The Uninvited Guest, Mental illness in the honeymoon!
“You look beautiful”, said my soon to be mother in-law, as I walked up the aisle. It was just kind of the lovely thing she would say. She was the sweetest and kindest in-law anyone could possibly wish for.
The big day had arrived. My dad’s eyes were moist behind his smile. His little girl was getting married. Mum’s eyes though were as dry as a dog bone. They had both longed for this great day, my wonderful father having no clue of my secret.
Chuck was standing at the altar beaming. The paparazzi were doing what they do best. Our wedding planner was fussing making sure everything was perfect.
The day was truly beautiful. Life together as Mr and Mrs started now. We had gone away to a foreign destination for our wedding. We had also arranged our honeymoon there in a secret secluded paradise away from our guests. But two days after, things were slightly amiss.
Chuck had forgotten to take his medication on the day of the wedding and the day after. The day after the wedding we had further celebrations in the evening and a great party. So forgotten pills coupled with much more than usual activity, it was much for Chuck to handle.
As long as Chuck diligently took his drugs, life was as normal as possible. His body, his senses, his being, were all dependent on this one pill!
Who ever had this on their honeymoon?
Famous two words were churning in the recesses of my own wound up mind.
Why me?
Why, oh why me? The holiday guide was downstairs in the hotel where we were all staying including our guests. The guide was waiting to whisk the happy couple off. Everyone had circled the car, including strangers, to wave us goodbye.
Our guests would soon be all off doing their sightseeing. Chuck and I had drawn up a list of places too. Fat chance of that now! Chuck’s eyes looked dull and unfocused. He seemed weak even. And the ink had not even dried on the wedding certificate?!
What could I do? What would you do?
Chuck and I headed for the waiting jeep. I smiled outwardly whilst inwardly crying that this uninvited guest called mental illness had threatened to pack it’s bag with us for the honeymoon too. I had flashbacks of the one time in the last year or so of dating when Chuck had been ill. That was shortly after our engagement, your remember, that time when I had wanted to run away like a bandit. Where could I run to now?
Enjoy yourselves guys. Make sure you have FUN!
Fun? What was that?
We jumped in at the back. I gave my queen’s wave to the cheery commotion outside. I hoped I looked excited as a newly married bride should be. Thank goodness Chuck is quiet by nature so everyone possibly assumed he was having a quiet moment.
As Chuck drifted off due to the weariness of what was happening, I stared out at the countryside as our guide sped down the roads. The dear guide was pointing out places of interest. He could take all the time in the world. There was no rush. And besides I was not listening to what he was saying. Anyway, I wished he would just keep quiet!
I was in a foreign land with foreign people travelling several miles away from our guest in the hotel with my new husband, with fading mobile connection, and this uninvited guest, mental illness as excess baggage.
This was going to be a honeymoon with a difference.
Get the book, Defying the Odds, by Zoe A. Onah as she chronicles the fight of faith with mental illness of her husband Chuck, and that of her role as a caregiver. Available on Amazon. Google Zoe A. Onah now!
About The Author
Great insight once again and written in a way that captures an experience that one can only imagine. Awaiting another update…
A poignant story Zoe. Sad too. For both of you, in retrospect. I haven’t been close to mental illness but have known people with it and it’s a lifelong battle of highs and lows. I hope your husband is doing ok.