My Love, My Mikey, My Brave by TIMB Alum, Susie Burklew
A year ago, when I told my boyfriend that I was going to audition for “This Is My Brave”, I had no idea how much unconditional love, support, and acceptance I would receive from him. Mikey helped me write my essay. He accompanied me to the audition, cast party, all three rehearsals, taping of the promo video, and the Arlington Spring Show in which I was a cast member. Then shortly after the show, I told him I was going to produce the Fall Arlington Show, which was going to be just five months away. Once again, without ever asking, he was there every step of the way. Not once have I showed up to a Brave event without him. He’s my rock and there’s no way I could have shared my story publicly—about having Bi-Polar and Substance Use Disorder—without him. Last week, at the screening of This Is My Brave’s short documentary, it was such a magical moment when Mikey had his first conversation with my therapist (of 9 years), Dr. Sherwood. It brought me to tears as I heard him tell her how special this past year has been for him, and how much this journey has made him a better person. Like I said on the Brave stage, “I’m madly in love with that special someone who held my hand and guided me through this amazing experience.” Happy Valentine’s Day to My Cherished Mikey, My Beautiful Daughter Fallon, My Beloved Friends, and My Adored Brave Family
XO,
Susie
Susie Burklew is a This is My Brave Spring 2018 Arlington Show Alumni where she shared her story about her Bi-Polar and Substance Abuse Disorders publicly for the first time. Susie also co-produced the Fall 2018 Arlington Show. She works as Substance Abuse Counselor/Behavior Specialist at a Residential Adult Rehabilitation Treatment Center. Susie is a native Washingtonian and lives in Reston, Virginia. She has a beautiful 25-year-old daughter who is living out her dreams as a scuba dive instructor and is currently in Australia on a one-year work VISA.
