Photo submitted by Danielle, a woman who suffers from a severe mood disorder. She experiences extreme depression – the kind where it is hard to work or even get out of bed – as well as anxiety, panic attacks, and at times agoraphobia. She loves taking pictures and hopes to be able to travel if and when her moods stabilize.

About this photo: “My father and I had a complicated relationship. He worked a lot when I was a child, and traveled for weeks at a time to China or Mexico. When he was home, I remember him being terribly moody. Getting home late from work and needing to be alone with a drink and some jazz. I remember him yelling and slamming doors. I remember his lack of patience.

It was not until I became an adult that I found out that he had been suffering from mental illness, and that these moods and reactions were not all his fault. It was not until I got moody myself and began losing patience and yelling that I realized that these things are not always controllable. So I try not to blame him. I try to remember the good. To focus on the nice moments and things he taught me that contribute to the woman I have become…  

-My father taught me to love music – all music, from Motown to blues to jazz.

-My father taught me to be silly, to appreciate old SNL, Monty Python, and prat falls.

-My father taught me to be honorable. To honor all promises, business and personal, even when it is difficult.

-My father taught me to work hard. To persevere and be proud of all that I accomplish.

-My father taught me to love food. Maybe he taught that one too well!

-My father taught me to keep creating. He was an artist in his heart if not in practice.

-My father taught me to love animals. Love them as family and they will love you, which proved especially true when he fell ill.

-My father taught me to be generous, complimentary and to treat all people with kindness and respect.

Thank you, dad. I’m sorry I did not understand what you were going through. It may have taken 12 years, but I do now. It is not easy, and I am so sad that you had to struggle too. I only hope you are happy now. Laughing, rocking out, and playing pranks wherever you may be.” 

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Happy Father’s Day to all of the Broken Light dads!

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