The Demon called Darkness

I call it a demon because it is - it is called Darkness and it envelopes all. It reaches out and encircles not only the child, but also the family, and the friends. It gleefully grabs at the years of youth that should be filled with laughter, friends, and memories and steals away the moments. It removes the smiles and creates tears and fears. It breaks hearts and claws away at potential. And because of this I wear a green ribbon this week in honour of all those who hurt; who cry; who are lost, to let them know they are not alone, that it is OK to reach out, and that there are those of us who will speak out to find a way to let their lights shine and their smiles grow. May 4th - 11th is Children's Mental Health Week. Wear Green! Show you care!

Measuring Success

"We measure success in steps so small that for most they are immeasurable, but for us they can be akin to the steps of giants." (MS) That is how it can be for someone living with or caring for a person with a mental illness or disorder. A good day after a series of bad days; a picture with a natural and genuine smile; participating in a game or event; hanging out with a friend (or making friends); going on family vacations and having those vacations go without any blips; getting to school regularly or not having any calls from school that day. Even simple things like eating at the supper table with family, choosing what to eat, or spending time watching TV with the family can be a monumental endeavour when someone is hurting. And so for the person living with the mental illness and / or their family members expectations are adjusted and measures refined to where success is measured one day at a time, one step at a time, however small those steps may be.