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October 08, 2007

i take the blue ones every time

The long weekend is almost over. Thanksgiving continues it's two day celebration. I have done two services of turkey at two different restaurants. Today i will do one more.

Smiling, chatting. Families celebrating and giving thanks. Eating massive plates of turkey and gravy and stuffing. Feeling generous.

I always tell my customers about my children. Chat about school and activities. Plying them with wine and cider.

I was invited out twice this weekend. I couldn't go. Partly because of this rotten cold i've been hanging on to. But mostly because my social anxiety is strangling me a little.

I'm used to having someone by my side. A child. A husband. Someone to take the spotlight off of me. I am not ready to be the only. To be pitied. To take sympathy. To talk about myself.

Instead i have been retreating to my condo. Sleeping. Thinking. Reflecting.

I'm not sure how i am going to be able to make friends. Be a friend. In this new way. It will come.


Posted by Jess at 09:35 AM Permalink

Comments (4)

I totally remember how it felt to be without the support of a husband or child. Make a list of what you are most afraid of in relation to being "out there" and fielding the pity and sympathy and isolation and embarrassment. Then with each item, ask yourself, "what's the worst that could happen?" Usually, when I investigate my fears in this way I realize I can handle them.

Reality is usually friendlier than the scary movies we run in our minds.

Just breathe Jess, slowly in and out....sometimes thats all you can do.

Happy Thanksgiving to you. Want to know what I am thankful for? That you and I are both here....and still fighting.

Thinking of you.

Bonnie

I thought I was going to bed an hour ago...but your blog called me...and I answered. I haven't visited for a while. I buried my father in July and my grief has altered my existence.
Jess, I'm so sorry for the hurt and the pain. I'm so grateful for the happiness and the joy. Its all in the same cup, the cup of life. Sometimes its more full of the good stuff, sometimes its heavy with the harder stuff. You are doing this balancing act. Drink up from your goblet of life.
I'm so sorry for this new journey with Shane. Sorry for the pain and confusion that separateness causes however unintentional. Grateful for healing.

Take care my friend.
bonnie

I'm so excited for you! Great things are coming out of this painful transition!

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