19 votes

The year I didn’t survive

4 comments

  1. [3]
    snake_case
    Link
    My ex had cancer, and I was caretaker, and it never occurred to me that making sure they’re still breathing in the middle of the night is a universal experience.

    My ex had cancer, and I was caretaker, and it never occurred to me that making sure they’re still breathing in the middle of the night is a universal experience.

    8 votes
    1. [2]
      MimicSquid
      Link Parent
      Yeah... My mom had ALS, and I came in one afternoon and she didn't stir when I opened the door. She was just sleeping really soundly and breathing lightly. It was a tense moment. It's funny how...

      Yeah... My mom had ALS, and I came in one afternoon and she didn't stir when I opened the door. She was just sleeping really soundly and breathing lightly. It was a tense moment. It's funny how still people can be when they're asleep.

      5 votes
      1. snake_case
        Link Parent
        I do it reflexively for my spouse now, he snores like a freight train but occasionally stops and that wakes me up so I check. He’s a perfectly healthy adult haha

        I do it reflexively for my spouse now, he snores like a freight train but occasionally stops and that wakes me up so I check. He’s a perfectly healthy adult haha

        2 votes
  2. chocobean
    Link
    that must be a very very very hard time for the writer. New borns are extremely difficult, and a post-pregnancy body has many hurdles even without the dire lack of sleep. She didn't mention...

    that must be a very very very hard time for the writer. New borns are extremely difficult, and a post-pregnancy body has many hurdles even without the dire lack of sleep. She didn't mention anywhere if she has sufficient help -- for grieve as well as for child care.

    In a culture obsessed with snapping back there’s little warning that the body is a fragile garment, an easily overstretched sweater that never returns to its original shape. I’ve unraveled.

    I remember making a comment about how my body will never heal and go back to being normal. I remember the hurt and anger and disbelief when everyone told me it's okay, give it time, most of it will be back. I hope the writer is also in the thick of it all right now, and will also re-emerge with most of her new self in tact.

    3 votes