today, in the mail, we received an envelope from David. Some pictures and stuff that he had drawn. It was pretty exciting to receive anything from him, as that just isn’t something that he does. thanks David, you brightened my day. Tweet #fighting4answrs
In the news each day, we see and read about people. People like Adam Lanza, and others who destroyed the lives of many. We never hear about the people who have mental illness yet don’t destroy the lives of others. Why? Sure the state of mental illness, and the treatment of those with mental illness is abysmal in our country, but not all people with mental illness are bad. The things that we think and do not say. In the latter half of the 20th century there was a push to de-institutionalize. By and large this was mostly a success. People deserve to live in the community. Everyone deserves that chance. However. Have we gone too far the other way? I know, some of my readers will rake me over the coals with this question. But it needs to be asked. When families have no options for treatment and care
We live on the great plains of our country. Northern Great Plains. we are about 550 miles from the residential facility where David lives. I wish we had train service between here and there. The nearest depot to his residence is like 5 hours. the last Amtrak went into Billings, MT in 1979. With the cost of fuel the way it is, I wonder if they would reestablish it… probably not. for those who recommend bus travel, my body wouldn’t do well sitting in one place for that length of time. ah well, car it is. the kids are putting every coin they can find into the piggy bank for us to go see him. even offered their birthday money. makes my heart sad that I can’t do better. But my disability check only goes so far. Tweet #fighting4answrs