When the blues are more than just the blues...

This is a difficult post to publish..

During the course of the week I THOUGHT about posting something to reflect the traumatic incident that occured, but wasn't sure a) where to start b) how I really felt..

For anyone who follows Canadian news - I am sure you have heard/read about the young mother who (possibly) drowned her 3 month old baby son and 2 year old daughter before going missing..  (and for anyone curious - her body was possibly pulled from the river today)..

Well, I worked with this mother. 

I didn't work DIRECTLY with her, per say, as our departments don't work side by side in the hospital.. BUT, I knew who she was and have most likely said hello in passing.

For anyone who doesn't know the story, the possible reasoning for this horror having occurred?  Severe post-partum depression.

While it is not possible for me to comment on PPD as I have never experienced it, I have suffered a mild depression so I can relate to how draining it can be.. Combine that with a toddler and a newborn? I can imagine it to be hard.

The reactions to the news has been mixed:  More than half of the commenter's were HOPING that this "monster" went off to "kill herself" (or disgusting comments like that) while the other half were more sympathetic towards her recognizing PPD can lead to a psychosis and wishing for her safe return/not believing she murdered her children.

I am not sure if I didn't 'know' her if I would feel like the first half of people who think her to be a 'monster' or if I would still feel sympathy for a woman who obviously did not get the help she needed for a mental health issue.

One of the most heartfelt responses I have read to the news articles was from a mother who had suffered PPD.  In a nutshell she said that it is HARD to talk about it - you are surrounded by people congratulating you on the arrival of your child, and you are made to feel like you HAVE the entire world in your grasp.. To be put on that pedestal but to feel like you can't handle it/don't love your child must be horrific.. *I* couldn't imagine speaking those words to anyone.  She also went on to say (and it echoed a co-worker who was talking about her history of PPD) that she was AFRAID to tell anyone how she was feeling as she was afraid that she would either be labelled as a bad mother or have her child taken away from her... fortunately, her story had a happy ending and her husband recognized she needed more help than he could provide.

PPD has such a negative stigma attached to it - it's horrible that so many people also dismiss it as not being 'real'.. I am sure that deters some moms from speaking about it as well....

I am not sure where I am going with this post... I am grieving, along with my city, for the two innocent children who lost their lives, their father & grandparents, and especially for their mother who maybe could have been helped...

WW - U-Pick

Fresh strawberries from the U-Pick?  Yes, please!

There is a first time for everything!

 

 

What is almost as exciting as planning a vacation for yourself?

 

Planning your parents FIRST hot winter holiday!

 

 

My parents worked hard for their entire lives, and both retired in the past two years.  When they retired, they spoke of travelling.

 

While they have done some minor travel back in the day with my sis and I in tow, the only large holiday they have ever taken was a trip to Europe about 6 years ago..

 

Other than that?  Nada.

 

Last year my mom had both of her knees replaced, so a vacation with lots of walking was not really feasible for awhile as she needed time to rehab.. Well.. she has recouped!

 

 

That brings us to their renewed desire to travel.

 

 

After friends of theirs and my two trips to Las Vegas, that became a location they thought may be interesting to see... BUT, the draw of a winter holiday also appealed.   After each of my trips down to Mazatlan (and seeing how it has become a home to me, as it is a place where my heart lays) that draw became stronger...

 

Last week, I stopped by their house after I had the sutures taken out of my shoulder, and ended up staying for dinner.  The talk over dinner turned to holidays and by the end of the meal I had convinced them they should go to Mazatlan.... and they 100% are sold on the idea! 

 

As I am a self proclaimed Google expert and pro at finding vacation deals, once I was back to my apartment, I was able to locate a great vacation package for them at a 4 star hotel for UNDER the cap they had wanted to spend!  Yes, I am THAT good!  

 

Like myself, it is far too early to book a trip (they are looking into the end of February or beginning of March) but if I can find a great deal NOW - I will find an EVEN better deal closer to the date..

 

My job, after my sisters wedding this September, will be to watch prices and set them up with something!

 

I have to say - I am just as excited to book a trip for them for their FIRST winter get away as I am to book my 4th year to Mazatlan.. I remember how awe struck I was on my first trip at seeing the ocean and emerging myself into the culture!

 

I feel Mazatlan will be a great location for them to head to as it is NOT a party town like Cancun, isn't as North American-ized as Puerto Vallarta (where Mexican friends went and could not pay with pesos - only US money - and could not find a taco amongst the KFC, Starbucks, McDonalds everywhere), or as costly as Cabo.. There are so many snowbirds and ex-pats out in Mazatlan that are more than happy to invite a stranger to join them for a drink/their meal at the Golden Zone restaurants (I experienced this first hand) if they are wanting to socialize a little.. My friends out there are happy to take them on a tour/help them out if need be...

 

Most importantly, it is safe.  As I mentioned in my posts about Mazatlan, I never ONCE felt unsafe at any point.  I did a lot of exploring in the tourist areas AND downtown by myself and felt safe.. In fact, I felt safer then I do on occasion downtown in my own crime riddled city.  Even though my parents are responsible/not naive about safety while travelling, I still want a place I will not worry about their well-being.. which again is nice that I have connections out there in case they need someone to assist them.

 

 

Though I don't want to wish the summer away, I am getting excited to start booking these trips so they become a reality and not a far off dream! :-)