My parents stories are fare too common, yet some many people experiencing similar circumstances continue to struggle. I originally only planned on interviewing one, but realized, both had to be seen because both of their lives started after their divorce. My hope is their message triggers hope and inspiration in others who are challenged with depression, life transition, and being true to self.
The interview with my mom was the hardest. She recently had a depression that required emergency intervention. For me, it was a breaking point. Once she received the help she need, I stepped away. I had to. We had too many patterns over the years that were unhealthy for both of us. I sought help, too. We had a series of very honest and vulnerable communications, but this interview is the first time we've seen each others faces in two months.
My experience with her mental illness is that she knows all the right things to say, how to shape-shift depending on the audience, and how to use illness for attention, even if that is on a subconscious level. While I want to believe what she is saying, it is hard for me to trust the words. Time will tell and I hope healing is truly occurring for her.
My dad is the most charismatic, charming, and one of the most intelligent men I've ever known. He's also the most insecure. In hindsight, I understand why. He is a gay man who was raised in a Midwestern military family in the late forty's-early sixties. He stayed married for 31 years. He married his partner 18 months ago. I've seen a change in him as he's learning to settle into his true self. I had the honor of doing an extended interview with him December 2015 for my podcast, The Whole Being Zone. You can listen here.
It was fun to teach my parents how to use their computers and phones for a video conference, but there's only so far you can teach from a distance. We did the best we could. Please let us know what you think about these interviews. We hope that it inspires you. If someone you know needs to see it, please share it. On behalf of my family, enjoy!