So let's get positive:

I absolutely love the interest being shown in the US presidential race, especially from younger people. No matter who they vote for, I love to see them involved in the process.

In our state (and maybe all states), NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) received a significant grant to expand their community support. This includes a huge increase in support groups. They hope to have support groups meeting at almost any time, in various parts of our area. So anyone needing face-to-face peer support can get it almost immediately. It's an aggressive undertaking, and I hope there's enough acceptance and use of the program to keep the money coming in. I've applied to be a peer facilitator, facilitating support groups. I'm excited about it, and hopeful they'll consider me worthy of the position. I'll post updates to this.

On a personal note, one of my boys has just started a job as a newspaper reporter. He's fulfilling his dream to be a career writer. How many people can say their career is their dream and passion? I'm very proud of him.

Kyle, my 24 year old son with bipolar disorder has been doing well. Ditto his girlfriend, who suffers similarly. He is working very hard at staying healthy. Keeping his pdoc, assistance, and attorney appointments, going to a day program, and so forth. He doesn't yet appreciate the benefits of the day program, as he wants to immediately learn things in the classes they offer. I hope he comes to realize the benefits are often in the environment, and the process of going through their program. One thing happened that I think really scared him. A "friend" of his provided drugs that caused an OD and killed another friend. It was a horrible thing, and the "friend" that supplied the drugs is out on bail facing murder charges. They may not get a murder conviction, but they'll get manslaughter, and that kid may be going away for a LONG time. Truth be known, I hope he does. But the event shook up my son, as it should have.

My other kids are doing great, as is grandma and the new beagle. Good days in our home.

Thanks to all who sent emails and messages, I'm OK, and when I can slow down my mind and start sleeping I'll be back to more regular posting.