Daily Prompt – Center

My mother used to call people who had emotional problems “a little left of center”. She wasn’t trying to be mean, it was just her way of acknowledging they were different. I think the fact that her own Mom and aunt on her dad’s side were treated for depression and other conditions made her uncomfortable.

When my mom herself had a breakdown related to menopause, she felt ashamed of herself for having those previous feelings.

However, when I was diagnosed with depression, OCD, anxiety, and later bipolar, she was less than sympathetic. I had become an embarrassment and a burden on the family. I was actually shocked by this.

Then one day I got a phone call from Mom asking If I could please come over and talk to Dad. All she said was “he isn’t feeling well and wants you.” I was headed out to…