Heroes

Some people have a hero.

While I've never considered having one before, and while no one has really "saved" me from the illness I have, I do have some people that I consider heroes who have helped me tremendously throughout this journey. I'd like to share a little bit about each.

The first would have to be my counselor, Dina. She has always made accommodations to see me when I needed it most. She is the one I first turned to when I was feeling down. Every time I leave her office, I feel at peace and comfortable about things. She always manages to bring a little bit of light into the situation and I always know after I leave her office that there is hope.

My psychiatrist, Dr. Danielle Buda, (if you'd like to read about her, here is a link- http://www.bryanlghheartlandpsychiatry.com/index_content.html ) is another hero that comes to mind. I was very nervous when I first visited her office, but she made me feel so at peace, and I know it is her job to listen, but she just completely understood everything I was going through. I've heard stories about some psychiatrists who just say "You're fine" and let the person go. She displayed a genuine sense of compassion and concern and I felt so comfortable talking to her. I know she is doing everything in her power to see me get better, while she could simply just prescribe a pill and go on with the next patient. She is going beyond that.

Another is Professor Oliver. She's been a great role model and listener for me. Many times I've just walked into her office and unloaded all of my problems to her, and she has always dropped what she was doing to listen and offer a helping hand. She has so much wisdom and insight to offer from things she's been through in her life. I know when I need someone to talk to or help about something, I can turn to her.

Some people with depression need that one friend who they can count on for anything. I've been blessed with a friend like that- Andrew has helped me fight this battle and gone above and beyond in his role as a friend. I can't thank him enough for always being willing to be there to lend a hand and being there to listen and offer as much support as he knows how. I couldn't have asked for a better friend to help me through everything - and he has not given up on me, which I know has not been easy at times. I also cannot fail to mention other friends definitely are heroes too, they have been there as well and gone above and beyond to help me out and offer support and encouragement.

I also can't forget about the most important hero in my life, Jesus. At times, when everyone in the world seems to have shut me out, there sits my Bible. I can open it up and find exactly what I need- strength from God's Word and His promises. And I am reminded every day that I am a saved, redeemed Child of God. I have the marking of the cross on my forehead that reminds me God called me His- I am a damaged mess right now, but He still wraps His arms around me and covers me with His grace. He loves even a miserable, sick, person like me. And sometimes that's a little overwhelming for me.

I thank God every day for putting these heroes in my life and blessing me with their presence. Throughout this illness, I've learned He hasn't been giving me what I want. He's been giving me what I need- and what I needed were people like this.