Shoot me now

In bullet points (get it?). Dark humor is the only kind I have right now.

I know I have been a terrible blogger this summer. Here is what has been keeping me in a perpetually non-blogging state of mind (while being mindful of other people's privacy) Sorry I'm vague but a lot of this is not my deal, y'know?

*2 elderly relatives with dementia and relocation issues. Both in denial. Seriously.
*1 extended family relative who lost a child this summer. Devastating. For all involved, near and far.
*1 relative diagnosed with an advanced form of cancer.
*1 long time friend battling health issues and of whom I have not been as supportive or caring as I would like
*1 custody battle which appears to be resolved in the favor of the children involved (thank goodness -- it was our only good news all summer)

I am barely keeping afloat, to be honest. I am grateful for the friends who have anchored me, provided shelter from the storms, and assured me that they will continue to be there for me as I watch the roiling sea around me.

It is not easy to go through any of the things my friends and family are going through. But I can tell you it is not easy to watch people you love go through these things either.

I will come back, soon. I need to. It's good for my soul to write this down.

I'm just having a hard time with balancing others' privacy against my own need to work things out in writing.

But in making that list, I realize it isn't a long list. It could be worse. Others have it worse, deal with much more, in their daily lives.

But in my life, these things are taking a toll. And I need to find a way to work through them, to be supportive, and maintain my own mental health.