"People with Mental Illness Enrich Our Lives"
From NAMI
Information about famous people throughout history who have had a serious mental illness.
Abraham Lincoln
The revered sixteenth President of the United States suffered from severe and incapacitating depressions that occasionally led to thoughts of suicide, as documented in numerous biographies by Carl Sandburg.
Virginia Woolf
The British novelist who wrote To the Lighthouse and Orlando experienced the mood swings of bipolar disorder characterized by feverish periods of writing and weeks immersed in gloom. Her story is discussed in The Dynamics of Creation by Anthony Storr.
Lionel Aldridge
A defensive end for Vince Lombardi's legendary Green Bay Packers of the 1960's, Aldridge played in two Super Bowls. In the 1970's, he suffered from schizophrenia and was homeless for two and a half years. Until his death in 1998, he gave inspirational talks on his battle against paranoid schizophrenia. His story is the story of numerous newspaper articles.
Eugene O'Neill
The famous playwright, author of Long Day's Journey Into Night and Ah, Wilderness!, suffered from clinical depression, as documented in Eugene O'Neill by Olivia E. Coolidge.
Ludwig van Beethoven
The brilliant composer experienced bipolar disorder, as documented in The Key to Genius: Manic Depression and the Creative Life by D. Jablow Hershman and Julian Lieb.
Gaetano Donizetti
The famous opera singer suffered from bipolar disorder, as documented in Donizetti and the World Opera in Italy, Paris and Vienna in the First Half of the Nineteenth Century by Herbert Weinstock.
Robert Schumann
The "inspired poet of human suffering" experienced bipolar disorder, as discussed in The Dynamics of Creation by Anthony Storr.
Leo Tolstoy
Author of War and Peace, Tolstoy revealed the extent of his own mental illness in the memoir Confession. His experiences is also discussed in The Dynamics of Creation by Anthony Storr and The Inner World of Mental Illness: A Series of First Person Accounts of What It Was Like by Bert Kaplan.
Vaslov Nijinsky
The dancer's battle with schizophrenia is documented in his autobiography, The Diary of Vaslov Nijinksy.
John Keats
The renowned poet's mental illness is documented in The Dynamics of Creation by Anthony Storr and The Broken Brain: The biological Revolution in Psychiatry by Nancy Andreasen, M.D.
Tennessee Williams
The playwright gave a personal account of his struggle with clinical depression in his own Memoirs. His experience is also documented in Five O'Clock Angel: Letters of Tennessee Williams to Maria St. Just, 1948-1982; The Kindness of Strangers: The Life of Tennessee Williams by Donald Spoto, and Tennessee: Cry of the Heart by Dotson.
Vincent Van Gogh
The celebrated artist's bipolar disorder is discussed in The Key to Genius: Manic Depression and the Creative Life by D. Jablow Hershman and Julian Lieb and Dear Theo, The Autobiography of Van Gogh.
Isaac Newton
The scientist's mental illness is discussed in The Dynamics of Creation by Anthony Storr and The Key to Genius: Manic Depression and the Creative Life by D. Jablow Hershman and Julian Lieb.
Ernest Hemingway
The Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist's suicidal depression is examined in the True Gen: An Intimate Portrait of Ernest Hemingway by Those Who Knew Him by Denis Brian.
Sylvia Plath
The poet and novelist ended her lifelong struggle with clinical depresion by taking own life, as reported in A Closer Look at Ariel: A Memory of Sylvia Plath by Nancy Hunter-Steiner.
Michelangelo
The mental illness of one of the world's greatest artistic geniuses is discussed in The Dynamics of Creation by Anthony Storr.
Winston Churchill
"Had he been a stable and equable man, he could never have inspired the nation. In 1940, when all the odds were against Britain, a leader of sober judgment might well have concluded that we were finished," wrote Anthony Storr about Churchill's bipolar disorder in Churchill's Black Dog, Kafka's Mice, and Other Phenomena of the Human Mind.
Vivien Leigh
The Gone with the Wind star suffered from mental illness, as documented in Vivien Leigh: A Biography by Ann Edwards.
Jimmy Piersall
The baseball player for the Boston Red Sox who suffered from bipolar disorder detailed his experience in The Truth Hurts.
Patty Duke
The Academy Award-winning actress told of her bipolar disorder in her autobiography and made-for-TV move Call Me Anna and A Brilliant Madness: Living with Manic-Depressive Illness, co-authored by Gloria Hochman.
Charles Dickens
One of the greatest authors in the English language suffered from clinical depression, as documented in The Key to Genius: Manic Depression and the Creative Life by D. Jablow Hershman and Julian Lieb, and Charles Dickens: His Tragedy and Triumph by Edgar Johnson.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
"People with Mental Illness Enrich Our Lives"
"People with Mental Illness Enrich Our Lives"
From NAMI
Information about famous people throughout history who have had a serious mental illness.
Abraham Lincoln
The revered sixteenth President of the United States suffered from severe and incapacitating depressions that occasionally led to thoughts of suicide, as documented in numerous biographies by Carl Sandburg.
Virginia Woolf
The British novelist who wrote To the Lighthouse and Orlando experienced the mood swings of bipolar disorder characterized by feverish periods of writing and weeks immersed in gloom. Her story is discussed in The Dynamics of Creation by Anthony Storr.
Lionel Aldridge
A defensive end for Vince Lombardi's legendary Green Bay Packers of the 1960's, Aldridge played in two Super Bowls. In the 1970's, he suffered from schizophrenia and was homeless for two and a half years. Until his death in 1998, he gave inspirational talks on his battle against paranoid schizophrenia. His story is the story of numerous newspaper articles.
Eugene O'Neill
The famous playwright, author of Long Day's Journey Into Night and Ah, Wilderness!, suffered from clinical depression, as documented in Eugene O'Neill by Olivia E. Coolidge.
Ludwig van Beethoven
The brilliant composer experienced bipolar disorder, as documented in The Key to Genius: Manic Depression and the Creative Life by D. Jablow Hershman and Julian Lieb.
Gaetano Donizetti
The famous opera singer suffered from bipolar disorder, as documented in Donizetti and the World Opera in Italy, Paris and Vienna in the First Half of the Nineteenth Century by Herbert Weinstock.
Robert Schumann
The "inspired poet of human suffering" experienced bipolar disorder, as discussed in The Dynamics of Creation by Anthony Storr.
Leo Tolstoy
Author of War and Peace, Tolstoy revealed the extent of his own mental illness in the memoir Confession. His experiences is also discussed in The Dynamics of Creation by Anthony Storr and The Inner World of Mental Illness: A Series of First Person Accounts of What It Was Like by Bert Kaplan.
Vaslov Nijinsky
The dancer's battle with schizophrenia is documented in his autobiography, The Diary of Vaslov Nijinksy.
John Keats
The renowned poet's mental illness is documented in The Dynamics of Creation by Anthony Storr and The Broken Brain: The biological Revolution in Psychiatry by Nancy Andreasen, M.D.
Tennessee Williams
The playwright gave a personal account of his struggle with clinical depression in his own Memoirs. His experience is also documented in Five O'Clock Angel: Letters of Tennessee Williams to Maria St. Just, 1948-1982; The Kindness of Strangers: The Life of Tennessee Williams by Donald Spoto, and Tennessee: Cry of the Heart by Dotson.
Vincent Van Gogh
The celebrated artist's bipolar disorder is discussed in The Key to Genius: Manic Depression and the Creative Life by D. Jablow Hershman and Julian Lieb and Dear Theo, The Autobiography of Van Gogh.
Isaac Newton
The scientist's mental illness is discussed in The Dynamics of Creation by Anthony Storr and The Key to Genius: Manic Depression and the Creative Life by D. Jablow Hershman and Julian Lieb.
Ernest Hemingway
The Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist's suicidal depression is examined in the True Gen: An Intimate Portrait of Ernest Hemingway by Those Who Knew Him by Denis Brian.
Sylvia Plath
The poet and novelist ended her lifelong struggle with clinical depresion by taking own life, as reported in A Closer Look at Ariel: A Memory of Sylvia Plath by Nancy Hunter-Steiner.
Michelangelo
The mental illness of one of the world's greatest artistic geniuses is discussed in The Dynamics of Creation by Anthony Storr.
Winston Churchill
"Had he been a stable and equable man, he could never have inspired the nation. In 1940, when all the odds were against Britain, a leader of sober judgment might well have concluded that we were finished," wrote Anthony Storr about Churchill's bipolar disorder in Churchill's Black Dog, Kafka's Mice, and Other Phenomena of the Human Mind.
Vivien Leigh
The Gone with the Wind star suffered from mental illness, as documented in Vivien Leigh: A Biography by Ann Edwards.
Jimmy Piersall
The baseball player for the Boston Red Sox who suffered from bipolar disorder detailed his experience in The Truth Hurts.
Patty Duke
The Academy Award-winning actress told of her bipolar disorder in her autobiography and made-for-TV move Call Me Anna and A Brilliant Madness: Living with Manic-Depressive Illness, co-authored by Gloria Hochman.
Charles Dickens
One of the greatest authors in the English language suffered from clinical depression, as documented in The Key to Genius: Manic Depression and the Creative Life by D. Jablow Hershman and Julian Lieb, and Charles Dickens: His Tragedy and Triumph by Edgar Johnson.
From NAMI
Information about famous people throughout history who have had a serious mental illness.
Abraham Lincoln
The revered sixteenth President of the United States suffered from severe and incapacitating depressions that occasionally led to thoughts of suicide, as documented in numerous biographies by Carl Sandburg.
Virginia Woolf
The British novelist who wrote To the Lighthouse and Orlando experienced the mood swings of bipolar disorder characterized by feverish periods of writing and weeks immersed in gloom. Her story is discussed in The Dynamics of Creation by Anthony Storr.
Lionel Aldridge
A defensive end for Vince Lombardi's legendary Green Bay Packers of the 1960's, Aldridge played in two Super Bowls. In the 1970's, he suffered from schizophrenia and was homeless for two and a half years. Until his death in 1998, he gave inspirational talks on his battle against paranoid schizophrenia. His story is the story of numerous newspaper articles.
Eugene O'Neill
The famous playwright, author of Long Day's Journey Into Night and Ah, Wilderness!, suffered from clinical depression, as documented in Eugene O'Neill by Olivia E. Coolidge.
Ludwig van Beethoven
The brilliant composer experienced bipolar disorder, as documented in The Key to Genius: Manic Depression and the Creative Life by D. Jablow Hershman and Julian Lieb.
Gaetano Donizetti
The famous opera singer suffered from bipolar disorder, as documented in Donizetti and the World Opera in Italy, Paris and Vienna in the First Half of the Nineteenth Century by Herbert Weinstock.
Robert Schumann
The "inspired poet of human suffering" experienced bipolar disorder, as discussed in The Dynamics of Creation by Anthony Storr.
Leo Tolstoy
Author of War and Peace, Tolstoy revealed the extent of his own mental illness in the memoir Confession. His experiences is also discussed in The Dynamics of Creation by Anthony Storr and The Inner World of Mental Illness: A Series of First Person Accounts of What It Was Like by Bert Kaplan.
Vaslov Nijinsky
The dancer's battle with schizophrenia is documented in his autobiography, The Diary of Vaslov Nijinksy.
John Keats
The renowned poet's mental illness is documented in The Dynamics of Creation by Anthony Storr and The Broken Brain: The biological Revolution in Psychiatry by Nancy Andreasen, M.D.
Tennessee Williams
The playwright gave a personal account of his struggle with clinical depression in his own Memoirs. His experience is also documented in Five O'Clock Angel: Letters of Tennessee Williams to Maria St. Just, 1948-1982; The Kindness of Strangers: The Life of Tennessee Williams by Donald Spoto, and Tennessee: Cry of the Heart by Dotson.
Vincent Van Gogh
The celebrated artist's bipolar disorder is discussed in The Key to Genius: Manic Depression and the Creative Life by D. Jablow Hershman and Julian Lieb and Dear Theo, The Autobiography of Van Gogh.
Isaac Newton
The scientist's mental illness is discussed in The Dynamics of Creation by Anthony Storr and The Key to Genius: Manic Depression and the Creative Life by D. Jablow Hershman and Julian Lieb.
Ernest Hemingway
The Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist's suicidal depression is examined in the True Gen: An Intimate Portrait of Ernest Hemingway by Those Who Knew Him by Denis Brian.
Sylvia Plath
The poet and novelist ended her lifelong struggle with clinical depresion by taking own life, as reported in A Closer Look at Ariel: A Memory of Sylvia Plath by Nancy Hunter-Steiner.
Michelangelo
The mental illness of one of the world's greatest artistic geniuses is discussed in The Dynamics of Creation by Anthony Storr.
Winston Churchill
"Had he been a stable and equable man, he could never have inspired the nation. In 1940, when all the odds were against Britain, a leader of sober judgment might well have concluded that we were finished," wrote Anthony Storr about Churchill's bipolar disorder in Churchill's Black Dog, Kafka's Mice, and Other Phenomena of the Human Mind.
Vivien Leigh
The Gone with the Wind star suffered from mental illness, as documented in Vivien Leigh: A Biography by Ann Edwards.
Jimmy Piersall
The baseball player for the Boston Red Sox who suffered from bipolar disorder detailed his experience in The Truth Hurts.
Patty Duke
The Academy Award-winning actress told of her bipolar disorder in her autobiography and made-for-TV move Call Me Anna and A Brilliant Madness: Living with Manic-Depressive Illness, co-authored by Gloria Hochman.
Charles Dickens
One of the greatest authors in the English language suffered from clinical depression, as documented in The Key to Genius: Manic Depression and the Creative Life by D. Jablow Hershman and Julian Lieb, and Charles Dickens: His Tragedy and Triumph by Edgar Johnson.
The answer to "Why me, Lord?"
For quite a while now, I've been wondering why in the world God decided to make it so that middle aged children were the ones often left to care for aging parents. Many of us have children and/or spouses at home, as well as a work life and health issues ourselves. Why would God want to compound that?
I finally have my answer. The other day I was driving with my newly licensed ds and trying desparately not to gasp every time he came a bit too close to the car in front of him. I remember my mom doing the same, even fairly recently. As I age, I also notice that my memory is not nearly what it used to be. I recently renewed my registration and inspection on my car, and promptly lost my proof of insurance that same day. It is no where to be found. Also, I have recently had surgery on my gums, which has been annoying and expensive. I remember my dad having gone through the same thing without a complaint.
So, I think God has called us middle agers to care for our aging parents because we are starting to experience the same problems they are. I now have much more empathy for my mom's passenger anxiety, because I now have my own child I occasionally drive with. I understand my mom's lack of appetite because I too have serious TMJ and other dental issues (although not eating is sadly not a side effect in my case!) My memory is shot and it is a wonder I am able to do all for my mom that I am currently doing.
But at least now, I understand her.
I finally have my answer. The other day I was driving with my newly licensed ds and trying desparately not to gasp every time he came a bit too close to the car in front of him. I remember my mom doing the same, even fairly recently. As I age, I also notice that my memory is not nearly what it used to be. I recently renewed my registration and inspection on my car, and promptly lost my proof of insurance that same day. It is no where to be found. Also, I have recently had surgery on my gums, which has been annoying and expensive. I remember my dad having gone through the same thing without a complaint.
So, I think God has called us middle agers to care for our aging parents because we are starting to experience the same problems they are. I now have much more empathy for my mom's passenger anxiety, because I now have my own child I occasionally drive with. I understand my mom's lack of appetite because I too have serious TMJ and other dental issues (although not eating is sadly not a side effect in my case!) My memory is shot and it is a wonder I am able to do all for my mom that I am currently doing.
But at least now, I understand her.
The answer to "Why me, Lord?"
For quite a while now, I've been wondering why in the world God decided to make it so that middle aged children were the ones often left to care for aging parents. Many of us have children and/or spouses at home, as well as a work life and health issues ourselves. Why would God want to compound that?
I finally have my answer. The other day I was driving with my newly licensed ds and trying desparately not to gasp every time he came a bit too close to the car in front of him. I remember my mom doing the same, even fairly recently. As I age, I also notice that my memory is not nearly what it used to be. I recently renewed my registration and inspection on my car, and promptly lost my proof of insurance that same day. It is no where to be found. Also, I have recently had surgery on my gums, which has been annoying and expensive. I remember my dad having gone through the same thing without a complaint.
So, I think God has called us middle agers to care for our aging parents because we are starting to experience the same problems they are. I now have much more empathy for my mom's passenger anxiety, because I now have my own child I occasionally drive with. I understand my mom's lack of appetite because I too have serious TMJ and other dental issues (although not eating is sadly not a side effect in my case!) My memory is shot and it is a wonder I am able to do all for my mom that I am currently doing.
But at least now, I understand her.
I finally have my answer. The other day I was driving with my newly licensed ds and trying desparately not to gasp every time he came a bit too close to the car in front of him. I remember my mom doing the same, even fairly recently. As I age, I also notice that my memory is not nearly what it used to be. I recently renewed my registration and inspection on my car, and promptly lost my proof of insurance that same day. It is no where to be found. Also, I have recently had surgery on my gums, which has been annoying and expensive. I remember my dad having gone through the same thing without a complaint.
So, I think God has called us middle agers to care for our aging parents because we are starting to experience the same problems they are. I now have much more empathy for my mom's passenger anxiety, because I now have my own child I occasionally drive with. I understand my mom's lack of appetite because I too have serious TMJ and other dental issues (although not eating is sadly not a side effect in my case!) My memory is shot and it is a wonder I am able to do all for my mom that I am currently doing.
But at least now, I understand her.
Monday, June 27, 2005
Stop Judicial Tyranny!
The recent Supreme Court decisions continue to worry me, especially in light of the decision in Florida to kill Terri Schindler-Schiavo. The ability of the government to take away privately owned property from one person, purely for economic gain of another doesn't seem like something that the courts should be left to decide. The court system in this country seems increasingly unstoppable and that is not what the founding fathers had in mind when they wrote the Constitution.
The reason our government works is because each branch works under a system of checks and balances. Some of us remember this working with painful clarity during Watergate. When one branch goes too far in its quest for power, there are ways to stop it. This doesn't seem to be the case anymore with the judicial branch of our government and that is frightening.
To voice your opposition to judicial tyranny, you can go to The Empire Journal website and purchase a black magnet ribbon with yellow lettering saying, "Stop Judicial Tyranny!" You may also buy a t-shirt or tie picturing the black ribbon.
The reason our government works is because each branch works under a system of checks and balances. Some of us remember this working with painful clarity during Watergate. When one branch goes too far in its quest for power, there are ways to stop it. This doesn't seem to be the case anymore with the judicial branch of our government and that is frightening.
To voice your opposition to judicial tyranny, you can go to The Empire Journal website and purchase a black magnet ribbon with yellow lettering saying, "Stop Judicial Tyranny!" You may also buy a t-shirt or tie picturing the black ribbon.
Stop Judicial Tyranny!
The recent Supreme Court decisions continue to worry me, especially in light of the decision in Florida to kill Terri Schindler-Schiavo. The ability of the government to take away privately owned property from one person, purely for economic gain of another doesn't seem like something that the courts should be left to decide. The court system in this country seems increasingly unstoppable and that is not what the founding fathers had in mind when they wrote the Constitution.
The reason our government works is because each branch works under a system of checks and balances. Some of us remember this working with painful clarity during Watergate. When one branch goes too far in its quest for power, there are ways to stop it. This doesn't seem to be the case anymore with the judicial branch of our government and that is frightening.
To voice your opposition to judicial tyranny, you can go to The Empire Journal website and purchase a black magnet ribbon with yellow lettering saying, "Stop Judicial Tyranny!" You may also buy a t-shirt or tie picturing the black ribbon.
The reason our government works is because each branch works under a system of checks and balances. Some of us remember this working with painful clarity during Watergate. When one branch goes too far in its quest for power, there are ways to stop it. This doesn't seem to be the case anymore with the judicial branch of our government and that is frightening.
To voice your opposition to judicial tyranny, you can go to The Empire Journal website and purchase a black magnet ribbon with yellow lettering saying, "Stop Judicial Tyranny!" You may also buy a t-shirt or tie picturing the black ribbon.
NotDeadYet.org
Not Dead Yet--the Resistance is a disability rights group that opposes the legalized killing of individuals based on their health status, i.e., Terri Shindler-Schiavo and countless others. It is becoming increasingly common in this country to allow those who are not disabled, ("concerned" family members and courts too, apparently) to make the decision that someone who is in a less-than-perfect, yet living state should be killed.
The Schiavo case opened up a horrifying can of worms for the disabled community, because, at least in Florida, it appears to be legal to kill the disabled now, albeit, still selectively. We live in a country that has decided that Christopher Reeves should be allowed to live but Terri Schiavo should be killed.
This can and will affect every American family, I believe. With Americans' increasing longevity and decreasing family size, the pressure will be on each of us to have our family members put to death because we or the health care institution no longer wants to pay for their care.
The Schiavo case opened up a horrifying can of worms for the disabled community, because, at least in Florida, it appears to be legal to kill the disabled now, albeit, still selectively. We live in a country that has decided that Christopher Reeves should be allowed to live but Terri Schiavo should be killed.
This can and will affect every American family, I believe. With Americans' increasing longevity and decreasing family size, the pressure will be on each of us to have our family members put to death because we or the health care institution no longer wants to pay for their care.
NotDeadYet.org
Not Dead Yet--the Resistance is a disability rights group that opposes the legalized killing of individuals based on their health status, i.e., Terri Shindler-Schiavo and countless others. It is becoming increasingly common in this country to allow those who are not disabled, ("concerned" family members and courts too, apparently) to make the decision that someone who is in a less-than-perfect, yet living state should be killed.
The Schiavo case opened up a horrifying can of worms for the disabled community, because, at least in Florida, it appears to be legal to kill the disabled now, albeit, still selectively. We live in a country that has decided that Christopher Reeves should be allowed to live but Terri Schiavo should be killed.
This can and will affect every American family, I believe. With Americans' increasing longevity and decreasing family size, the pressure will be on each of us to have our family members put to death because we or the health care institution no longer wants to pay for their care.
The Schiavo case opened up a horrifying can of worms for the disabled community, because, at least in Florida, it appears to be legal to kill the disabled now, albeit, still selectively. We live in a country that has decided that Christopher Reeves should be allowed to live but Terri Schiavo should be killed.
This can and will affect every American family, I believe. With Americans' increasing longevity and decreasing family size, the pressure will be on each of us to have our family members put to death because we or the health care institution no longer wants to pay for their care.
The Ladies in Blue
I went to a neighboring parish recently and discovered, to my horror, that the Extrodinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist (I'm sure they are known as "Eucharistic Ministers" there) are in royal blue albs. They looked very much like female preistesses, which I'm sure is the point.
As much as I love the color blue in general, it is not a proper liturgical color. What is the liturgical point of having the altar dressed in green, or purple, or whatever, only to have the EM's in bright blue?!?! Are we trying to draw attention to ourselves, perhaps? Hmmmm... Interesting that the (male) priest just happens to be dressed in the same color as the altar, conveniently blending in...
I don't really think that EM's need to be in any pseudo- liturgical garb at all. Given the fact that they are laity, appropriate church clothes are sufficient. The same types of people who want to make lay people into clergy don't think twice about sisters who dress in street clothes. This clergicizing of the laity has got to stop.
As much as I love the color blue in general, it is not a proper liturgical color. What is the liturgical point of having the altar dressed in green, or purple, or whatever, only to have the EM's in bright blue?!?! Are we trying to draw attention to ourselves, perhaps? Hmmmm... Interesting that the (male) priest just happens to be dressed in the same color as the altar, conveniently blending in...
I don't really think that EM's need to be in any pseudo- liturgical garb at all. Given the fact that they are laity, appropriate church clothes are sufficient. The same types of people who want to make lay people into clergy don't think twice about sisters who dress in street clothes. This clergicizing of the laity has got to stop.
The Ladies in Blue
I went to a neighboring parish recently and discovered, to my horror, that the Extrodinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist (I'm sure they are known as "Eucharistic Ministers" there) are in royal blue albs. They looked very much like female preistesses, which I'm sure is the point.
As much as I love the color blue in general, it is not a proper liturgical color. What is the liturgical point of having the altar dressed in green, or purple, or whatever, only to have the EM's in bright blue?!?! Are we trying to draw attention to ourselves, perhaps? Hmmmm... Interesting that the (male) priest just happens to be dressed in the same color as the altar, conveniently blending in...
I don't really think that EM's need to be in any pseudo- liturgical garb at all. Given the fact that they are laity, appropriate church clothes are sufficient. The same types of people who want to make lay people into clergy don't think twice about sisters who dress in street clothes. This clergicizing of the laity has got to stop.
As much as I love the color blue in general, it is not a proper liturgical color. What is the liturgical point of having the altar dressed in green, or purple, or whatever, only to have the EM's in bright blue?!?! Are we trying to draw attention to ourselves, perhaps? Hmmmm... Interesting that the (male) priest just happens to be dressed in the same color as the altar, conveniently blending in...
I don't really think that EM's need to be in any pseudo- liturgical garb at all. Given the fact that they are laity, appropriate church clothes are sufficient. The same types of people who want to make lay people into clergy don't think twice about sisters who dress in street clothes. This clergicizing of the laity has got to stop.
If Tom Cruise says it, it must be true!
So now Katie Couric will investigate whether Tom Cruise might not be "on to something" when he talks about the "evils of anti-depressant drugs." My already low opinion of her just got lower, if that is possible. The way the media pander to stars is certainly not journalism and it is certainly not "news". These morning news programs are hours-long infomercials for movies and books. They ought to market themselves that way.
If Tom Cruise says it, it must be true!
So now Katie Couric will investigate whether Tom Cruise might not be "on to something" when he talks about the "evils of anti-depressant drugs." My already low opinion of her just got lower, if that is possible. The way the media pander to stars is certainly not journalism and it is certainly not "news". These morning news programs are hours-long infomercials for movies and books. They ought to market themselves that way.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
More care
My mom comes home on Friday, and my responsibilities escalate. I am fearful for her because she has memory loss, which has now been verified by professionals and not just by family. Although her home will be familiar to her, there will be changes for both of us to adjust to. I will have to keep track of her medicines, which is something I knew was coming. I hope she can learn a new routine as far as medication goes. My own family at my home has had to do without me for these weeks that I have been arranging my mother's care.
More care
My mom comes home on Friday, and my responsibilities escalate. I am fearful for her because she has memory loss, which has now been verified by professionals and not just by family. Although her home will be familiar to her, there will be changes for both of us to adjust to. I will have to keep track of her medicines, which is something I knew was coming. I hope she can learn a new routine as far as medication goes. My own family at my home has had to do without me for these weeks that I have been arranging my mother's care.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Love
This has been a challenging but rewarding time. My mom has been hospitalized and is in rehab, about to be released to home. For me, this has been a time for all of us to lavish her with much deserved attention and care. It probably won't turn out just as we-who-like-to-control would like, but it is all in God's hands. I'm convinced of that.
My mom has some mental health challenges that probably won't go away any time soon. But I think she knows now that she is loved.
My mom has some mental health challenges that probably won't go away any time soon. But I think she knows now that she is loved.
Love
This has been a challenging but rewarding time. My mom has been hospitalized and is in rehab, about to be released to home. For me, this has been a time for all of us to lavish her with much deserved attention and care. It probably won't turn out just as we-who-like-to-control would like, but it is all in God's hands. I'm convinced of that.
My mom has some mental health challenges that probably won't go away any time soon. But I think she knows now that she is loved.
My mom has some mental health challenges that probably won't go away any time soon. But I think she knows now that she is loved.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Lost Souls
It has been pointed out to me that those who struggle with mental illness unmedicated and underserved are lost souls who need our prayers. I think that is very true. There are so many people who are wandering around, either literally or figuratively, being tortured with moods, thoughts and voices, who are not getting the help they need. It is often beyond humanity's ability to help them, especially when they will not accept offers of help.
Thankfully, Jesus came to save souls, especially lost ones. He is the Divine Physician who came to heal the sick. He holds each of them in his Sacred Heart.
Thanks to Cece from the Catholic Answers Forum for suggesting this metaphor.
Thankfully, Jesus came to save souls, especially lost ones. He is the Divine Physician who came to heal the sick. He holds each of them in his Sacred Heart.
Thanks to Cece from the Catholic Answers Forum for suggesting this metaphor.
Lost Souls
It has been pointed out to me that those who struggle with mental illness unmedicated and underserved are lost souls who need our prayers. I think that is very true. There are so many people who are wandering around, either literally or figuratively, being tortured with moods, thoughts and voices, who are not getting the help they need. It is often beyond humanity's ability to help them, especially when they will not accept offers of help.
Thankfully, Jesus came to save souls, especially lost ones. He is the Divine Physician who came to heal the sick. He holds each of them in his Sacred Heart.
Thanks to Cece from the Catholic Answers Forum for suggesting this metaphor.
Thankfully, Jesus came to save souls, especially lost ones. He is the Divine Physician who came to heal the sick. He holds each of them in his Sacred Heart.
Thanks to Cece from the Catholic Answers Forum for suggesting this metaphor.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
I have an increasing devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The picture shows Mary comforting the Baby Jesus as 2 angels show them the instruments with which he will be tortured and die. It has been said that you can see the sorrow and suffering in her eyes.
Our Lady is our constant help and our ever-present Mother in times of trouble and in times of joy. I was given a statue of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and I have her sitting on my desk where I pay bills. It is my way of offering up all my financial worries to her and her son. Another icon picture of OLPH sits next to my telephone in my computer room as I type this.
The world can be a confusing and scary place at times. Jesus through Mary is the one thing we can all count on.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
I have an increasing devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The picture shows Mary comforting the Baby Jesus as 2 angels show them the instruments with which he will be tortured and die. It has been said that you can see the sorrow and suffering in her eyes.
Our Lady is our constant help and our ever-present Mother in times of trouble and in times of joy. I was given a statue of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and I have her sitting on my desk where I pay bills. It is my way of offering up all my financial worries to her and her son. Another icon picture of OLPH sits next to my telephone in my computer room as I type this.
The world can be a confusing and scary place at times. Jesus through Mary is the one thing we can all count on.
FDR--A Biography
In spite of the fact that I am a Republican, I have always been fascinated by FDR. The fact that he was able to get elected, and indeed re-elected more often than any other U.S. president in spite of the fact that he was unable to walk at all unassisted, says a lot about the man, as well as about the media of the time.
I am currently reading FDR--A Biography by Ted Morgan. I have read up through the chapter where he and Eleanor marry. The final paragraph in that chapter is telling, especially in light of mental illness.
I am currently reading FDR--A Biography by Ted Morgan. I have read up through the chapter where he and Eleanor marry. The final paragraph in that chapter is telling, especially in light of mental illness.
To the outside world, Eleanor was a model wife and mother. Her husband, however, found her mood swings and self-laceration baffling. His mother had given him the example of a woman who did not surrender to moods or self-doubt, and whose devotion was never in question. Taught by life that nothing is certain, Eleanor picked her way through the wreckage of her sorrows.What a well-written description of living with mental illness! It is and can be baffling, often to both parties. What has kept me ahead of the insanity monster, so to speak, is the knowledge that help is out there, even when we refuse it, and that God is there, even when we no longer feel His presence.
FDR--A Biography
In spite of the fact that I am a Republican, I have always been fascinated by FDR. The fact that he was able to get elected, and indeed re-elected more often than any other U.S. president in spite of the fact that he was unable to walk at all unassisted, says a lot about the man, as well as about the media of the time.
I am currently reading FDR--A Biography by Ted Morgan. I have read up through the chapter where he and Eleanor marry. The final paragraph in that chapter is telling, especially in light of mental illness.
I am currently reading FDR--A Biography by Ted Morgan. I have read up through the chapter where he and Eleanor marry. The final paragraph in that chapter is telling, especially in light of mental illness.
To the outside world, Eleanor was a model wife and mother. Her husband, however, found her mood swings and self-laceration baffling. His mother had given him the example of a woman who did not surrender to moods or self-doubt, and whose devotion was never in question. Taught by life that nothing is certain, Eleanor picked her way through the wreckage of her sorrows.What a well-written description of living with mental illness! It is and can be baffling, often to both parties. What has kept me ahead of the insanity monster, so to speak, is the knowledge that help is out there, even when we refuse it, and that God is there, even when we no longer feel His presence.
Friday, June 17, 2005
Tom Cruise against all psychiatric meds
Needless to say, I do not agree with Tom Cruise's assessment of psychiatric medications as being harmful and having no basis in science. Tell that to the many, many of us who are functioning today because of them. Being over medicated is not a good idea, but neither is throwing out the medical baby with the bathwater and criticizing all medication as harmful.
Cruise says that actress Brook Sheilds is being "irresponsible" for "promoting" the fact that medication helped her post partum depression. On the contrary, Tom, I think you are being irresponsible for planting the seed of fear in many people with mental illness--fear that many of them can ill afford to have.
Cruise says that actress Brook Sheilds is being "irresponsible" for "promoting" the fact that medication helped her post partum depression. On the contrary, Tom, I think you are being irresponsible for planting the seed of fear in many people with mental illness--fear that many of them can ill afford to have.
Tom Cruise against all psychiatric meds
Needless to say, I do not agree with Tom Cruise's assessment of psychiatric medications as being harmful and having no basis in science. Tell that to the many, many of us who are functioning today because of them. Being over medicated is not a good idea, but neither is throwing out the medical baby with the bathwater and criticizing all medication as harmful.
Cruise says that actress Brook Sheilds is being "irresponsible" for "promoting" the fact that medication helped her post partum depression. On the contrary, Tom, I think you are being irresponsible for planting the seed of fear in many people with mental illness--fear that many of them can ill afford to have.
Cruise says that actress Brook Sheilds is being "irresponsible" for "promoting" the fact that medication helped her post partum depression. On the contrary, Tom, I think you are being irresponsible for planting the seed of fear in many people with mental illness--fear that many of them can ill afford to have.
Sunday, June 12, 2005
God is working His purpose out...
Yes, in the word of a hymn I learned during my foray into Episcopalianism, God is working His purpose out. I have been praying for wisdom for about a month now, almost every day. Now my mom has been in the hospital and I'm trying to facilitate her move into an assisted living community. I pray that I follow God's will when I try to convince her that it is time and that she deserves the help she needs.
But, regardless, "God is working His purpose out as year secedes to year."
But, regardless, "God is working His purpose out as year secedes to year."
God is working His purpose out...
Yes, in the word of a hymn I learned during my foray into Episcopalianism, God is working His purpose out. I have been praying for wisdom for about a month now, almost every day. Now my mom has been in the hospital and I'm trying to facilitate her move into an assisted living community. I pray that I follow God's will when I try to convince her that it is time and that she deserves the help she needs.
But, regardless, "God is working His purpose out as year secedes to year."
But, regardless, "God is working His purpose out as year secedes to year."
Thursday, June 9, 2005
The Catholic Church played a part in history?!?!
As a Catholic, I am offended by the continual portrayal of the Middle Ages as an era replete with witchcraft and magic. Go to a renaissance fair and you would be hard pressed to see a portrayal of Catholicism as anything but gluttonous and corrupt.
Leaf through a catalog of renaissance inspired wares, and you will see all types of pentagrams, fairies and witches' bibles. Can we not acknowledge that the Catholic Church had something positive to do with the Middle Ages, or that it even existed!?
I am also tired of hearing the Church dismissed using the phrase, "Oh, that was done/invented during the Middle Ages." People delight in making fun of the faith by a distortion of history.
Another related example of dismissing the Church's role in history involves Civil War reenactment. There are many dedicated and talented people who do historical reenactment. We see all types of Civil War Era people portrayed--soldiers, both enlisted and officers, wives, girlfriends and even prostitutes. We see tents with Christian ministers being portrayed. That's wonderful. But where are the Daughters of Charity who nursed the sick during the Civil War?
It seems to me as though admitting that Catholicism played *any* part in history is not PC. We are overlooking a major influence in the development of Western Civilization. How sad.
Leaf through a catalog of renaissance inspired wares, and you will see all types of pentagrams, fairies and witches' bibles. Can we not acknowledge that the Catholic Church had something positive to do with the Middle Ages, or that it even existed!?
I am also tired of hearing the Church dismissed using the phrase, "Oh, that was done/invented during the Middle Ages." People delight in making fun of the faith by a distortion of history.
Another related example of dismissing the Church's role in history involves Civil War reenactment. There are many dedicated and talented people who do historical reenactment. We see all types of Civil War Era people portrayed--soldiers, both enlisted and officers, wives, girlfriends and even prostitutes. We see tents with Christian ministers being portrayed. That's wonderful. But where are the Daughters of Charity who nursed the sick during the Civil War?
It seems to me as though admitting that Catholicism played *any* part in history is not PC. We are overlooking a major influence in the development of Western Civilization. How sad.
The Catholic Church played a part in history?!?!
As a Catholic, I am offended by the continual portrayal of the Middle Ages as an era replete with witchcraft and magic. Go to a renaissance fair and you would be hard pressed to see a portrayal of Catholicism as anything but gluttonous and corrupt.
Leaf through a catalog of renaissance inspired wares, and you will see all types of pentagrams, fairies and witches' bibles. Can we not acknowledge that the Catholic Church had something positive to do with the Middle Ages, or that it even existed!?
I am also tired of hearing the Church dismissed using the phrase, "Oh, that was done/invented during the Middle Ages." People delight in making fun of the faith by a distortion of history.
Another related example of dismissing the Church's role in history involves Civil War reenactment. There are many dedicated and talented people who do historical reenactment. We see all types of Civil War Era people portrayed--soldiers, both enlisted and officers, wives, girlfriends and even prostitutes. We see tents with Christian ministers being portrayed. That's wonderful. But where are the Daughters of Charity who nursed the sick during the Civil War?
It seems to me as though admitting that Catholicism played *any* part in history is not PC. We are overlooking a major influence in the development of Western Civilization. How sad.
Leaf through a catalog of renaissance inspired wares, and you will see all types of pentagrams, fairies and witches' bibles. Can we not acknowledge that the Catholic Church had something positive to do with the Middle Ages, or that it even existed!?
I am also tired of hearing the Church dismissed using the phrase, "Oh, that was done/invented during the Middle Ages." People delight in making fun of the faith by a distortion of history.
Another related example of dismissing the Church's role in history involves Civil War reenactment. There are many dedicated and talented people who do historical reenactment. We see all types of Civil War Era people portrayed--soldiers, both enlisted and officers, wives, girlfriends and even prostitutes. We see tents with Christian ministers being portrayed. That's wonderful. But where are the Daughters of Charity who nursed the sick during the Civil War?
It seems to me as though admitting that Catholicism played *any* part in history is not PC. We are overlooking a major influence in the development of Western Civilization. How sad.
Sunday, June 5, 2005
The Pope gets his piano!
Hey! I hear the Holy Father has his much-beloved piano in the Vatican. It has been placed in front of the window he uses to greet the public. Perhaps we'll get a concert before long!
Unfortunately, they won't allow him his other great love, his cats. Hopefully he'll be able to get his "cat fix" elsewhere!
Unfortunately, they won't allow him his other great love, his cats. Hopefully he'll be able to get his "cat fix" elsewhere!
The Pope gets his piano!
Hey! I hear the Holy Father has his much-beloved piano in the Vatican. It has been placed in front of the window he uses to greet the public. Perhaps we'll get a concert before long!
Unfortunately, they won't allow him his other great love, his cats. Hopefully he'll be able to get his "cat fix" elsewhere!
Unfortunately, they won't allow him his other great love, his cats. Hopefully he'll be able to get his "cat fix" elsewhere!
Mass--its not a dirty word
I am continually horrified when I hear Catholics refer to the Mass as a "service". It *is* Mass and Mass is not a dirty word, folks! IMHO, we should not be embarrassed to BE Catholics and to attend MASS!
I once was asked a question in church by a man in a roman collar as to when "the service" started. I assumed, by his ignorance of proper Catholic terminology, that he was a visiting Protestant minister, but alas, it was not so. (What are they teaching in those seminaries these days?!)
So, if you are Catholic, and the "service" you attend has the Consecration by a validly ordained priest, it is a MASS!
I once was asked a question in church by a man in a roman collar as to when "the service" started. I assumed, by his ignorance of proper Catholic terminology, that he was a visiting Protestant minister, but alas, it was not so. (What are they teaching in those seminaries these days?!)
So, if you are Catholic, and the "service" you attend has the Consecration by a validly ordained priest, it is a MASS!
Mass--its not a dirty word
I am continually horrified when I hear Catholics refer to the Mass as a "service". It *is* Mass and Mass is not a dirty word, folks! IMHO, we should not be embarrassed to BE Catholics and to attend MASS!
I once was asked a question in church by a man in a roman collar as to when "the service" started. I assumed, by his ignorance of proper Catholic terminology, that he was a visiting Protestant minister, but alas, it was not so. (What are they teaching in those seminaries these days?!)
So, if you are Catholic, and the "service" you attend has the Consecration by a validly ordained priest, it is a MASS!
I once was asked a question in church by a man in a roman collar as to when "the service" started. I assumed, by his ignorance of proper Catholic terminology, that he was a visiting Protestant minister, but alas, it was not so. (What are they teaching in those seminaries these days?!)
So, if you are Catholic, and the "service" you attend has the Consecration by a validly ordained priest, it is a MASS!
Saturday, June 4, 2005
St. Dymphna
Why, you may or may not ask, is this blog called Dymphna's Well? St. Dymphna is the patron saint of those with mental illnesses and nerve disorders and is a saint close to my heart. I run a Catholic forum called St. Dymphna's Well on Delphiforums. It is a place for support for those of us who suffer, or who have a family member who suffers from any form of mental illness. We discuss anything and everything from paranoia to ADD. So many people leave the Church because of their acute suffering, when there is so much comfort to be had from Catholicism.
St. Dymphna
Why, you may or may not ask, is this blog called Dymphna's Well? St. Dymphna is the patron saint of those with mental illnesses and nerve disorders and is a saint close to my heart. I run a Catholic forum called St. Dymphna's Well on Delphiforums. It is a place for support for those of us who suffer, or who have a family member who suffers from any form of mental illness. We discuss anything and everything from paranoia to ADD. So many people leave the Church because of their acute suffering, when there is so much comfort to be had from Catholicism.
To dress or not to dress...up
Normally I would agree with the spiritual discipline of dressing up for Mass. I think receiving the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord should be a notch or two above watching the Super Bowl Game on our priority list.
Having said that, though, I know a wonderful priest who makes a point of saying that he doesn't care one way or the other what you where to Mass in his parish. He doesn't mind if the altar servers wear sneakers or the parishoners wear jeans. This might be because the parish is in an economically depressed and somewhat dangerous part of the city. His parish is truly a refuge in the midst of the modern urban storm.
Having said that, though, I know a wonderful priest who makes a point of saying that he doesn't care one way or the other what you where to Mass in his parish. He doesn't mind if the altar servers wear sneakers or the parishoners wear jeans. This might be because the parish is in an economically depressed and somewhat dangerous part of the city. His parish is truly a refuge in the midst of the modern urban storm.
To dress or not to dress...up
Normally I would agree with the spiritual discipline of dressing up for Mass. I think receiving the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord should be a notch or two above watching the Super Bowl Game on our priority list.
Having said that, though, I know a wonderful priest who makes a point of saying that he doesn't care one way or the other what you where to Mass in his parish. He doesn't mind if the altar servers wear sneakers or the parishoners wear jeans. This might be because the parish is in an economically depressed and somewhat dangerous part of the city. His parish is truly a refuge in the midst of the modern urban storm.
Having said that, though, I know a wonderful priest who makes a point of saying that he doesn't care one way or the other what you where to Mass in his parish. He doesn't mind if the altar servers wear sneakers or the parishoners wear jeans. This might be because the parish is in an economically depressed and somewhat dangerous part of the city. His parish is truly a refuge in the midst of the modern urban storm.
Books I'm reading
Currently, I'm reading The Accidental Pope by former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican, Ray Flynn. In its unique premise, a laicized American priest who is a widower with 4 children, is voted by the Conclave to succeed John Paul II. After a week of daily voting, one of the front runners pulls out of the race by telling a story about his ex-priest friend, Bill Kelly. A majority of the cardinals then cast their protest vote for Bill Kelly, each thinking he is the only one doing so. The joke is on them when they realize that this layman was once ordained a priest and therefore is technically eligible to become pope. His cardinal-friend is dispached to officially go to the States to offer him the job and get his laughing refusal. But, he doesn't refuse.
This book is interesting, if for no other reason than it is set in what is our recent past. It is fun to compare the book with the reality. For example, the mourning period for Pope John Paul II is 15 days in the book, and I believe it was 9 days in reality. Also, the book has the late Pope passing away some time before New Year's Day 2001.
I haven't finished the book yet, but I'm sure it will continue to be interesting!
This book is interesting, if for no other reason than it is set in what is our recent past. It is fun to compare the book with the reality. For example, the mourning period for Pope John Paul II is 15 days in the book, and I believe it was 9 days in reality. Also, the book has the late Pope passing away some time before New Year's Day 2001.
I haven't finished the book yet, but I'm sure it will continue to be interesting!
Books I'm reading
Currently, I'm reading The Accidental Pope by former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican, Ray Flynn. In its unique premise, a laicized American priest who is a widower with 4 children, is voted by the Conclave to succeed John Paul II. After a week of daily voting, one of the front runners pulls out of the race by telling a story about his ex-priest friend, Bill Kelly. A majority of the cardinals then cast their protest vote for Bill Kelly, each thinking he is the only one doing so. The joke is on them when they realize that this layman was once ordained a priest and therefore is technically eligible to become pope. His cardinal-friend is dispached to officially go to the States to offer him the job and get his laughing refusal. But, he doesn't refuse.
This book is interesting, if for no other reason than it is set in what is our recent past. It is fun to compare the book with the reality. For example, the mourning period for Pope John Paul II is 15 days in the book, and I believe it was 9 days in reality. Also, the book has the late Pope passing away some time before New Year's Day 2001.
I haven't finished the book yet, but I'm sure it will continue to be interesting!
This book is interesting, if for no other reason than it is set in what is our recent past. It is fun to compare the book with the reality. For example, the mourning period for Pope John Paul II is 15 days in the book, and I believe it was 9 days in reality. Also, the book has the late Pope passing away some time before New Year's Day 2001.
I haven't finished the book yet, but I'm sure it will continue to be interesting!
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