Our conversation today:
"Do you understand what happened to me? Why i was in the hospital?"
"You are depressed."
"What does that mean?"
"That you are sad about nothing in particular."
"You know it's not your fault?"
"You know it's not your fault?"
"Yes, i do. It's okay to be angry with me."
"I'm not angry with you. I'm sad for you."
"Don't be sad for me. I love you. It won't happen again."
"I know. I'll love you better."
"Me too."
my perfect daughter
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
you’re perfect, too, jess. can’t wait to see you.
Aww bless her heart!
Aw, she’s very sweet. It’s good that you can talk about it with your kids, and that they can be empathetic.
Wow, she sure is mature. How nice that she understands and how lucky you are to have her. And she, to have you.
She really said, “You know it’s not YOUR fault?” What a kid you have, Jess. Wiser than her years, and she knows you through and through, that’s clear.
I’m so happy to hear it’s talked about. In my family when I was younger, my depression was largely ignored.
Your daughter sounds pretty smart.
big words for such a small girl.
you are so loved.
I’m scared for the daughter. All my life I tried to love my mother out of her mental illness and was left feeling a failure because that will never work. Please let you daughter know that it isn’t her fault and nothing she can do will change it because otherwise she will feel as guilty and helpless as me.
wow. what a beautiful conversation. :)
scary and touching that she understands so much. i *HATE* to give assvice … but from personal experience, try not to lean on her for support too much. its a heavy thing for a kid to be emotional support for a parent. i know.
She is perfect, and beautiful, and you are doing such a great job. I know for a fact that I was depressed when I turned 15, and my Mother was having none of that. How great that you and she are talking honestly and openly.
I’m so glad you are coming to BlogHer. Please be prepared for a big hug from me, okay?