Ellen responded sympathetically: "As a bipolar, I do not know why someone would not treat their illness. There are meds out there and therapy. ... So, in my mind, I think you could insist that your husband seek treatment as part of your agreement to stay with him."

This, in turn, drew a kind response from Sophia: "It is very nice to share with an obviously intelligent and self-aware person. I have much I would like to talk to you more about this, perhaps in a less public forum ... "

And these words of wisdom: "People who have not been around those with mental illness have such disdain for those who have it. They do not recognize that it is as much of a physical illness as cancer or multiple sclerosis. Ironically, it is much easier for me to have sympathy for you than for my husband, since I am not the victim of your condition. I still do sympathize for him, but I also ache for myself and my family. Our story is fairly hair raising, but I guess yours is too."

A dialogue, a precious dialogue. As "Jill," who sees it from both sides in a family torn apart by the illness observes: "If we as a family were able to sit down and talk about this thing, it would help so much. I also think that anytime an opportunity for people to sit down and discuss any subject presents itself, that it's beneficial. At the very least, everyone understands where each other is coming from...its a win, win."