Her Life's Work

Cory Days #21:


The other night I remembered Cory by sharing her life's work with others.  I had the opportunity to speak at a college class about mental illness and art therapy.  I brought a half dozen or so of Cory's paintings to show the group.  Cory was an artist, and I suppose her body of work could be considered her life's work.  But, Cory was more than just an artist, she was a survivor. 


Sometimes, during the time she was being stabilized, I got discouraged about all the time that was being stolen by her illness.  When I talked to Dr. Z about my concerns for her future and her education, he put it to me very simply,  "We want to encourage Cory to keep learning, but we must realize that her mental health is a full time job right now.  It has to be her main priority, ahead of everything else, even being a student."


He was right.  You cannot learn when you don't feel safe.  Cory's life work those last few years was getting well, and staying well.  She also loved.  She loved her family.  She loved her friends.  And she loved life when she could, which is a huge testament to her sheer strength and determination.


Giving others a look inside the life of a person struggling with their mental health is what Cory would want me to do.  Tell them how to read the signs, Mom.  Tell them how to help.  Tell them we are people just like everyone else that have to fight so hard just to live.  Tell them it's not our fault that we struggle and we want to be like everyone else. 


I am her voice now, and that is how I honored her.