Emotional Vicodin

I had two of my wisdom teeth removed almost two weeks ago. The pain wasn’t as bad as a lot of the stories I had heard, but it was still painful. I iced it a lot, and took Vicodin every 4 hours, and that helped keep it bearable. I have also had a lot of emotional and mental pain in the last few weeks. Last night, the question came to me, "Is there an emotional Vicodin? Something that doesn't remove the pain, but dulls it to a bearable level?" I continued to chew on that for a little while. There is so much that we can do to ease physical pain, it seems there would have to be something for emotional pain.

For me, it would be friends. When I am slammed with emotional pain and trauma, I turn to my close friends. Whether we talk about the problem, talk about nothing, or just sit and watch a movie, it's comforting to simply know that I'm not alone. To know that there are people who care about me, and who are willing to do anything to help me, does a lot to dull the pain. The problem is still there, there is still pain, but it is bearable. It's manageable.

I have often reflected on the story of Sam and Frodo from The Lord of the Rings. Sam couldn't bear the burden of the ring, but he could support and encourage Frodo. And Frodo wouldn't have made it alone.

To all my friends out there, thank you. The talks, the meals, the movies, the games, they have meant a lot. I wouldn't be where I am today without your support. So thank you.