This Week #9: November 11, 2019
The universe in the
Kitchen
The Old Man found great solace in helping others get through their dark times and I felt compelled to continue on with that, even though I couldn’t truly understand what it was like to be inside his head. I did however, know what it was like to be raised by him. So this season we're telling both truths. As best we can. And without vilifying either side. They’re both true. And they’re both beautiful and painful.
I do this in an effort to understand each other better. maybe break the cycle of trauma. Maybe not. The more I think: “You suffered terribly and that caused me to suffer terribly, maybe if we say it out loud we can all suffer a little bit less”… the more I feel like it’s a step in the right direction. Maybe someone else will feel less alone out there. Whatever side they’re on.
The Universe in the Kitchen
By: Adrienne LaValley
I didn’t know that everyone doesn’t spend their lives waiting for the other shoe to drop until I was well into my thirties. I think it was the look on my friend’s face when I said “I’m so nervous things are going well right now. When’s it all gonna end?” She couldn’t quite understand the palpable, stomach twisting fear I had about the inevitable future...
...Living with a bipolar parent is like living with the sun. Forever orbiting someone who wields both the power to nourish and love you and the spontaneous drive to destroy who you are at your core. Like termites eating away at your foundation until there’s nothing left but anxiety and self doubt. Then they die and you’re bestowed the gift of reconstruction. Who will you finally be now that the sun has gone down?
Music from this week's episode
Old Man Staff
Adrienne LaValley
writer/ creator
voice over artist
long winded encourager
Jack LaValley
writer
old man
eternal cheerleader
Jenna Robino
producer
task master flex
sister of many
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