111 Comments
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Jo's avatar

Mike, longtime follower here. I am glad for your healing and so sorry for the pain. What you have been through sounds like a rebirth - a death to what was and a new beginning to what shall be. Thank you for sharing with us all these years, for your talent as a writer and for your openness, even when it has been so hard. Wishing you all the best going forward my friend.

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Taters's avatar

You mention a "shit-ton of healing" over the past six months (congrats!!!) and I'd be grateful if you could expound upon that effort and recommend the therapeutic solutions you found most helpful. Now adays I see acronyms for a variety of approaches unknown to me (DBT, SFBT, MSBR, etc.) compared with the resources of psychotherapy, group therapy, and CBT that I've relied upon in the past. Any added insights you care to share on the healing process would be most appreciated.

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Pamela Andrews's avatar

Wishing you lots of happy long lasting balloons. In the end it’s her loss.

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MsTexas4now's avatar

Always knew it would her who would be the villian.

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Helga's avatar

Glad you're finding your way back to writing. Sorry the last year sucked so bad, Your essays on living with ADHD still help tremendously in understanding my daughter's challenges, so thank you for that.

As bad as the last year has been, hopefully it too, will be a gift.

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Deb Gartland's avatar

Thank you for sharing. Grief is so difficult. I love the way you write and share your thoughts. Healing is a journey of learning, love, and acceptance. It's the human existence that we all share ✨️😌

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Ellen Raper's avatar

Another poem from my past:

you were a haven, anchor of softness

arm around me a wall of care against the world

an all enveloping warmness,

it seeped in and made me warm, alive

all an illusion

In that illusion I softened my wall

and now the worlds rushing in

drowning me in swirling, frigid water

extinguishing warmth and the beginning of life

water slowly rising

at first swirling about the ankles

dead now for lack of oxygen to feed the fires

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Loretta Chopey's avatar

Oof. But welcome back. We just can’t quit you man!

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Joan MacRae's avatar

I hope Valerie's shame was not because she was in a relationship with you.

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Hoarse Whisperer's avatar

Did this seem like something a kind and decent person should say?

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Cindi P's avatar

Sitting quietly with your past is the hardest thing to do. I'm so glad you opened up comments so you can see the community and support that's here for you.

Wishing you peace and wellness, always.💙

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Marissa Shea's avatar

Please keep writing and publishing. Seems to me that for a writer, every chapter is a step toward moving forward. And a step forward gets you closer to the next chapters, which almost certainly include joy and laughter.

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Vicky Johnson's avatar

Your post from Monday left me contemplating what a proper, helpful response might be. And then I wondered, what response from me would make any difference? I doubt nothing I could say. But then as the week went on, my very 1st “love,” Bobby Sherman passed away. And while it’s not my favorite song, a few days later, I keep hearing myself singing his song, “Easy Come Easy Go. ” And as I heard myself singing the lyrics, I realized it’s perhaps YOU who needs to sing this song over & over again.

“I'm taking the shade out of the sun

Whatever made me think that I was number one

I oughta know, easy come, easy go

Sittin' it out, now I'm spinnin' the dial

Just thinkin' about the chump I've been, I have to smile

Didn't I know, easy come, easy go

She wasn't kind, I wasn't smart

I lost my mind and fell apart

I had to find myself in time

Now I can start all over again

Just Hangin' around, takin' it slow

So happy I found I still can smile and dig the show

Lettin' me know, easy come, easy go, all right”

So, you are right there. You’re ready to find that you can still smile & dig the show. Because after all, life is just one big show, isn’t it?

Peace, Love, & Bobby Sherman ✌🏻

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Randi's avatar

Glad you are back Mike, we have missed you. I figured that you were going through something but hoped you would come back and write once you got somewhat on the other side. Sorry this happened to you. Looking forward to your political takes and hearing how your son is doing. Is he still playing soccer? Sending continued healing your way.

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Kathy's avatar

Keep writing,it sounds like maybe you’re still grieving some,that’s ok ,there is no timeline,we all arrive when we’re supposed to.Many of us have been thru these stages of grief,none of our journeys have been alike. I feel like we all went public with you ,then waited for you to breathe again. It’s good to know you exhaled and have swam to the top again…if only to float,it starts there . Write some more about your son,I miss that part of your writing,your political side,this soft side too😉We are all here for you. Here’s to a good summer.You have earned that.

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Joanne Macpherson's avatar

Holy cow. Thank you for sharing

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Tracy McAteer's avatar

I feel your pain and continue to send healing vibes and hugs. Most times I can’t really articulate fully, how your writings truly make me feel. I hope you find true peace soon and know this community clearly is with you!

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