Prequel to Blog May 2007

After much thought and deliberation, I have decided to share the following Blogs about my family.  They are not only intimate Blogs, but deeply personal as well.  What convinved me to proceed with this type of writing is the belief that the stigma associated with mental illness must be removed.  How can I shake my head in agreement "yes, I agree this stigma must be removed", but then do just the opposite in my own life?  A mental illness should be viewed as a brain disorder or a neurological disorder.  Until all people are as comfortable sharing about a family member with Bipolar (a brain disorder) as they are comfortable discussing Diabetes (a pancreas disorder) change has to occur.  And what can lead to change is the sharing of information, thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.  With truth and openness, others can understand.  This is my hope as I share the future Blogs and stories about my family.