Finally, I can exhale! On February 19, 2022 @ 5:34pm, Coleman Porter Bailey finally decided to make his debut. Weighing 6 lbs, 5 oz, mother and baby are well. I realized that I didn’t ask for prayers for the dad or to state that he too, is well. That is important. Fathers who are active, play a significant role in the pregnancy and delivery processes. I had that support during my four pregnancies, and my daughter having the same was important to me. Seeing that she had the support eased some of my anxiety; however, I still battled with depression due to the restricted participation caused by Covid. In addition, I fought to keep my emotions from her to protect her fragile state. I later found out that she was doing the same to protect me. Being active and open about our mental health has enabled us to navigate through the most sensitive situations with love, support, and care.
Periodically, throughout the pregnancy, I made sure to check in to see if the father was ok and to simply thank him for taking care of my baby. I was very appreciative, and this also helped my depression. Just hearing their voices made me feel like I was somehow a part of the process. Pregnancy is stressful on the mom; however, the support system endures a great deal of stress as well. Confirming my family was safe, enabled me to manage my other stressors and get through the rest of her pregnancy with a sense of peace.
Receiving a DUO call from my daughter and her family, I was beyond excited. My grandson was perfect. I couldn’t do anything but cry. I shed tears of joy. The weekend, like many other days recently, was filled with many challenges and disappointments, however, when I look at how God worked them out, I am thankful, amazed, and overjoyed about what God can do. February 23, 2022, my husband walked out and never looked back. Tomorrow will be three years of being alone…Lonely...trying to picture how my future was going to look without him…how I would have a family without him. Since that time, God has opened doors, removed obstacles, and placed some amazing people in my life. I have come to realize that a better future has been prepared for me. My children and I are making new memories, our family is growing. This is not what I anticipated, but I wouldn’t trade it for the past. We are at peace, and happier than I can remember. My future is much brighter, and I am eager for what awaits me. We are healing, and happier than I can remember being in a long time.
Focusing on our mental health allows us to see things from a clearer perspective. Rather than seeing life as being over, we can look at it as NEW LIFE. If we embrace the idea of starting over, we give ourselves the opportunity to embrace the new and exciting things that await. The birth of my two grandsons is just the beginning. All that awaits my growing family is more than I could have ever imagined. Sometimes, a part of taking care of our mental health is to relinquish control over our lives. WE ARE NOT IN CONTROL. When we allow the true director…God…to take control, our lives become less stressful. As our mental health improves, so does our overall daily living. The ups and downs that we go through are inevitable. God will show us that He is in control by what we are able to overcome. In the end, the NEW and even BETTER LIFE that awaits us is worth shedding that which held us bound. Enjoy a better life. Release control and embrace what awaits.
Defy the stigma of mental illness
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS…FOR MEN TOO
Dying to be Perfect 