Hey, Remember Me? Two Years Almost to the Day.

Hey there, do you remember me? It's been a minute. It feels like a lifetime has passed since my last post nearly two years ago. While I could list a myriad of reasons for my absence, they aren't so much excuses as they are reflections of a significant shift in my focus, priorities, and life itself.

Over these past 24 months, my days have been a tapestry of work commitments and family ties. Picture this: long hours spent navigating the complexities of new roles and promotions at work, coupled with evenings filled with family dinners, where conversations range from mundane to profound. My life isn't just a series of events; it's a journey marked by growth, challenges, and the occasional unexpected turn.

Professionally, I've embraced new responsibilities with enthusiasm, both in my day job and as a part-time reservist. Imagine juggling two worlds – one where I delve into the intriguing realm of AI technologies, and another where military courses challenge and redefine my boundaries. It's been a fulfilling, albeit demanding, trajectory.

On the home front, our family has weathered storms. My father suffered a severe stroke, a life-altering event that reshaped our everyday lives. Imagine the man you've always looked up to suddenly unable to communicate or walk, his frustration palpable as he relearns basic tasks. Yet, through this struggle, something remarkable happened. Now 85, he’s found a new lease on life in Mexico, with my stepmother by his side. His resilience amazes me, and while his abilities have changed, his spirit remains unbroken. He’s still the same dad.

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Before I continue, a word of caution: the following content delves into topics of suicide and mental health, which might be distressing for some. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek immediate help through resources like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States and Canada or its equivalent in your country. Remember, you are not alone.

As a member of the Canadian Forces well-versed in suicide prevention, I never imagined this issue would strike so close to home. Yet, it did. My middle son, who we thought was navigating life's challenges well, secretly grappled with a darkness none of us saw and attempted to take his own life. It was a text to his older brother from one of his close friends, unsettling and out of character, that unveiled the crisis we were oblivious to. Fast action by my oldest saved his life. Fast forward six months, and I'm grateful to say he's on a path to recovery after being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. The journey hasn't been easy, but through therapy(for all of us), medication, and a lot of love, we're learning to navigate this new reality together.

Is he cured? No.

But is he better? Yes, and so are we.

Through this ordeal, we've come to understand that personality disorders are a labyrinth of complexities, often misunderstood, stigmatized and misdiagnosed. A trivial issue to us can be an insurmountable obstacle to him, affecting his emotions and actions in ways we're just beginning to comprehend.

I hesitated to share this story, aware of the lingering stigma surrounding mental health. Yet, seeing my son courageously share his experience with his community fills me with pride. We may never fully emerge from the woods, but armed with knowledge, understanding, and unwavering support, we step forward, we have the tools now, we have a plan, we have hope and we have him.

So, that's a glimpse into my life over the last two years. To those who've faced similar challenges, I hope you find your way through. I hope this message finds you well, and remember, just like my son, you are loved and appreciated. I'll be here, continuing my journey, doing my own thing and eager to hear about yours.

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If you or someone you know is facing thoughts of suicide, immediate help is available. In the United States, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, a service available 24/7 for emotional support and crisis intervention. For U.S. military veterans, you can also reach the Veterans Crisis Line by pressing 1 after dialing 988, or by texting 838255. In Canada, the 988 service is available for mental health crisis and suicide prevention, providing support in both English and French, with additional languages via interpretation if needed. Remember, you are not alone, and there are people ready to help you through this.