tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14879983.post4676209474931624164..comments2024-03-18T20:41:39.140-07:00Comments on C. E. Chaffin's Blog: Achievement and BeingC. E. Chaffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639448512282317750noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14879983.post-57038610420525919722010-07-20T12:34:45.217-07:002010-07-20T12:34:45.217-07:00Yvonne, I am touched by your response. My father ...Yvonne, I am touched by your response. My father committed suicide at the age of 62. How often in my suffering have I wished for terminal cancer or its equivalent! To my religious upbringing this is anathema; philosophically, excepting terminal cases, I consider suicide to be the most selfish act of which a human is capable. It is agains nature, screw the lemmings.<br /><br />Sartre said the real question of the 20th century was "Why not commit suicide?"<br /><br />As a bipolar I know the odds of recovery from depression are nearly certain, that I will eventually recover. Unfortunately, in the throes of it (as you must know), one believes it will go on forever. "A rut is just a grave with the ends kicked out."<br /><br />To live, to love, to work, to believe that you are not your disease, that your identity can survive the illness--all these help. Still there is an essential courage in the sleepless nights when you must resist suicide in hand-to-hand combat. I have been there and by the grace of God and my own moral compass I have not attempted it, nor do I believe I ever will. It would unnecessarily wound so many who have loved and helped me along this pock-marked road. And it would be an admission of failure; "Never give up," quoth Churchill. Especially in a cyclical disease.<br /><br />Thanks for commenting,<br /><br />CE<br /><br />p.s. I've been doing better for over a week after six months in the pit!C. E. Chaffinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02639448512282317750noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14879983.post-70804308061785379202010-07-20T08:57:25.417-07:002010-07-20T08:57:25.417-07:00"When I think of my greatest accomplishments,..."When I think of my greatest accomplishments, not committing suicide has to be near the top. I've never attempted it. This may not sound like heroism to most, but to those who have suffered clinical depression for over a year at a time, I think it qualifies."<br /><br />This makes me cry and makes me think. I am a bipolar journalist, looking for successful bipolars. What you say is true. Staying alive and having a great family makes it all worthwhile.<br /><br />Y.F.Floorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17977366828717181790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14879983.post-60980656453944882842010-06-28T14:41:35.944-07:002010-06-28T14:41:35.944-07:00What I'm currently trying to do is just "...What I'm currently trying to do is just "the next thing," whatever that is, without looking past it to what's next. Sounds like your next thing MIGHT be to check into the reinstatement of the medical license. Then maybe you pursue it, maybe not. Even if you end up not pursuing it, perhaps it will lead to something even more palatable for you.mareymercyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03407666873261385487noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14879983.post-27043266138558167712010-06-24T13:01:32.493-07:002010-06-24T13:01:32.493-07:00Thanks, Kelton, and Happy Birthday on the 25th!
...Thanks, Kelton, and Happy Birthday on the 25th! <br /><br />Yes, being trumps doing but it's so hard to accept. I said to Kathleen yesterday, "You are the gift, not what you do or have done." Sure, our loved ones see us in this light but often our inner light depends too much on our latest endeavor. I want to be free of self-judgment, which does not preclude self-analysis; I want to avoid the negativity that pervades all arenas of competition--as there is no one quite like us, there is no one to truly compete with. There you have it. Not that being and being ourselves is always an easy task, but friends like you make it easier.<br /><br />CraigC. E. Chaffinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02639448512282317750noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14879983.post-85241062503069766862010-06-24T11:41:21.323-07:002010-06-24T11:41:21.323-07:00When you sit down to blather, something worth whil...When you sit down to blather, something worth while always comes out! As for re-entering the medical profession, you've thought of good, reasonable questions. Continue on your course and in time you will know. I love you not for your accomplishments but for your beingness and your presence. Unless it's the accomplishments you've made with me personally. There is love and trust and sharing, the beautiful benefits of being one of your friends. Your greatest accomplishment is what you have become as father, husband and friend. Your compassion and kindness, your ability to question yourself, your bent on self-improvement, in spite or because of your challenges, all make you a great person and friend.<br /><br />Love and light,<br />Kelton<br /><br /><br />"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." John 14:12<br /><br />Jesus is on your side! You are a treasure!<br /><br />Light, love and laughter,<br />TerahKelticKeltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12458157162614233527noreply@blogger.com