Summary

Colleen's observation of her friend Tori's lack of singing, a usual habit, signals to Dr. Joshua Bently that Tori is not coping well with her husband's death despite appearances, leading to intervention before a potential suicide attempt.

Abstract

The narrative "I Sing When I Am Happy" revolves around the insightful observation by Colleen, a long-time friend of Tori, who recognizes that Tori's cessation of singing is a red flag for her emotional well-being. Despite Tori's family's reassurances and her apparent progress in adjusting to life after her husband's death, Colleen's intimate knowledge of Tori's habits raises concerns. Dr. Joshua Bently, Tori's doctor, is prompted by Colleen's input to realize that Tori has been struggling with suicidal thoughts, contrary to the family's belief that she was responding well to medication and adjusting positively. The story underscores the importance of awareness and the keen observation of loved ones, especially in the aftermath of a significant loss. It emphasizes that subtle changes in behavior, like the absence of a cherished activity such as singing, can be critical indicators of a person's true emotional state, potentially saving a life through timely intervention.

Opinions

Colleen's deep friendship and long history with Tori provide her with unique insights into Tori's emotional state, insights that Tori's own family and psychiatrist seem to have missed.
The act of singing is portrayed as a barometer of personal happiness and emotional health.
The narrative suggests that everyone has habits that may go unnoticed by some, but to those who pay close attention, these habits can tell a story about one's mental health.
There is an appreciation for the power of friendship and the value of being attentive to changes in the behavior of loved ones, particularly when they are grieving.
The story implicitly criticizes the reliance on medication and surface-level progress as indicators of mental health without considering the individual's personal habits and changes in behavior.
Colleen's hope to get Tori singing again reflects a belief in the restorative power of personal passions and their role in the healing process.
The author advocates for gratitude and the celebration of friendships, acknowledging their vital role during times of hardship.

I Sing When I Am Happy

“She stopped singing,” Colleen said.

Reading “Harmonic” by Dr. Fatima Imam and inspiration hits me.

https://readmedium.com/harmonic-c595a2a7cd2e

“Will she make it?” Colleen asked her brother Dr. Joshua Bently as he exited Tori’s hospital room.

“Yes,” he answered. Curiosity lined his face as his worry lines became visible.

“I can read the worry lines on your forehead, Josh. So there is more.” Colleen prompted.

Pulling out of the earshot of hospital workers and visitors, Joshua questions, “She has been suicidal for a while, according to her psychiatrist. She swore that the medications were working. Her family said everything was ok. She was adjusting to her husband’s death, working, going back to school, and was happy. So what happened?”

“She stopped singing,” Colleen said.

“She stopped singing?” Dr. Joshua Bently repeated.

“Oh, Josh, you have heard me say that I know when Tori isn’t happy over the years. She sings when she cleans, cooks, washes, etc. You know she is always singing. After Joe’s accident, it was rough for her. But she was doing everything her family said. Except singing.”

“They weren’t aware?”

“All of us have habits. Not everyone in our lives is aware of them.”

“But you aren’t a family member, sis,” he stressed.

Nodding, Colleen reminds, “we have been friends since Elementary School before you were born. I knew her habits. It’s been eighteen months, and she stopped singing after his death. I knew everything wasn’t ok, as her family convinced everyone.”

“Well,” he said with gratitude. “You saved her life. She would have bled out in another hour.”

“I pray I can get her to start singing again,” slipped out of Colleen’s thoughts.

I sing when I am cleaning my house. I sing when I am in my kitchen, cutting up fresh veggies or making my natural fruit juices. I sing when I am in my backyard, hanging clothes on my line.

Someone said, ‘I sing because I am happy.’

Who knows when you are happy? Or when you are sad?

Try to be more aware of your loved ones who are experiencing loss. Friendship’s gift is one of our most valuable.

Thanks to Trista for giving us more opportunities to be grateful.

I am thanking friendships.

Thank you for reading this piece. I hope you enjoy it and will feast on more from some grateful writers on this platform.