Since 2013, recognized author and community leader for mental health, David Gibson, has battled the inner world of PTSD to find some measure of hope within. He uses his writing to explore how his journey as a survivor has enabled him to come to terms with PTSD and the new reality of his life. His 'Reflections from the Other Side of Reason' not only invite the reader into his life, but offers insights on how to grow and build resiliency. By sharing his experiences he takes away any toll for others to walk down the same road.
[The Timeless gift]
Of all the small things we are given to love –
The gift of life, the smile that overflows.
The comforting embrace, soothing words to chase away the blues.
July’s warm breath, raspberries, lilacs in spring, butterflies in the rays of sunlight.
Wondrous dreams, cottage life, Gulf of Mexico shores, sand castles with sandy toes.
I love you most of all Mom.
Because you have given them back to me.
A keen eye for the little boy’s dream,
Gentle fingers tracing a flower’s petal,
The lacy web of a dragon fly’s wing.
You have taught me to taste the world again,
Swallow powdered snow,
See the surprises of the New Year sun.
You, my creator of beauty,
Recover the wonder of life.
In your open, beckoning hands.
“My Mom is a never-ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune.” -Graycie Harmon
Memories are transitory, will-o’-the-wisp things. Some elude us as we try to mentally grasp at them, while others pop up when we least expect them. Some we lose entirely; others change as we filter them through time and experiences.
Most memories of our moms are really memories of our interactions with them as we grew up. Mothers come in all forms: some are biological; some are grandmothers who raised us; some are aunts, big sisters, parent’s friends or even neighbors who watched out for our well-being and loved and cared for us. Even if you did not call her Mom, the woman in your life who loved you unconditionally, taught you, disciplined you, worried about you, laughed and cried with you and hugged you when you needed it most.
A mother’s love is absolute, pure, and everlasting. Our moms become the rock on which we stand, the fortress that protects our family, and the strength we thought we did not have. We never out grow our moms.
Truly, a mother’s love and influence are among the most powerful things a person could ever find in this world. If you doubt it, compare notes with someone who no longer has their Mom – or someone who never had her to begin with.
For better or worse, no one shapes our lives more than our mothers because they do it from the inside out. We find their fingerprints on everything – from our grandest deeds to our most tucked away thoughts
She hurts when you hurt. She hopes when you can’t find hope. She dreams bigger dreams for you than you’ve ever dreamed for yourself.
And she’s convinced you’re worthy of it all…because you’re special… to her you always have been.
Her love is beautifully irrational. She looks beyond your faults and flaws and sees the very best version of you. She believes that’s who you are.
If belief alone could get you there, she’d hand-deliver you to your destiny.
Even as an adult child this bond never fades away. It is truly remarkable how impactful a mom’s reach can be, even in the worst of times.
After the bus crash my Mom continued to shape and encourage me to grow and learn. Her understanding and support over the ‘healing’ years have helped me to live my life with integrity and to value what is important and not lose sight of what matters most – my family.
I am so incredibly grateful for my Mom.
For these are the family ties that bind my being for eternity.
Until next time.
