Michael hanging out with his cousin Leon Armstrong-- going off to an adventure. I remember thinking, that his light was gone, and it would never come back. . . he's back! Yes, his voices are still there but he has learned to recognize them and works every moment to be comfortable with them. Oh he does not like them but at least, he can talk about it now. I'm so proud of his progress, and prouder yet, that he works every day to maintain his recovery.

Time flies, when life is good

Funny, how when everything is turning your world upside down, complaints are easy-- I haven't had anything to complain about because, Mike is doing Wonderful! He's been in a board and care for a little over a year now-- he loves it! The freedom to come and go and acclimate to society is a gift. ( we even had an entire day, last winter, at Knott's Berry Farm! My daughter, Davina, has rode with me to see him for quite some time now, it's been a great bonding experiance for all of us. I guess, what I really want to say is this: I didn't take this stuff lying down; I got involved with mental health, I am now, and have been for a few years, a commissioner for San Bernardino Behavioral Health-- That has given me more information about the "mental health system" and how not only to help my son, but be an advocate to all who crosses my path. I've beenable to help other families, help consumers, and better yet, learn so much in the process. I was able to take Mental Health First aid, and last summer, was given a grant from Kaiser Permanente with the assistance of Copper Mountain College Foundation to take a trip to Illinois and become an instructor for Mental Health First Aid-- I will teach my first classes in Spring, 2019 as a community Education Instructor. Now, I can be a part of the solution, and help others learn about mental disorders, give aid in a crisis, and most important-- end the stigma! That's what's it all about, folks-- if we end the stigma assiciated with mental illness, and educate others, more and more people will seek the help needed. Sorry for the lateness of my posts, but as you can tell I've been busy trying to change the world-- one person at a time. Don't give up hope for your loved one or yourself, recovery IS possible and I'm watching it evolve every day.