Of all the hardships a person has to face, none is more punishing than the simple act of waiting.
Khaled Hosseini, A Thousand Splendid Suns
What is more torturous, waiting in anticipation or in apprehension? When I was in the crate, every minute stretched into an eternity only to be interrupted by the sound of an approaching vehicle, the hope of rescue marred by the fear of the unknown; after a while, the only conscious thought I remember having was “why me?”
Then it occured to me: why NOT me? I’m as well equipped to handle this as anyone, so why not dispense with the pity party and get on with what part of life I CAN impact, not the part I can’t. This is when I began chewing and tearing at the roof of my prison, a hopeless gesture to some, but dad is firmly convinced that I would have finished the job and clawed my way to freedom had not he and Zach happened along when they did.
This being said, I will admit that the hour I spent alone when they left to get the truck was worse than the days, maybe weeks, spent inside the crate, because now I had hope, and “hope deferred maketh the heart sick”. But hope is always followed by faith, and I had to have faith that they would return, and return they did, to the exceeding benefit of all concerned.
Now, for most people, everything seems to be about waiting, waiting for the weekend, waiting to go on vacation, waiting on the next election, the next round of chemo, the next paycheck, etc, for good or for bad, always waiting for something to happen to us, not for us.
Why wait on the things we can’t control, but put in motion the things that we can? Sure, everyone knows that I have declared every Friday to be Official Charlie Bravo Day, but why should I wait? I can have as much fun on Wednesday afternoon as I can on Friday night; the secret is to always be mindful of what you can do for others in between, preferably for someone or something who can do nothing in return; this action alone can do more to heal the plague of depression afflicting this planet than all the medications, legal and otherwise, combined.
If we can’t fix everything, should we not fix anything? I think not! Regardless of your situation in life, at a cancer treatment center, nursing home, homeless shelter, too old, too young, etc, etc, it matters not, but WE all do and whether you recognize it or not, your actions make a difference to someone.
And Nikki? Stay strong; we have your back.
Well said…..Nikki remember you are a bad ass!
You just brought tears streaming down my face! Well said Charlie. Thank you for your thoughts and your support!
I had rescued a dog. For the first time in 9 years since being raped I slept all night. No anxiety attacks. No more meds. Now we’ve moved into an apartment that wants a letter saying she’s a therapy dog and my doctor won’t sign it because I was never actually diagnosed with generalized anxiety and she’s only had me as a patient for about a year. Now I’ve got to find Angel a home and am back on meds. I think we have a pretty messed up healthcare system all the way around.
Callie find a new doctor. The fact that you were not taking meds after your experience because of the peace and security you felt because you had your dog…and now you’re ON meds…speaks volumes. Find a doctor who will hear you, and not want to put you on meds immediately. Get a therapist or psychiatrist who can address the anxiety and PTSD issues, and indicate that your dog is indeed a therapy dog. Don’t give up, fight for your right to live without meds…and for your right to keep your baby!!
Heather Shaw I’ve been in counseling off and on for the last 9 years. Not sure what doctor to use anymore. I’ve been trying to find one that will listen and even if they listen one time they don’t the next. I hate doctors!
Maybe there’s a rape victim’s center in your vicinity that could help? Otherwise, can you find another place to live?
Natalie Pepper can’t afford anywhere else right now. I’m going to look into rape centers
Natalie Pepper, great idea. Callie, I hope you can find an organization that really cares. You should not have to be on meds if there is an alternative. And that is your Angel.
I have a 10:00 appointment on Monday with my therapist to talk to him about it. I think he is going to write the letter. Paws and fingers crossed! Right now she is staying with my mother in law and I come see her as much as possible
OMG! Now that is worth fighting for! Don’t give up, Callie. I don’t know your struggles, but you deserve to be happy.
It wouldn’t irritate me so badly if she hadn’t been the one prescribing anti-anxiety meds! I don’t get it!
Good luck to you.
We can make the difference! No matter how little it seems, it could be great and important for someone else.
Callie Brucks, you break my heart. Find another doctor. This just isn’t right!
I truly don’t know where to turn. There just aren’t any other doctors here except for the ones at that clinic and in order to get w different Doctor I have to leave the clinic
I love that book so much.
I love your words!
I wouldn’t care how long it took to win a fluffies friendship and trust, if it meant they got the love and help they needed.
Whatever it takes is worth the wait.
Indeed we do, Nikki. (Sheer poetry, Charlie.)❤️
You touch my heart Charlie girl….you touch my heart❤️
Excellent words of wisdom.
Me encanta ésta historia.
Maybe get another Doctor? Hope it works out for you Callie Brucks. 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtGeu6q32L4