So how do you know when to say when? Not give up on someone but when too protect yourself from giving in. In the past I have been supportive even when I questioned the direction some of my friends were taking themselves down. Some got lost in drugs and alcohol, others a more personal fight within them. Personal demons as some would say. The substance abuse sometimes you just have to let people go until they are ready to fight back and regain control of their lives. Yes I have had to turn my back but always made the effort to stay in contact and help them fight the good fight. From a best friend to an older brother I have struggled through the hard times. I am happy to say my friend has turned it around but I can’t say the same about my brother. It’s hard when I grew up as younger brothers do, look up to him, and then to see him give up on his life. You will never understand what it’s like to get a phone call and go pick someone up who is talking about taking their life. Is it a sign of weakness, maybe, but unless we are in their shoes do we really know. If anyone has some answers I could use them.
Then there is the one I struggle with almost daily. A very good friend that lives very far away that has lived a life that I am just amazed she has come so far. I have never in my life been so emotional connected to someone. We laugh about some of the greatest times and then after I have cried because I see all the pain she is trying to cover up. I want to be able to play along and let her think I believe everything is ok but inside I know this to not be true. Sometimes when we truly listen we all can hear the cry for help. Maybe I am wrong I want to be. So my question for you all is this do I play along and laugh and forget or do I say enough is enough and keep fighting for them to stop trying to cover things up?
