Behind the Mirror: I Remember Feeling Numb

I left a recent support group meeting feeling sad. Sad for the families whose loved ones are held captive by an eating disorder. Their fear is palpable. I see it in their eyes. No words are necessary.  

I remember feeling that numb.

I remember being where they are and I go back on the second and fourth Monday of each month when those families seek answers and solutions to their loved one's pain, as well as their own.

Those of us in the support group who have seen our loved ones through the darkness and into the light of recovery know all too well how long it took us to realize how little control we had over their disease. We gently try to help them see now what took us years to learn. 

This morning at Country Waffles the ideas were churning faster than the scrambled eggs. Four women, brought together by a disease, wanting to do more to help the families of those that are struggling. 

We want to share our stories, we want to be available to families, we want to reach out, we want families to know they are not alone. We believe we can provide a valuable resource to our community. 

For every family that comes to the group for support, we know there are dozens who do not.  What keeps them away?  

Shame, fear, embarrassment and all the "what ifs."

We have taken the first few steps. Look out, we're on our way.  

I'll keep you posted.