This afternoon, since there was not much else on, I watched Valley Girl again. As I am a product of LA in the 1980's, this movie resonated in an unexpected way. I have to say that as someone that has had to relearn most basic things, there are times when it does become overwhelming and truly emotional. Sometimes, it does become all too much, as I am sure that it does in the lives of everyone else, but with different triggers and for different reasons. For me, it is the reminder of what life once was, and the endless possibilities that are now gone or markedly different. It is the endless potential of youth, young love, and the promise of tomorrow that slap me in the face with just how much my life has changed. Having mid-life crises over and over again is just a part of my life now, even though I am only in my 30's. Thank goodness that I only have the ache of loss for my former life about once a season to twice a year.
At the end of the day, I do believe in the immortal words of Gloria Gaynor (1978), "I will survive."
For those of you with family member or friends that have had major life experiences like strokes, heart attacks, cancers, or other life-changing experiences (sometimes experiences like having a child), just be patient and offer hugs, not criticism. Love, not shame. It is like a pressure valve that just needs to be released sometimes, and once it is cried out, everything will be back to normal. If not, then professional help is just a phone call away.
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