Posted by Melissa on September 22, 2002 at 10:42:49:
In Reply to: Re: Children Dealing with the loss of a parent posted by Brandy on September 08, 2002 at 22:50:20:
Hi Brandy...
It's been almost 7 years since I've lost my husband... Our son was two and I was one month pregnant with our daughter... Since that, I've had my third child from a since dissolved relationship... She is the most stable one in the family... She has a wonderful relationship with her father. He sees her every weekend, takes her to Dr. appts., volunteers at her school, etc... My other two are not so fortunate...
My question to you is this... How do you find the time to volunteer? I would love to. I share some of your experience, being physically, sexually and verbally abused... Between trying to keep myself and my children together and keeping a job and a home, I don't see how I could poosibly have the time; but, I've always wanted to. It's a way to make light of all the bad that's happened in my life. I believe that God made me strong enough to deal with all this, though at times I don't feel strong at all-- I feel wiped out... But if I can reach out to one person and be some their support that they desperately need and lack, then it's all been worth it... We all need to help each other; right now i need to help my children and myself more than anything, and I'm battling bipolar disorder and PTSD from the trauma... I know I need to focus on our family. I've even slowed my work hours to focus more at home; but I believe that helping someone else may be therapeutic for me also; maybe even gain me some strength while I'm giving them strength... What do you think? Any advice???
Sincerely,
Melissa