition we go around the table and each say what we are most thankful for this past year.  With all of the recent discussion around my speech, illness etc I said again that I am most thankful for my family and friends and the amazing support they gave me during one of the hardest times of my life.  Especially to my wonderful husband who chose to stay by my side and sacrificed so much to help me recover. 

We came home late last night so I didn't check my mail box for any newspapers or flyers, but this morning when my husband woke up he went to get them.  Much to my surprise the Saturday Recorder and Times was waiting for us with a note from our delivery woman "Great article guys!!"  I knew to expect an article in the paper, but I had no idea it would be this soon...  AND I definitely had no idea that it would be on THE FRONT PAGE!!!!  I opened the paper so that I could turn through the pages and there just below the leading story was mine....the Saturday profile 'Mental Illness can strike anyone'.  My husband had to read the article to me, I was still in shock.  At the end of the article were the words ( "Road to Recovery" continues on Tuesday, Oct. 12.)  WHAT??!!  Another part to the article??  OMGoodness!  I could not believe it.  I expected a short column story somewhere in the back pages of the paper, but the Front Page?????? much less another part???


My shock does not end here....oh no....not at all.....  :)
I spent the rest of the day simply relaxing with my family.  I did call my parents to let them know I had indeed made the paper (and to stroke my ego just a little, I informed them it was the front page and another part to come!)  But there was nothing to prepare me for the surprise I just received.  As I came down to get ready for bed, read a little before going to sleep.  My husband asked me if I checked my e-mail.  Which of course I hadn't.  I had a friend request on facebook from someone......without revealing his name this was the content of the message:  "Hello April. I read the article in the Recorder and Times. You are a very courageous lady. It took about 30 minutes for my eyes to dry. As a depression survivor I thank you for sharing. Hugs"

Someone not only felt that what I had to say meant something to them, but it meant enough for them to look for me on Facebook??? 

Needless to say I accepted his friend request.  I must say I am excited, shocked and honoured all at the same time along with a billion other emotions!  What I did has become so much more than I ever expected.....



For tonight, I am going to try to sleep.  Tomorrow I will try to sort out all these emotions!!


Happy Thanksgiving to all those here in Canada, and for those who are not celebrating Thanksgiving, I wish you love, happiness, hope and many things to be thankful for...


Good night