Author's note: I don't own Dairy Queen or National Catholic Reporter,just like them.

Spencer's Sixth Birthday

Diana knew that Spencer deserved a birthday party now that he was in school,even though he didn't have any peer friends. Anna's son who was in 5th grade,Jeff had befriended Spencer and shared some of his interests. William and Diana were grateful he had someone to spend time with. They decided it would be best for Diana and Spencer to have a small party with less stress and stimulation. Diana's sister Anne and friend Veronica helped Diana prepare something.

After singing Happy Birthday to Spencer,everyone dug into the ice cream cake.

"Delicious, Dairy Queen,you said?" Asked Anna.

"Yes,heavenly isn't it?, declared Anne.

" Aunt Anne, how can cake be heavenly?," asked a perplexed Spencer.

"It's another way of saying wonderful,Spencer."

"Ok."

"So what do Sister Anne?," asked Anna's husband Bob.

"Well,I'm a psychiatrist at a clinic in a low income neighborhood in LA. I also am working as adjunct faculty at Loyola Marymount. I don't do nearly as much publishing and research as I used to."

"Interesting," replied Bob.

"She's also a protester," exclaimed Diana.

William rolled his eyes,being in the political minority and opposed to bringing up politics at a six year old's party.

"While protesting nuclear disarmament,I was arrested and a radical priest came and got me released, and we were all on the cover of the National Catholic Reporter."

"I saw that,that was you?" Anna was in awe.

"Yes, that was me."

"I'm proud she's my sister. Stopping to visit,but usually not without protesting the government."

"She's actually protesting a policy of the government,Mom."

"Oh,Spencer,I know that," keeping up with her son could be exhausting.

"How about we open gifts?," suggested William.

A few minutes later,Spencer was enjoying his gifts.

"Wow,Star Trek and Star Wars on VHS. Thanks Mom and Dad."

"You are welcome Spencer." William enjoyed science fiction too,although it seemed like one of the only ways he could relate to his gifted son.

Spencer got The Chronicles of Narnia series from the Duran family and some Roald Dahl books from his aunt Anne.

"Mr. Reid, can we watch a Star Wars video and have a soda at the bar in the basement?," asked Jeff.

"Sure, want to join us anyone?"

"Sure," replied Bob.

"I'll clean up, why don't you ladies go into the living room and I'll be with you in a bit,"said Anne.

Diana was grateful to spend some time with less people and she couldn't pick better ones than her close friends.

"How are you feeling Diana?," asked Anna.

"Good,I think. My doctors say I'm pretty stable."

" I have a cousin with Schizophrenia. I understand, as much as I can what you go through. I also have a minor in psychology."

" You are one of my only friends. I'll always trust you Anna."

"Good, I pray for you."

"Prayer is good."

"Amen,Diana,"replied Veronica.

"I haven't relapsed in a while,but never normal."

" I tell Jeff and my students,normal is just a setting on the dryer."

"You are who you are Diana, and we all accept you just the way you are," explained Veronica.

"I'm a terrible hostess,but I'm so tired."

"It's alright,do you mind if we stay and chat?,asked Anna.

"That's fine."

After exchanging hugs Diana went off to bed.

"Thank you so much for being there for her Anna",said Veronica.

"Thank you too. She really does appreciate all you do. I see glimpses of her likes and interests behind that flat facade."

"That's what she needs. Someone to encourage her to do the things she likes,acknowledge who she is regardless of her illness."

A few minutes later Anne walked in the room.

"Is she sleeping?"

"Yes,Anne,"replied Veronica.

"This was a busy day for her. Thank you for helping make it go as smooth as possible."

"Of course, I wouldn't have missed Spencer's party for anything. We do love your family,"exclaimed Anna.

" Thank you," replied Anne.

"I'm a Star Wars fan myself. I think I'll go see how the guys are doing." Anna then went to the basement/ rec room.

"How is Diana doing with the medications?,"asked Anne.

"Well, she's been very lethargic still. Her psychiatrist and I aren't sure if that could be improved,but it's hard to see. We sometimes feel we are running out of options," Veronica replied.

"She tells me she has been taking her medications. But sometimes she tells me she feels her neighbor's are like Stepford Wives."

"Like, being the key word. I imagine you don't spend much time in affluent neighborhoods full of Regan supporting yuppies. It can be like high school all over again."

"So have the neighbors shunned the family?"

"Not quite,but I think they know that Diana doesn't fit their mold and I can sense they speculate about her mental illness. William wants to be social with the neighborhood, but is also concerned about being ostracized by the snobs."

"That's terrible,but let me know if the Stepford Wives becomes a delusion. I've seen it before when I had more middle class clients. It makes sense considering the background you've told me."

Everyone was grateful for the successful party,but like always,prayed for Diana's mental health.