Kookaburras

At the beginning of 2017 my Psychologist said to me, "Tell me in two words what your goals are for the year?"

Pen poised for a long wait and some tears. "Hope and cope," I immediately replied.

"I like it Pauline. Just what I wanted to hear. We've come a long way since 2008. You're resolute. I hear optimism. I see resilience. And no tears!"

There's been more than a few blips along the way ... But hey, that's just part of the Bipolar deal.

I adore my son Ross and care for him to the best of my ability. He knows and appreciates it. We visit the Coffee Club once a month 'cause that's our thing.’ He's growing up and I am thankful that his trust ensures that no subject is off limits. I know it won't always be this way, so I make the most of it.

I have a roof over my head. It's not ideal. But everyday I acknowledge with acceptance and it's often my entry at night in my Gratitude Journal.

We had Silver Season tickets this year for the Brisbane Bullets, our team in the Australian National Basketball League. When I was in Toowong Private Hospital (a Specialist Psychiatric unit) and couldn't join him, Charli went with Ross instead, cementing their enduring friendship. I'm saving up my coins and hoping next Season to go Gold. There’s no matter if I'm not successful as I’ll have great memories.

We made a difficult decision to change high schools. It wasn't easy, but Ross is thriving in the Academic Program at Kedron State High School. That's the main thing. He has great mates ... Hmmm and quite a few girls, going by the incessant Skype calls that he ignores!

He loves his sport. Basketball and cricket. He’ll never play for Australia, but he practices every day with no prompting.

And although I no longer drive, I've just about mastered Public Transport.

I'm meeting my own dream with measured balanced writing.

I feed privileged to have supportive friends that inspire me. I’ve learned that you don't need many. And a select group on Facebook that breaks the isolation.

My friend Shannan who lives just around the corner is away for two weeks, so our Twin Peaks original series marathon is on hiatus. We’ll resume again, no doubt about it. I just need to keep supplying the blue vein cheese.

I woke early at 5 am after a good nights sleep. I went out the back to my meditation garden, with a decaf coffee and Weetbix.

It was dark out and the Kookaburras greeted me.

No time for a morning walk today.

I was waiting for the 598 Bus at Stop two at Nundah. Not realising how early I'd have to rise to get all of the 'back to school' jobs done. With a sense of achievement, I did them.

So here am, on board and travelling the 'burbs on the bus’ to first stop, Bardon to see my Psychiatrist.

So ‘hope and cope.’ There's been more than a few blips along the way ... But hey, that's just part of the Bipolar deal.

How am I doing overall? I'm doing ok.

****

The next day.

I’ve just returned from my early morning walk. I’ve made a coffee and have wandered to a nearby parkbench. I’m smiling at the raucus Kookaburras progressing to the joy expressed by the screech of the rainbow lorikeets. As a celebration of contentment I listen to Corey Harris’ ‘Father Son Mother Earth.’

[ For Ange: Let’s keep freestyling! ]

Pauline Fountain. © 2021. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be used or reproduced without the written permission of the author.