“So, Mr. Barker, what would you say to someone who truly had depression?”
Mr. Barker, though his body is curved from age, stands up completely straight. He places his hands on the table and leans into me, eyes ablaze and voice rumbling with passion from deep inside. “Here is what I would say to someone suffering from this horrible malady: This morning, you woke up with your five-hundred-pound bag full of hell on your back and went about your day, when most people would collapse under one day of that burden. You went out of your way to make someone feel good despite knowing that is a feeling no one can return to you. You passed a test or completed an assignment despite every voice telling you 24/7 that you couldn’t and that you would fail. You built some sort of bridge to your future despite seeing only darkness ahead. You listened to others and genuinely tried to help despite your genuine certainty that you are alone and helpless. You smiled and tried to lift people up, despite life crushing you down.
“The worst diseases out there give moments of reprieve, but not yours. All feel sympathy and compassion for the diseased. But yours receives none, or worse, dismissal. The ill are forgiven, understood, covered, and supported. But you receive disgust, anger, or frustration. Those facing other conditions are viewed as brave and strong, while you are viewed as weak. Despite all of that, you fought through another day!
“Today, you showed strength only a few on this planet possess. You bravely fought the demon horde that would have easily felled a lesser person. Your mind can tell you how horrible you are, but the fact that you made it through today argues directly against that. Today you showed heart beyond measure. I want you to know that I love you for all you are and all you have overcome! You are a champion, a wonder, an absolute miracle!”
He finishes loudly with his fist in the air.