Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Against the wind.

If you don't love yourself, you can never really love anyone else. If you don't love yourself, then even the most perfect partner will never be enough.

You may be wondering why I wrote that. I know that sentence perfectly, because that used to be me.

I've always tried to be the kind of person who is responsible for their own actions. I don't get into that whole 'I'm this way because my parents didn't give me enough toys' crap.

I've always tried to be responsible for me, to not absolve myself of my own actions by blaming it on other people.

But the thing is, no matter who you are, I believe that each of our lives are dictated, shaped, formed by the people we come into contact with. We define ourselves through other people.

Some people are shining examples, the teachers, grandparents, friends. Those people who you want to be like, you want to emulate.

And then there are others who you hope you never become.

When I was young, my father was the most important person in my life. I truly felt that the sun rose and set on his laughter.

Making him smile was my heart's desire. He was the one person in my life who I wanted to be exactly like, I wanted to laugh like him, I wanted to act like him, I wanted to make him proud of me.

I guess you could say that my first love was my dad. In my eyes, he was perfect. He was my hero, and I loved him more than anyone else in the world.

He used to take me fishing, hunting, and was always proud of me when I caught a bigger fish than him, or when I did something clever.

When I was around him, he made me feel like everyday counted, like the light just shone brighter when he was around. When someone like that is around, the day seems better. When they're not, the hours grow into days.

What I remember of my dad and what my mom remembers of my dad are two different things. Both of our perceptions are accurate, because he was two different people. One was the father I adored, and the other was the man who drank too much to quiet his demons.

Even worse than his drinking was the fact that he hit my mom. Being six years old and trying to understand the why of it all, was impossible. Every time I tried to understand, it was like swimming out over my head. I just wasn't ready to understand, and maybe deep down, there wasn't any way I could understand.

One one hand was the father who loved me, who I loved, and then there was the man who came home smelling like whiskey, looking for arguments that weren't there.

I used to lay awake at night, praying that he wouldn't come home with that angry smell on him. That he wouldn't hit my mom.

And each time, it would happen again.

I remember him promising that each (and everytime) was the last. And I believed him. I believed in him. I wanted each time to be the last.

But each 'never', every 'it'll never happen again', one more 'this is the last time' and finally, it was just too much.
I was pretty sure they were going to get divorced, but even knowing that didn't make it hurt any less.

I remember the last time my dad took me fishing. Just me and him. We sat on the bank, casting our lines out for that perfect spot. I remember this like it happened yesterday, instead of twenty-three years ago.

He put his fishing rod down, he turned to me, the setting sun in his eyes and he said, "Sis, me and your mom are getting divorced. But I promise you I will never leave you. I love you and your mom and your brother so much. I just need to get better. Will you pray for me? Will you do that for your dad?"

I remember crying, like I'm crying now, and nodding my head. If my dad asked me to do it, you could take that shit to the bank.

I remember the smell of his shirt, the way he hugged me while I cried, and how his eyes looked when he promised me.

What I didn't know then, thankfully, is that when my mom and dad divorced, he also divorced me. And he never looked back.

----

This year, I had to go into the hospital again. The mental hospital, to be perfectly frank.

My medications stopped working, and it happened so gradually, that when those black thoughts crept in, like a gray fog, it snuck up on me.

Hello, darkness, my old friend.

The thing is, when they ask you about your family, I tell them I had a good childhood.

I had a good childhood because of my mother. My dad, I really don't even mention. I gloss that part over, make it seem less than it is, because I don't want anyone thinking I'm this way because the father I loved abandoned me and never looked back.

But I was tired of carrying that. I was tired of letting him off the hook for that one, the way I'd been doing for years.

Sometimes it's just too easy to blame things on someone else. Sometimes it's too easy to blame my own shortcomings on my dad.

Carrying that weight was just too much, so for the first time, I talked about him. I admitted to what I never talk about.

I finally realized that by pushing everything down, by pretending that I'm fine when I'm not, things had come full circle. I had become my father.

So, on the last day of my old life, I was sitting in class, and I just couldn't pretend anymore.

I couldn't paste on a smile for another second.

I got up out of my old life, and I walked out. I ended up walking toward my mom's job, not knowing how I was going to find the strength to ask her, to beg her to help me get better.

Instead of thinking about that, I just walked to her job. I remember pulling myself together enough to walk into her office. I had the rehearsed words on my lips, but when I saw her eyes, saw the concern in them, I broke down completely.

In that instant, I realized that despite all my intentions, I had become my father to this wonderful woman in my life. I never hit her, but the words I'd said to her in years past all came rushing back. Unlike a bruise, those words never faded. They never healed.

Despite all that, despite everything that had happened in my life, my mom dropped everything for me. She dropped everything, and took me to the hospital.

I got better. I can't say that I'm cured, because this thing is something that I'll never be cured from. I can be treated.

Today is good, and maybe tomorrow I won't be okay, but that's tomorrow.

Today I'll bless the slack I've been given, and I won't think about the drop.

And I won't ever be my father again.




Against the wind
Little somethin against the wind
I found myself seekin shelter against the wind

21 comments:

Hunter said...

That's a tough one, Sal. Glad to hear you're doing better. Sending warm thoughts your way.

Alyson said...

My god. I wish I could hug you right now.

Annray said...

I'm glad that you decided to get that off your chest. It's amazing how just saying something to someone else can make you feel ever just a little bit better.

I hope that you have more good days than bad days. Truth is, though, the bad usually outnumber the good, but I'm sure you know just as well as I do that those good days are the ones that matter. They give you something to look forward to, something to strive for.

Hold tight, Lovely. We are all here when you need a word of reassurance. Wishing you the best. :)

Yukon said...

Nice Graduate/Simon & Garfunkel reference.

You are a very brave person Sal. Braver than most I know.

I'm about start work on deconstructing your room. Already got 75% of the carpet out. Just got to get to work on the paneling.

Proud Maisie said...

My darling, my heart goes out to you.

I used to be afraid of what sort of person I'd be if I allowed myself to blame everything on my turbulent childhood. But one day, a long time ago, I realised it's no use lying about it. The events and people in your life influence you, often in ways you aren't even aware of. You can admit these things, *and* be as responsible as you can be with the way your life goes after that.
And it's ok to fall down sometimes along the way. It's not always the successes, but the efforts made.

'Cuz I Felt Like It! said...

I feel the same way. Part of my life was awesome growin' up, but another part was nothin' short of awful.

Everything we go through in life, the good and the bad, makes us who we are today. We're the one's who decide who we wanna be because of it all.

bluzdude said...

All your bloggy friends are here for you, Sweetie... I'm with Otherworldlyone in wishing I could chip in a big hug.

OnlyMe said...

Please let me in to the big 'ol bloggy group hug! I'm glad you had the sense to ask for help, and even more glad that you've got the insights to keep on getting better.

me. said...

Your blogs are so amazingly open and honest that I really wish I knew you in 'real life'. Amazing.

Danielle said...

I think I know how you feel more than I care to. Thanks for sharing this with us. You are an amazing writer!

Mr London Street said...

You already know what I think of this phenomenal piece of writing and you already know, I think, what I think about you.

Anonymous said...

spicy mom hot

NWO said...

Sal, what can I say. We all have our little demons... hurray for you for facing yours head-on! I love ya babe!

jerrod said...

love you S.

Sally-Sal said...

Hunter:
Sometimes I think the hardest thing to do is to admit who you are. Especially when it's less than stellar.

Thanks for stopping by :)

OWO:
I'd take a hug from you and try not to grope you inappropriately.

Who am I kidding? I'm motorboating you :P

Annray:
Somedays I'm a mess, somedays I'm fine. I think I just hide it better than most :)

Thank you for your kind words.

The Mad Hatter:
What was my Graduate/Simon & Garfunkel reference?

And thanks, yo. I want that room to be off the hook.

Because I know how much you love it, this is for you:
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL. Enjoy it, princess :P

Proud Maisie:
Sometimes it's not the falling down, but the getting back up.

Cuz I felt like it:
I agree with you 100%. I try to take what I was given and make it greater than the sum of its parts.

bluz:
You're a sweetheart. Thanks.

You know, if you really wanted to cheer me up, we could go meet Joan Jett ;-)

WWMPD:
You can totally get in on the group hug. That way, when someone starts the groping, we'll just blame it on you. :)

Lauren:
This is pretty much me in real life. Except I laugh more, and I will totally eat your last cookie.

Danielle:
Thank you. I just write what I feel.

Mr. London Street:
You know what? You just made my day.

I don't think people say this to you often enough, but you are absolutely enchanting in every way possible.

When I first dared to comment on your blog with its beautiful descriptions, devouring each post, laughing and maybe even snorting a little, I finally summoned up enough courage to leave a comment.

And I'm so glad I did. Your hilarity is subtle, yet powerful. You have the art of subtle, your choice of words is like a Harry Winston wreath--decadent, shining, and magnificent.

I love your blog, and you too.

Sally-Sal said...

J-face:
I lost you in the comments. I love you too :)

Soda and Candy said...

Oh Sal. I think it's very brave of you to ask for help. You are such a lovely lady, I hope things come out good for you.

Maryx said...

I'm speechless. You are SUCH an inspiration Sal. I don't think you quite realize the effect your writing has on people. I'll get in on the group hugging too if ya don't mind! =D

TAKE CARE sweetie. I know as well as anyone there is nothing anyone can say to make anything better for you. But I CAN say I'll keep you in my prayers. Always. You're such a strong and inspiring person. I know you'll be okay.

Thank you for sharing. Very brave.

Anonymous said...

My Prayers are with you. I do understand as my life was similar. I finally dealt with it by forgiving him. I forgave him for his cowardness & irresponsibility. Also for not knowing how to be a father & a respectful, not violent & loving husband. I had to forgive him for hurting my feelings. He did not know any other way except to walk away & ignore everything bad he did.
He did not "lie" when he said, "I will always be there for you."
He was there.. in all the good memories I had of him & the loving smile he left me with & the memory of the warmth of his last hugs & kisses..
I can not change the past. No one can..
So, I have learned to hang onto the good memories.
He died of Bone Cancer after suffering immensley for 5 months. He is gone now for sure. But the good memories linger on in my heart & mind.
You are fortunate to have a mother that could provide for you & love you enough for both parents.
I have had to provide for myself.
You were put on this Earth for a reason. You've touched many lives & hearts. You are loved dearly by many. You have been blessed.
Keep up the good work!!

Monica K said...

I love how you wrote this:

''Today is good, and maybe tomorrow I won't be okay, but that's tomorrow.''

Witty Writer said...

I love the way your write, and your honesty. You were probably writing it for yourself, but little did you know, it helped other people.