CHOICES II-10 - Impediments to Acceptance 1I

"Is your whole family like this?"  Two asked.

"My mother's family is."

"What about your father and his family?"

"My dad's family is not like this, but he doesn't have much family left."

"What does your dad think?"

"My dad doesn't think I should be here."

"So let me get this straight," One said.  "Your father doesn't think you should be here and your mother's whole family thinks this is a waste of time and money.  So why are you here?"

"Because my mother thinks I need help."

"So your mother's put you in here despite what your father and her entire family thinks?"

"Yeah, I guess you could say that."

"She's a feisty one, isn't she" Three observed.

"She's just stubborn."

"Are you listening to me, young man?"  Marvin demanded.  He was close to shouting.

Tongue tied, not from fear but anger, I was unable to reply.

"I'm not going to mollycoddle you like your mother does," Marvin exclaimed.  "You'd better be out of here inside of a week or you'll pay the piper."

I decided to ignore Uncle Marvin completely.

"Don't think you can bamboozle me like you have your parents.  You're going to hear the truth whether you like it or not."

"Just who does he think he is?" asked One.  "You've got better things to do."

Marvin moved directly in front of me.  I stared at his shirt buttons.

"Your childish attempt to get attention isn't going to work.  Your mother and father work very hard to put food on the table every day.  They don't have time for this."

Satan is attacking me.  What makes Marvin think I want attention?  I'd be much better off if everyone just left me alone.

"If it's my parents that put the food on the table," I challenged, "why do we always thank God before every meal?"

Pleased with my response, I smiled broadly.  Marvin's face turned beet red.

"You're an ungrateful little brat!  How dare you?  You'll be . . . "

Marvin turned on his heels and stormed out of my room.

* * *

Please remember, this writing reflects my own experience and opinions.  If you, or a loved one, are experiencing the symptoms of schizophrenia, or any other mental illness, you should seek professional assistance.