I appreciate the time and effort you have given to this site, it has prompted good conversation, been a jumping off point to thought about many topics, some controversial, which is a good way to learn.

Have a good break but throw us readers a thought provoking topic now and then okay?

Thanks Philip!

A religious perspective:

We have different ways of coping in this world. Religion, or spirituality can help give meaning to things when suffering runs deep. For me, being spiritual means approaching the world with awe. Whatever is given to us is a gift.

When my daughter was diagnosed with schizophrenia I was devastated. My brother has the illness and I've gone through life trying my best to support him. With this experience, I knew what the illness looks and feels like. Now my beautiful daughter would live with the disease. I became depressed and I felt tremendous grief.

My expectations were based on what I knew, but things haven't been turning out this way. Instead of my daughter being lost in a world of her own, she is living mostly in our world. It's a gift that she is here, with us. I feared my daughter would need to live in the back wards of an institution or would need 24 hour supervision, but this isn't turning out to be the case. She is at home, and will hopefully be able to live independently. Truly amazing given how sick she's been! I'm in awe of all the people who've accepted her for who she is and has given her a chance. I'm so appreciative of her doctor who dedicates himself and is on call for us 24/7.

This illness is a severe illness; to me it brings the worst of human suffering My brother says, he's been robbed of the privacy in his brain. It doesn't seem fair. Our thoughts should be able to remain our own.

But I've come to look more broadly at life and see that everyone has struggles. I've come to learn that when it comes to living with an illness and living with human suffering we don't have to respond tragically. With love in our hearts we can work at making each of our lives meaningful. We can help to add a little joy.

Lori

Enjoy your well deserved downtime.