The summer of 2006 was the most memorable one of my life. My mom, younger brother, and I took a weeklong trip down to the quaint little town of Wesley Chapel, Florida, which lies right outside Tampa. I had never been before, but wasn’t remarkably excited when I heard that we were going down there.
A thirteen hour car ride didn’t seem at all entertaining to me.Just before the trip in early May I was discharged from a psychiatric hospital because I had suffered a major depressive episode. After that diagnosis my little world was turned upside down on my head. I had always been the normal and sane one of my friends, the one keeping others stable; but the summer of 2006 found me trying desperately to find an ounce of stability in my distraught mind.We were taking the trip down there to visit my great aunt and her husband, whose kids were grown and had just left the house.
I didn’t know either one of them very well, and I worried that they would judge me because I had just been hospitalized for a mental illness.I couldn’t have been more wrong. That trip was exactly what brought me that ounce of stability that I desperately yearned for that summer. My aunt was so gracious and welcoming, and she encouraged me to talk to her about what had happened to me.
She wasn’t scared of me, and I knew that she genuinely cared and wasn’t judging me, as I felt that so many people did when I had to talk about my problems. I credit her for bringing me closer to God that summer. After our talks I would go and sit in her pool outside and just think.
I would talk to God about my terrible sadness, and how I felt so guilty that it wasn’t going away. I knew that I had a good life compared to so many others, but I couldn’t help wanting to die.Each night after we talked I would go outside; every single night. Florida is always warm, and when I would talk to God I felt like I had a warm blanket over me; the kind that makes you feel less vulnerable, similar to the one I carried around in my youth.
I would gaze up at the stars with my feet in the pool water, and I knew that I was not alone. I felt human again. I felt inherent happiness out there that I didn’t think I had in me anymore.
I just needed someone to care about me enough to coax it out of me.After we left my aunt and I have kept in close touch, and my family went down there for spring break last spring. The summer of 2006 taught me how lives within a family are delicately interwoven; each member has an awesome impact on their relatives. My aunt taught me the value of genuine understanding and God, and I have become a stronger and wiser person for it.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “Florida Trip”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your weblog aand check again here frequently.
I’m quite certain I’ll learn plenty of new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!
Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Many thanks
We absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for.
Do you offer guest writers to write content
for yourself? I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write concerning
here. Again, awesome site!
Essential bags: Remember to bring commonly used medicines, prescription medicines, motion sickness medicine, cold medicine, wound closures, etc.
Thanks for sharing
Very nice article. I certainly love this site.
Contine the good work!
Wow, Fran Falkin’s pet travel tips are a lifesaver! ? Planning our pet-friendly vacation has been a breeze thanks to these insightful tips. We followed tip #2, and now our fur baby practically loves their carrier, making our journey stress-free. Plus, we found a cozy hotel that welcomes our pet, so they’re enjoying the adventure just as much as we are. Thanks, Fran, for turning our pet travel worries into tail-wagging excitement!
Hey There. I found your weblog using msn. That
is a really smartly written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to learn more of
your useful info. Thank you for the post. I will certainly
comeback.
i wish i was chinese
I am genuinely pleased to read this weblog posts which includes plenty
of helpful information, thanks for providing
these kinds of statistics.
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular
article! It’s the little changes that will make the biggest changes.
Thanks for sharing!
Explore the beauty of Sri Lanka with our family tours. Discover unforgettable experiences for all with Family Tours Sri Lanka. Book your adventure today with Sri Lanka Family Tours.
Great post.
Yes, recent trends suggest that Americans are regaining confidence in vacations and travel. As travel restrictions ease and vaccination rates increase, many Americans are showing a greater willingness to travel and explore destinations again. However, it’s important to stay updated on travel advisories and safety measures to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
Reading Fran Falkin’s insights took me back to my first trip with Whiskers, my feline companion. The chaos of ensuring he was comfortable amidst the hustle of the airport was a lesson in patience. Had I come across these invaluable tips earlier, our journey would’ve been as smooth as a calm sea.
Thank you! I value it!
Great information. Cheers.
Very good write-up. I certainly appreciate this website.
Continue the good work!
I read your article on the Sheep of Sun Valley and I found it very fascinating and enjoyable. You have given a detailed and colorful account of your experience at the Trailing of the Sheep Festival, which celebrates the history and culture of sheepherding in Idaho. I think your article is a great way to introduce this unique and fun event to other travelers and families who are looking for a different and memorable adventure.
This is something new I saw on the internet today I want to thank you for writing such a great and helpful blog. I really appreciate your efforts.