October is Depression and Anxiety Awareness Month and since both of these conditions hit home for me and were the reason why I started this project in the first place, I want to highlight some entries where what I write about has helped me cope with my depression. Yes, I do take an antidepressant and I do attend therapy, but my personal treatment involves self care, doing things I love, and spending time with people I love. I need medicinal help, but that alone doesn’t solve everything. Mind, body, and spirit along with pharmacological.
Last Wednesday, Aunt Kathy turned 60. On Sunday, she decided to hold a tea party. It was Aunt Kathy, Aunt Marie, (cousin) Maureen, her daughter Samantha, Aunt Peg, mom, and I. Just the gals. Aunt Kathy made me special gluten-free and kosher sandwiches and snacks. Mom bought Aunt Kathy a beautiful cake from Clay’s (unfortunately, it wasn’t gluten-free, and sadly Clay’s doesn’t bake gluten-free… that was my favourite place before the diagnosis) and Aunt Kathy was so surprised, delighted too!
Everyone was happy to hear about my new job and my conversion process. Such a lovely afternoon filled with stories and laughter.
Aunt Kathy was grateful that we could celebrate her milestone with her. That’s all she wanted for her birthday – not the gifts, not the cards, but the love and warmth of family.
I wrote about this for my Happiness Box Project and I’m waiting for some of the pictures to arrive.
The Happiness Box Project 
Hi, Jessica Marie!
What a splendid occasion! Look at all those happy faces. Happy 60th birthday to Aunt Kathy! Tell her 60 seems very young to somebody like Shady. Looks like a wonderful time was had by one and all. I’m happy to know you were able to take part in this special girls night in tea party at Kathy’s attended by aunts, cousin, her daughter and your mom. I’m glad you got enough to eat with the gluten-free foods served. Sorry you couldn’t dig into that delicious looking cake. Clearly you are finding coping strategies as you wind your way through this portion of the year haunted by sad memories. It’s good to know that October is Depression and Anxiety Awareness Month and that you have put together a balanced plan to stay on an even keel.
Enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend JM!
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