Outskirts Press, INC.

A Father and Son’s Journey Through a Life of Mental Illness

For as long as I can remember, my life revolved around mental illness. Growing up, I never knew my mother. She was institutionalized for schizophrenia from the time I was two until I was twenty-one. I had so many unanswered questions: What does she look like? Will she like me? But most importantly, does she blame me for her illness? My father did the best he could raising seven children. His desire to keep our family together, paired with his immeasurable faith in God, was the reason I was able to persevere in my life. You see, the woman I loved was diagnosed with bipolar disorder six years after we were married. The example my dad set was my guideline for being the best husband, father, and support system I could be for my family. Every day was a challenge, but my love for my wife, Denise, and my own faith in God kept me steadfast for fifty-two years of marriage.