Wow! Powerful, Larry. The message, the way you tell the story, the courage to tell it. So many things about it are beautiful. Thanks for being willing to share it.
Thank you, Chris. That broken tree really spoke to me. Then again, every one of us is, in some way, broken. It's a matter of what we do with our "broken-ness" that really matters.
Very strong Larry. I love the contrast of the two trees and appreciate the artistic use you make of the first one. Eye-opening meaningful and moving for me, your story here. Happy for the improvement and wishing you more of it.
What a great story, Larry. Love the metaphor and the depth of the storytelling it evoked in you so that you could share the depth of your experience. I felt like I was on the trail with you that day. Powerful message. Hugs.
This whole depression thing ain't a walk in the park, but writing about it – as well as kind feedback like yours – helps to see it all from a fresh perspective
Thanks, Norm. I believe you've touched on depression, either here on Substack or in your "All Kinds of Funny" collection. Isn't it FUN??
I have a giant Marvin the Martian tattoo covering my entire back, but I may have that lasered off and replaced with the broken tree image. Seriously, no tats for me ... but, then again, never say never.
Ha! My dad has an idiot friend who had a Marvin the Martian tattoo. He had him riding in a dune buggy for some stupid reason, and the lettering read, "Dessert Rat," because neither he nor his tattoo artist knew how to spell "desert."
That's hilarious. I randomly picked Marvin the Martian out of my ancient cortex. And who knows? Maybe that mental pygmy you're talking about eats rats for dessert? (Never say never.)
On a whim, I googled "tattoo fails." Funny shit...
Wow Larry, this is one of the bravest things I’ve ever read. The way you let us stand beside you at 4:31 a.m., hearing the argument between Larry and Larry, felt raw and honest, and I was grateful you trusted us with it. I love how the tree wasn’t turned into a tidy metaphor but stayed a living, stubborn presence, something you met rather than used. Your honesty about the pills, the bargains, the sideways days carries so much weight, yet the piece never loses its tenderness or humor. The line about choosing breakfast and demanding life really hit me and stayed with me long after I finished reading. Thank you for writing this and for staying in the fight, even when the growth is slow or invisible. I’m really grateful to walk the trail with you through these words.
Thank you, Rachel. I really appreciate your eloquent feedback and support.
Truth be told, I have a "companion essay" that may be waiting in the wings (next week? next year?) that's also quite a bumpy ride. Getting support from you and so many others will make the decision to go ahead and share that one all the easier.
We moved to a house 25 years ago where a beautiful pine tree had long before bent and grew laterally. It was first the base for our treehouse and today a sitting bench by our outside firepit. Alas, the tree is dead…or is it? Wonderful prose, Larry.
What a beautifully written piece about this tree that you were meant to see. This really touched my heart, Larry, in so many ways. Thank you for writing something powerful that’ll connect with and help so many.
Thank you, as always, for your kind support and encouragement.
I wanted to create something to convey, from the inside out, what this major depression is like ... at least from my singular perspective. It ain't pretty, but we gotta play the hand we're dealt with, right?
Matthew, your thoughts about stuff that I've posted here on Substack are always in the form of delectable recipes sourced from the healthiest ingredients of wisdom. Much appreciated, my friend.
Thank you, Rick. Your consistent encouragement to your fellow writers to create from the heart – from a deeply human perspective – is so very helpful. My next essay may be about a fun prank, but I'll continue to delve into deeper issues as well.
Larry thank you for sharing this poignant slice of your life. I knew depression was wicked but until I read this I didn't know just how wicked it could be. Xx. Glad you're here!
Yeah, living with "The Beast" can be quite a challenge. That said, the saying "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" definitely applies. It just takes some folks many decades to figure that out.
My guess is you’ve probably tried everything, but a friend of mine recently recommended magnesium glycinate to me for sleep. I’ve used it a few times so far and it’s been helpful.
Wow! Powerful, Larry. The message, the way you tell the story, the courage to tell it. So many things about it are beautiful. Thanks for being willing to share it.
Thank you, Chris. That broken tree really spoke to me. Then again, every one of us is, in some way, broken. It's a matter of what we do with our "broken-ness" that really matters.
Very strong Larry. I love the contrast of the two trees and appreciate the artistic use you make of the first one. Eye-opening meaningful and moving for me, your story here. Happy for the improvement and wishing you more of it.
Thank you, kind sir! I appreciate your encouragement and support.
What a great story, Larry. Love the metaphor and the depth of the storytelling it evoked in you so that you could share the depth of your experience. I felt like I was on the trail with you that day. Powerful message. Hugs.
Much appreciated, Skip.
This whole depression thing ain't a walk in the park, but writing about it – as well as kind feedback like yours – helps to see it all from a fresh perspective
On one hand, I hate that I relate to this so much. On the other hand, I'm all kinds of grateful that I relate to this so much.
"Looks like you had quite a struggle, my friend. But I’m glad the Cosmos let you live." Yeah. Me, too.
Beautiful work, Larry. Don't know if you have any tattoos, but that tree would make a great one. Not sure where you'd put it, though...
Thanks, Norm. I believe you've touched on depression, either here on Substack or in your "All Kinds of Funny" collection. Isn't it FUN??
I have a giant Marvin the Martian tattoo covering my entire back, but I may have that lasered off and replaced with the broken tree image. Seriously, no tats for me ... but, then again, never say never.
Ha! My dad has an idiot friend who had a Marvin the Martian tattoo. He had him riding in a dune buggy for some stupid reason, and the lettering read, "Dessert Rat," because neither he nor his tattoo artist knew how to spell "desert."
That's hilarious. I randomly picked Marvin the Martian out of my ancient cortex. And who knows? Maybe that mental pygmy you're talking about eats rats for dessert? (Never say never.)
On a whim, I googled "tattoo fails." Funny shit...
Generally speaking, I encourage my fellow man to be bold... but maybe run your tattoo idea by a sober friend... or at least through spell check.
Wow Larry, this is one of the bravest things I’ve ever read. The way you let us stand beside you at 4:31 a.m., hearing the argument between Larry and Larry, felt raw and honest, and I was grateful you trusted us with it. I love how the tree wasn’t turned into a tidy metaphor but stayed a living, stubborn presence, something you met rather than used. Your honesty about the pills, the bargains, the sideways days carries so much weight, yet the piece never loses its tenderness or humor. The line about choosing breakfast and demanding life really hit me and stayed with me long after I finished reading. Thank you for writing this and for staying in the fight, even when the growth is slow or invisible. I’m really grateful to walk the trail with you through these words.
Thank you, Rachel. I really appreciate your eloquent feedback and support.
Truth be told, I have a "companion essay" that may be waiting in the wings (next week? next year?) that's also quite a bumpy ride. Getting support from you and so many others will make the decision to go ahead and share that one all the easier.
Thanks again!
I would very much look forward to reading that one as well, when you’re ready ◡̈
We moved to a house 25 years ago where a beautiful pine tree had long before bent and grew laterally. It was first the base for our treehouse and today a sitting bench by our outside firepit. Alas, the tree is dead…or is it? Wonderful prose, Larry.
Thanks, Craig. I remember that treehouse! You and Kevin built that, yes? What I wouldn't give to have that kind of talent with tools, etc.
What a beautifully written piece about this tree that you were meant to see. This really touched my heart, Larry, in so many ways. Thank you for writing something powerful that’ll connect with and help so many.
Thank you, as always, for your kind support and encouragement.
I wanted to create something to convey, from the inside out, what this major depression is like ... at least from my singular perspective. It ain't pretty, but we gotta play the hand we're dealt with, right?
…very cool tree lar, very cool…
* Here’s to sideways growth, caffeinated hope, and cosmic pep talks from the forest.
Matthew, your thoughts about stuff that I've posted here on Substack are always in the form of delectable recipes sourced from the healthiest ingredients of wisdom. Much appreciated, my friend.
There is such dignity, uprightness, and beauty in naming what isn't pretty. You hold all of that in your hand as an honest human Larry.
Thank you, Rick. Your consistent encouragement to your fellow writers to create from the heart – from a deeply human perspective – is so very helpful. My next essay may be about a fun prank, but I'll continue to delve into deeper issues as well.
Larry, this is SUCH a beautifully written and moving piece. Thank you for sharing it with us and the world. (And what a warrior tree indeed!)
Thank you, Brigitte!
Yeah, this is a departure from my normal posts, but it's an important message.
Larry thank you for sharing this poignant slice of your life. I knew depression was wicked but until I read this I didn't know just how wicked it could be. Xx. Glad you're here!
Thank you, Dana!
Yeah, living with "The Beast" can be quite a challenge. That said, the saying "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" definitely applies. It just takes some folks many decades to figure that out.
Enjoyed this Lar.
And glad for you that the meds are gone.
Thanks, Henny. Yeah, I'm sure happy that Big Pharma poison is (mostly) gone. I still take a sleeping med, but I'm working to taper that off as well.
My guess is you’ve probably tried everything, but a friend of mine recently recommended magnesium glycinate to me for sleep. I’ve used it a few times so far and it’s been helpful.
I'll definitely research that! Thank you.
Also, I've tried CBD/CBN gummies as well. If I can kick the Trazodone, that'd be a big step.
Awesome Larry, love this story. And the image of the tree. The Teaching Tree!
Thanks, Genie. And I appreciate your feedback!!