The long lists of preparations for Christmas are slowly being ticked off. The tree has been hauled down from the attic, and the decorations are starting their long battle against gravity. Cards have been written and posted. Food has been ordered, and friends invited. Presents start to appear mysteriously around the tree, even though there is still a full week to go.
Julie's mood remains generally buoyant. The huge swings of mood of a few weeks ago have settled into a calmer ebb and flow. She sleeps a lot, reads a little, smiles more than she did. There are telling signs of recovery: she makes little plans for the future. She needs a new handbag and thinks she has enough money to buy one: even such a small plan is significant. She creates things - something she has not done for some time - making up songs, or sewing little gifts for friends. It is a sunnier, calmer upland we find outselves in.
Reluctantly, I mention her return to school. The term begins again shortly after New Year, and we have to be prepared. She may not be ready to return full-time, but I would like to see her take charge of this, as she did in September. Generally, the rest of us have never been successful in making plans for Julie: the only plans that have ever worked, have been those she has made and executed for herself. The strong capable survivor side of Julie, the side that reminds me of my mother, has been sleeping during her relapse, and it is time for her to wake up again and take control.
No comments:
Post a Comment