Melancholia tests my mind today,
as we celebrate our nation’s independence.
My mind and heart are occupied
with memories of love and loss.
Love from the dear people in my life
who loved me and taught me
how to love myself and others.
Loss from being without
these wondrous teachers.
These beloved ones helped me grow
from self-hatred to self-love,
from being lost to finding my way,
from hopelessness to abiding hope,
from dependence to independence.
Without knowing they were doing so,
they helped me find my way
from losing endless jobs due to depressions
to finding a job I truly love.
Now I work with peers
who suffer from the same mental illnesses
which used to bedevil me.
I share the experience, hope, and the strength I have found,
and help the peers to find their own.
Thank you, Mom, Dad, Rick and Pam.
Peace to you, in Heaven, this Independence Day.
