I just read each post. Sort of a “marathon” in it’s own way, right? My heart aches for the genuine posters. Not to diminish anyone’s feelings but I am especially sensitive to those who have lost a child like mickd, or someone like athens and bauhaus. And to all who have lost a loved one. There are so many stories that have been heart retching that have affected me in the most emotional way.
Most of my family and friends would say I am a tough guy but this thread has reduced me to tears for a number of reasons. I have been through numerous physical and emotional pain situations over my 59 years but have now become a “baby” reading about some of your toughest/saddest days. I salute all of you who have been able to share some very private thoughts and feelings. It’s not easy talking about your “shit” and who wants to listen anyway, right?
Please allow me to share a few stories with you. I’ll try to be as clear and concise as possible.
At the time, my mom dying in my arms from lung cancer under very unpleasant physical circumstances was the saddest/toughest day of my life. This was after my sister and I cared for her at home (where she wanted to die) after about 6 weeks, feeding her morphine, etc.
A few years after her death, my wife left me, taking my 2 girls. A few months after that, I was traveling and got a call from my wife that my youngest, age 13, was raped by a 20 year old “bad” (gang member) guy. Thereafter, she resorted to cutting, and then alcohol/drugs and unusual sexual behaviors. Here is where I need to shorten this story. After numerous rounds of therapy, we had to send her to boarding schools, wilderness camp, more boarding schools, and on and on. This was all during a very contentious divorce over 2.5 years, involving custody, lots of money, etc. In the meantime, the bad guy went to prison for 5 years on unrelated charges with the sexual assault charge on my daughter incorporated into the 5 years, even after 2 death threats were prosecuted. By this time, the bad guy knew who I was because I went to each hearing and was very involved in the case. At sentencing, I read the ‘impact statement’ and he had a few choice words for me. He gets released from prison in June for “good behavior.” From what I know, he will be paying me a visit. For some reason, he doesn’t scare me and I will be waiting for him. There is so much more to this story but this one now becomes the toughest “day” for me.
Luckily, I am still able to run. Like most of you, the run and all that it does to our mind and body is my “therapy.”