Finding Freedom at Eighteen – The Wilted Rose Book Part 18

Grace embarks on a new chapter in her life, leaving behind her family and home for a full-time job in a different state. On her eighteenth birthday, her parents, though attempting to express joy, conceal their sadness at losing their first child to independence. Grace feels a mix of excitement and relief, escaping the emotional turmoil of her home life. She wonโ€™t need to return, following her desire for freedom and a fresh start. The narrative reflects themes of growth and change.

Teenage daughter waiting to leave home – The Wilted Rose Book Part 16

The narrative follows 16-year-old Grace and her mother, Sarah, as Grace completes high school and seeks full-time employment. Eager for independence, she recalls her visits to her Aunty who lives on the Gold Coast, Queensland who provides her with comfort and support. Acknowledging Graceโ€™s struggles at home, she gifts her a book on healing, encouraging her during this challenging period. Grace appreciates the kindness and warmth of her aunt and contemplates her job applications in Brisbane for the New Year, indicating a hopeful outlook for her future while cherishing the peaceful moments spent in her aunty's company.

Teenage daughter coping with her mother’s mental illness – The Wilted Rose Book Part 15

A young teenager, urges her father to visit her mother in a mental health hospital, despite her prior encounters with her motherโ€™s Bipolar episodes. Upon seeing her mother, Grace is heartbroken as the treatment appears to have worsened her mental state. She observes her mother's drawn features and lack of recognition, leading to an emotional confrontation with her father about the effectiveness of the treatment. Frustrated and desperate for her mother to return home, Grace struggles to understand the situation, while her father attempts to reassure her that the treatment is necessary for Sarah's recovery.

Help for the family of a mentally ill mother – The Wilted Rose Book Part 14

Jack, a devoted husband, consistently supported his wife Sarah through her struggles with Bipolar disorder from the 1960s to the 1990s, despite a lack of assistance from family and community. He was unaware of the helpful organisation ARAFMI. After a particularly challenging episode, Sarah was admitted to hospital, where the doctor proposed a controversial treatment involving Electroconvulsive Therapy to help mitigate her severe depression. Jack was apprehensive about the potential side effect of memory loss, expressing his concerns about the procedure, even as it was presented as the best option for Sarah's recovery and healing.

The effects of a mother’s mental health on her daughter – The Wilted Rose Book Part 12

A teenager coping with her mother's mental illness.

Her Mother is Mentally Ill – The Wilted Rose Book Part 11

Grace's life takes a harrowing turn when she discovers her mother, Sarah, unconscious beside her bed during a lunch break visit. Panic sets in as she calls for help, revealing that Sarah is on medication, including Valium and painkillers. The paramedic assures Grace that they will care for her mother and contacts her grandmother. As the ambulance departs, Grace, overwhelmed with emotions, struggles to compose herself and heads back to school, where she faces her teacher's disapproval without sharing the trauma she experienced. The narrative highlights Grace's fear for her mother's wellbeing and the emotional burden she now carries.

Daddy, I Love and Trust You – The Wilted Rose Book Part 10

In Grace's childhood, she found solace in her father amidst the chaos of her mother's mental illness. While her father's strict religious beliefs shaped their lives, he provided love and protection, allowing Grace to feel safe. Each night, she would sneak onto his lap to escape her fears. The accompanying poem reflects her trust in him and the expectations of obedience ingrained in her from a young age. Though Grace lived with the challenges of her mother's absence, her fatherโ€™s support was crucial for her emotional survival during this difficult time in the 1960s.

The Harmony of Life is Out of Tune – The Wilted Rose Book Part 9

Sarah, a talented pianist, struggles to cope with the devastating loss of her infant child, which compounds her earlier disappointments. In the 1960s, community support for grieving families is sparse, unlike today, where organisations like compassionatefriendsqld.org.au provide assistance. Despite the efforts of her husband, Jack, and sister, Vivienne, to support her through this painful time, Sarah feels isolated in her grief, dismissing comforting words from friends and family. A visit to the doctor only results in a Valium prescription, highlighting her profound despair. Sarah's journey of healing remains uncertain, as she has emotionally withdrawn from those around her.

Her infant dies – The Wilted Rose Book Part 8

In 1963, Jack and Sarah are parents to four children, with their eldest being five. Lacking a car licence, Sarah depended on public transport, especially when taking their toddler, Daniel, to the hospital due to a high fever. She returned home for rest when his condition stabilised. However, tragedy strikes as Daniel's health suddenly deteriorates, leading to an emotional breakdown for Sarah at the hospital. Themes of sorrow and grief within a family grappling with loss, exemplified through a heartfelt poem reflecting on a baby brother's premature death and its impact on the family dynamic.

The Rose Bud – The Wilted Rose Book Part 1

This excerpt introduces "The Wilted Rose," a novel based on the true story of Sarah, set in post-war Queensland, Australia. The story follows her experiences growing up on a dairy farm. The vivid description captures the beauty and challenges of rural life, setting the stage for Sarah's journey. The novel is accompanied by songs that reflect its themes.

Quick, Save The Saviour – The Christmas Story Part 9

The poem depicts the events after the Wise Men's visit to Jesus. Herod, fearing Jesus' rise, orders the slaughter of infants, prompting Joseph to flee to Egypt. After Herod's death, Joseph settles in Nazareth, fulfilling ancient prophecies. The poem portrays Jesus' humble upbringing, working as a carpenter and obeying God.

The Rose – Mirroring the beauty and pain of a rose to that of life

The poem "Wilted No More" begins a series that explores Grace's journey through various stages of adulthood, including love, marriage, and motherhoodโ€”experiences she has yet to encounter. It serves as a sequel to "The Wilted Rose." Despite her motherโ€™s struggles with mental illness, Grace seeks a brighter future, distancing herself from her strict upbringing. The poem uses the rose as a metaphor for lifeโ€™s beauty and pain, illustrating resilience amid hardships. Both the rose and Grace endure challenges but find strength and purpose in their existence, accepting nature's elements to flourish and thrive despite being vulnerable.

Rods and Screws – Life changing disease Part 6

This poem portrays the profound impact of illness and surgery on her life, including the challenges of pain management, cognitive changes, and strained relationships. Despite the hardships, the unwavering support of loved ones played a crucial role in her recovery journey. The poem conveys the resilience and power of companionship during adversity.

My love boat is moored to you

This poem compares love to a moored boat, symbolizing security and support in life's ups and downs. The poem expresses feeling safe and secure in the harbor of love, facing life's challenges with the constant support of each other.

Born as a New Page in an Empty Journal

We start with empty pages in our book of life, filled with experiences and teachings. As we grow, we question and may choose to change our script, influenced by our circumstances and new generations. Our learned behaviors can be unlearned or improved to shape our lives. Life is like writing in a journal.

Happy Stepmother’s Day

My dad remarried at 75 years of age, a few years after my mother's death, which followed a lifetime of caring for my mentally ill mum. My step-mum is such a blessing so late in my dad's life. Dad is now 90 years old and still happily married to my step-mum. It's never too late... Continue Reading →

Thank You

Beverley Joy is celebrating three years of sharing poems with her readers and listeners, expressing gratitude for their support. Despite the challenges of meeting weekly deadlines, she is inspired by her audience's engagement. She thanks them for their likes, smiles, high-fives, and for taking the time to show their support.

A Hug is Priceless

This poem emphasizes the importance of hugs for emotional and physical health and encourages both giving and receiving them. The poem conveys that a hug is a priceless and impactful gift for anyone in need.

Wilderness Roaming

This poem reflects on the lessons learned from studying Exodus and Deuteronomy. The author compares their struggles to the Israelites' wandering in the desert, realizing the need to lean on God instead of seeking validation from others. The poem advises gratitude and reliance on God to find fulfillment.

Choose to Forgive

The poem reflects on overcoming the challenges of a troubled past and the transformative power of forgiveness. By choosing to forgive, one can break free from the chains of resentment and pave the way for personal healing and positive change. The poet emphasizes the liberating nature of forgiveness and its impact on relationships.

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