Memories Of Yesterday [Paperback]

I was somewhat apprehensive to return to work after a five-day vacation at the Ritz-Carlton Psychiatric Convention Center. After taking a deep breath, I prepared myself to be greeted by true friends who would tease me about playing checkers with the likes of Mrs. Coca-Cola and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. Marie asked me how my vacation was. I nodded to the affirmative. We all had a good laugh at their loving insane insinuations. Party time was soon over, and my thoughts were back in the real world. I went to the floral department and thought, I wonder if I'd remember how to make an arrangement? Instead, I started off slow and made a boutonniere. Easy enough, I thought to myself. With pride in my heart, I smiled because I still had the touch of doing them both Thankfully, soon it was break time. I ordered an Apple Fritter and a diet Dr Pepper. (You're right-it makes no sense. But I've been eating that combination for the past twenty-four years in the grocery business, and I have a waistline to prove it!) I was heading for the break room, as usual, when a familiar feeling came over me, and I saw myself in the eyes of another. I don't know why I slipped into their isolated booth in the store's small dining area. Across me was a very young and frightened woman sipping on a cup of coffee. She had tears streaming down her cheeks and looked rather startled at my appearance. But I had the feeling she was waiting for me. Although we were not formally introduced, words came freely between us. She spoke of her fears and frustrations. As she spoke, I listened, and my own struggles flashed before my eyes. We spoke candidly of her darkest secret-one of sanity. I smiled as I told my new friend that the healing comes when you start believing in yourself. As I watched her, I recognized myself and was somewhat frightened for her. You see, it's sad to lose yourself and your family and blame God for an illness you have no control over. To my surprise, I felt something brusl3t