I think one of the reasons I wrote about my mom, Sue, was to receive support and recognition for the effort and triumph of literally surviving Sue. If you’d asked me as I was wrote, I would’ve shrugged off that thought because I wanted to believe I was writing for posterity. To bring clarity for our daughter, Delaney, who saw, as she grew up, glimpses of madness and mayhem from Sue that were accommodated. Worked around…for the greater good of caring for my disabled sister, Lisa. Delaney’s dear and ever-so-fragile aunt.
Now? I understand that writing was part of my healing journey. Fooling myself into thinking I’d done every bit of the self-care required to mend and move on, I realize now that writing was the capstone, the punctuation to draw closure. Receiving feedback and insight from readers was the final leg of my marathon with Sue.
I had the privilege recently of hosting a book club to discuss “Surviving Sue” and I loved the opportunity to nosh, nibble and chat about the book and catch up with wonderful readers.
We had a thoughtful discussion that night – insight about the challenges of elder care mixed with dementia, addiction and mental health. My story with Sue might be unique, but the themes and undercurrents are not. And that, I believe, is the point of writing and sharing. There is a closeness and intimacy that comes when we confide in one another, commiserate about ever-present caregiver worry, life challenges…and yes…exhaustion.
As this year draws to a close, I’m grateful for this new found awareness. Learning about myself and the importance of stories and storytellers. We may not be circled around a campfire but cozy camaraderie with trusted readers (whether in person or virtually) is empowering as an antidote to the stress that cues up when we suffer in isolation.
I’ll leave you with a specific example. I’m still basking in gratitude as I reflect on one of the powerful comments I received that evening:
Reading your book – I felt like I was talking with you. Listening to your story as it unfolded. Familiar, encouraging and warm.
Vicki ❤
Thank you so much for reading. I appreciate your interest and feedback about “Surviving Sue” and I’m so pleased to have great reviews on Amazon and Goodreads…and I welcome more. If you’ve enjoyed the book and my story, please pass along your positivity to a fellow reader.
Victoria Ponders 
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