Introducing Myself - House Fire

[Evangeline]

Hi everyone. I have finally taken the step to share a little about myself with you all.

17 years ago I was an energetic, gregarious, bubbly mother of 5. I owned our riverside home, enjoyed entertaining, working, socializing, and was only weeks off opening my art studio/gallery.

I awoke at midnight choking...my home was on fire! The windows exploded as I dragged the children from their beds. People said I was brave. I didn't feel anything.

Nearly 8 years later I still believed I had died. I knew I was a ghost because people bumped into me and said they didn't see me. I knew I was dead because I felt cold even in the sun. I knew I had died because everything looked blurry and sounds echoed inside my head.

A priest said he could see me and that I wasn't dead, and I believed him.

I have a diagnosis of PTSD, and in April this year a psychiatrist arranged for me to be on a Disability Support Pension in the hope I could have a rest, as my nerves are very frazzled.

I live alone with my 31 year old daughter. We have only just relocated near the beach in Adelaide.

xxx Evangeline.

 

[anni]

Hi Evangeline,

I'm glad you believed the priest. He knew, even though it didn't feel that way to you.

I'd have to imagine the beach will be a very healing place. perhaps one more in what sounds like a few places of progress you've been able to make.

I hope this is a really helpful place for you, as you continue what the priest helped you begin. I think an awful lot of us went for many years before having someone point us in the right direction. Thank God for all of them!

Welcome here, nice to meet you!

Anni

 

[Jawn]

Welcome to the forum Evangeline. You will find lots of good information and support here.

Jawn

 

[bluecat]

Hi Evangeline,

Welcome to the forum :hello:. I am glad you found your way out of feeling dead. I hope you find a lot of support here, people here are very supportive and it helps talking to others who know what you're going through. The articles are good too, I found some information here that helped me understand some of my symptoms.

I am happy you're getting your life back, take good care,
Bluecat

 

[sisterinsurvival]

Hi Evangeline,

I am sorry for this harrowing experience and for the life-changing effect it has had. I wish you well in your move and pray that it will bring the much needed respite you are in search of.

Your sister in survival,
Lynn

 

[Mybirch12]

Evangeline!

I am SO sorry for your years of invisibility, though very happy you know where you are now.

Home fires are semi rare, and people have no idea what it's like to nearly lose your life, the life of your children, AND the home you have built and felt secure and happy in.

I've JUST joined this forum because it's become clear how my own house fire has left me feeling largely numb and immobilized in life, small things seem HUGE to me, I look in the mirror and KNOW I'm in there, the happy go lucky, emotionally sound person who was a great friend and wonderful doting partner...but I cannot reach her.

I just want you to know I'm new here as well, and partially understand how you feel.

Very sincerely, Noelle