Conversations with Calliope- Ravages of Mental Illness

jlangen — Oct 5, 2009, 7:34am

(Statue- San Juan)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. I missed you on Saturday.
JOE: I learned that some experiences are like some books. They need to be chewed and digested. I needed some time before addressing what happened Saturday.
CALLIOPE: Sounds rather dramatic.
JOE: It wasn't so much dramatic as profoundly affecting me.
CALLIOPE: Tell me about it.
JOE: Okay. I met a woman I had once loved and had not seen in ten years.
CALLIOPE: What happened?
JOE: She was a shell of her once vibrant and bright self. Only faintly glowing embers remained of her personality.
CALLIOPE: What happened to her?
JOE: Mental illness ravaged her and she almost disappeared.
CALLIOPE: Did finding her in this state surprise you?
JOE: No. I knew what to expect. Still it is sad to see the remnants of a once promising life now tenuous at best.
CALLIOPE: Sorry to hear it.
JOE: I have known it all too well as a psychologist but it's still hard to accept. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope- There's Always Something

jlangen — Mar 17, 2009, 9:31am

(Creekside Path- Leroy, NY)

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JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: I was reflecting yesterday on Yvonne's death, the fragility of life and implications for my future writing when my brother called.
CALLIOPE: What did he have to say?
JOE: He recently had knee surgery for a torn meniscus.
CALLIOPE: Did it go okay?
JOE: All except for the pre-op tests. He was found to have a very high white blood count which turned out to be due to his having a form of leukemia.
CALLIOPE: I'm sorry to hear it.
JOE: Thanks. It's little early to tell what the future holds. He is having more tests next week and plans will be made pending the outcome.
CALLIOPE: How is he taking it?
JOE: I think he is still somewhat in shock but seems to be taking it in stride. I think it is difficult for a surgeon to be a patient. We're both hoping for the best.
CALLIOPE: Are there any indications for hope?
JOE: There always are. He has a less virulent form of leukemia and does not have any symptoms except fatigue.
CALLIOPE: How are you taking it?
JOE: I guess it has not really registered yet. I'm worried about him of course but will do anything I can to help although I'm not sure what I can do except be supportive right now. I will at least do that. Talk with you tomorrow.