Posted by Gracie2 on October 28, 2001, at 22:39:13
In reply to Re: breakdowns » Kristi, posted by paxvox on October 28, 2001, at 14:13:55
I had a breakdown last year, can't think of what else you would call it. My aunt, who I loved dearly and who was more like a mom to me than my own mother, was diagnosed with colon cancer and decided to die at home. My two cousins and I took turns, in 24-hour shifts, taking care of her. I cannot describe how painful it was to watch this beautiful, fun, vibrant, loving woman disintegrate into a pain-wracked shell. I fed her, I gave her sponge-baths, I massaged her, I washed her hair, I read to her; sometimes I had to shut myself in the bathroom and run the water so she couldn't hear me crying.
Two weeks after she died, my son's best friend died after a party. I'd known him for years and loved him like he was my own. My son was wild with grief, and I think I literally went into shock. One day I answered the phone and it was my boss. She said, "So, do you plan on coming in to work tomorrow or what?" I said, "What's the matter?" and she said, "Well, since we haven't seen you for the last two days, I thought maybe
you quit." I said, "What are you talking about? It's only Saturday." She was quiet for a minute and then she said, "Today is Tuesday. You didn't come to work Monday or today, and you didn't call."
I was so shocked, my hands started to shake. I HAD LOST THREE DAYS. I had no memory of the last three days at all. Shortly after that, I quit work. I couldn't focus - I didn't know what I was doing. I started acting so strangely, my husband was afraid to leave me alone or let me drive. One day I came home with the passenger-side mirror gone, and I had no idea what had happened to it.
I wasn't sick, but I was not well.So I guess I would call that a breakdown.
-Gracie
poster:Gracie2
thread:13047
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20011025/msgs/13081.html