Mothers and Sons, and Attila the Stockbroker

There was a great programme on Radio 4 this week, with Jenny Murray and included Dr Miriam Stoppard, about the mother/son relationship. I had to identify with much of what was said, including one description of how special the relationship is.
At one point, JM remarked, 'How are we going to get through this without bursting into tears?', which made me laugh because tears were already rolling down my face making white lines down my hastily applied 'bronze' face powder. This is always scrubbed on at top speed in the mornings, accompanied by a sinking, 'Oh Lord, I'm late' feeling.
The programme discussed the mother in law aspect of the relationship, which can be a really touchy subject in some families, and so much of what I worry about for the future of my sons.

One point that was discussed that I pondered on and now come to a conclusion for myself..is the love unconditional. I think as they get older (and develop behaviour issues at times), yes the love is unconditional but approval is conditional.

Attila the Stockbroker read out a poignant and very touching eulogy he'd written about his mother, well worth a listen. He obviously bursts with pride about her part assisting the scientists to crack codes at Bletchley Park during WW2, and I totally identify with this, being so humbled and having so much respect for my parents' very different War experiences. My late father was a Polish prisoner of war in Russia and carried the scars from shot wounds suffered during the war on his body and head. He was also at Monte Casino. My mother was younger and endured the war as a child, it ended her education and scattered her family.

PS On a totally different note, why are some programmes on tv obsessed with bonking? If you leave the telly on it appears unnanounced at any time, my 5 year old thinks I have a nervous tic, jumping to the remote to switch over all the time, even in the afternoon. I think it's a good filler of time when the story is weak, plus it's bound to sell but can't we have a choice to opt in instead of out? Sure, you have the option to 'not watch', but as I don't have the time or inclination to peruse the pogramme guide to scan for adult content per day, I'm at a disadvantage. No wonder tv is more often off than on here.

Adam Ant

On the Ropes on Radio 4 on a Tuesday can either be cringe or very good. Max Mosely was cringe. A self indulgent, selfish and self deceiving person (in addition to deceiving his wife of course). Not that I should be judging anyone, as a Christian but everything that came out of his mouth made me really sad, and mad.
Adam Ant, or Stuart Goddard, on the other hand made me feel sad but in a good way. He came across as a decent bloke really, who tried his best and cracked under the hard work and pressure from the record company, earning only 9% profits in the process...
Probably still a decent wage but seems awful whan you listen to what he went through as a result.
It tickled me when he referred to the mental institution he'd been in as a 'nut house', and was rebuked by John Humphries. After all, he'd been committed to the place so he can call it what he wants, in my view. What did annoy me was when JH called Bipolar disorder a disease, and SG did pick him up on that.

What was so sad about it all is that people like him can be very creative and productive, then they crack and are totally helpless in some awful situation they didn't want. They have to deal with the repercussions and stigma forever.
Mental illness is so misunderstood. It seems on the increase, maybe due to the pressures and pace of life. The mentally ill ae treated like cattle and forced to take medication that has awful side effects. It may have the desired effect in one way (stopping dangerous behaviour, keeping the patient quiet, lessening the 'nuisance' factor) but the long term health and wellbeing of the patient seem almost never to be taken into account. The description of what SG experienced sounds appalling and I know that it's not an isolated case. I hope he can acheive what he wants, and that is never to be in that vulnerable state again. Let's hope for a better future for all mentally ill people, and better treatment.

On a lighter note, one lunchtime this week, I saw a van with the logo advertising 'Photography at heights'. It had all kinds of equipment strapped to the top. You could only imagine the stuff they did, from mountain tops etc. Then the guy stepped out of the van carrying a little step ladder, all of 2 steps. He climbed to the very top of these and took a picture of a sign face in a car park. Just wish I'd had a discreet way of taking a photo.