If getting a memoir from inside your head to the shelves of Barnes and Noble and the Amazon inventory is like pregnancy, labor, and giving birth, then the process from that point is like raising a child: constant work, many possibilities and rewards, letting go of your baby and letting it find its way in the world.
Every so often, though, I hear from a reader – someone I have never met face-to-face but who now knows my story in a surprisingly intimate way – and the journey my “baby” is on becomes real to me. These comments from former strangers, now readers, have touched me in so many ways, and have already made all the hard work more than worth it. Thank you for taking the time to write!
from a psychiatrist in Michigan:
“ I received your book at a recent conference. I just finished reading it: it was amazing – I couldn’t put it down! Thank you for the courage to tell your and your son’s story – I am sorry you went through all you did until the correct diagnosis was made and Ben rec’d the help he desperately needed. Your openness and honesty has reminded me again of the frailty of life, but also the hope that there is help. I have referred many families to NAMI and your book and your commitment to this fine organization has confirmed my trust in their work.”
from a mental healthcare provider in Connecticut:
“I just finished your book, and I want to thank you for this beautifully written text. The love for your son comes through the pages so strongly. There is not one ounce of blame towards the providers, who often feel helpless as well, yet also want the best for those individuals- and their families- who are facing the challenge of a mental illness.”
Jennifer, a student, writes:
“I just finished reading your book.Your last chapter moved me to tears. I’m currently doing an internship at an acute care mental hospital and your book helps me to be optimistic and relate to each patient as a human being. I appreciate the honesty and hope you express in your book which I feel speaks to the struggles that all parents to different extents experience. “
Another Mom shares:
“I read your book this summer on my Kindle, and it really had a powerful impact on me. Your writing was so genuine and heartfelt, and I have much admiration and respect for you. I appreciate how far you have gone to openly share your story, to take the stigma away from mental illness, to inform families of the resources available, to share the ups and downs of your family’s struggle in such an warm, honest manner, and to commit yourself to helping others who are facing similar struggles. You are a truly amazing Mom and your story hit home in a gripping way, giving me much strength.”
Keep writing, please – I love to hear from you!
Randye,
I just finished your book.It really touched me. My 21 year old daughter has been diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type. I identified so much with the pain of relapses after seeing them recover and “almost” get back to their old self. My daughter had gone back to college and was doing great when she again became symptomatic. She had to take a medical withdrawal from college. I think the stress of college was too much. She was taking her meds but they seemed to stop working. Thank God the new medication combination is working well and I was excited and hopeful to see her laughing and joking with us recently. I guess we shoot for a new “normal” now. For the time she will live at home while working. Hopefully she will be able to move out on her own someday and continue to do well. I am thankful to see her come back to us little by little but it is painful sometimes to see all her friends and my friends college age children moving on. I’m glad you wrote the book and it can be shared with other families going through similar situations. Somehow knowing others have gone through the same makes me feel not so alone. I wish you and “Ben” continued recovery and hope.
Neitcha
Thanks, Neithcha, for taking the time to share your story too. There are so many of us, including my son and your daughter, who are dealing with so much. I’m glad the book touched you and hopefully made you feel a little less alone. Indeed, “new normal” is what we shoot for, at least until research dollars go toward a better outcome. I wish your family the same – continued recovery and hope – a beautiful thought for this upcoming holiday season and into 2012. best, Randye