When Beth first came to the hospital, she felt safe. She was used to the structure and routine. It brought comfort to her. She was very grateful that her support system was going to help her transition to life outside the hospital. She was still terrified now, knowing she was still sick, facing the reality of her mental illness was difficult.

" Mom, Dad, I'm overwhelmed. I'm scared to take the next step." She was literally standing at the sliding doors of the front of the hospital.

" We can do this, Beth," said Julie.

" Together," said Jack.

Together they walked out the door ignoring the looks of some disgruntled people not wanting the trio in their way.

Emotions overwhelmed Beth when she arrived in her building's parking lot. " I can't start over here, can I, my apartment again? I think I want a two bedroom, a roommate. I'm still not sure what I want." Beth looked at her balcony, remembered that night she went to the hospital and began to cry.

" Beth, we are very open to ideas about the future. You'll always have a place with us if you need it. You will get help," said Jack.

" It looks brand new, honey. Come, take a look," said Julie.

" Brand new, or better?"

" Better, the building still looks like it did 20 years ago. I've even labeled things and made some checklists for you."

" I remember those, when I used them before. I'm sorry I stopped,Mom."

" Lots of people use them, you don't have to ashamed."

" I love you so much,Mom."

" I love you too, honey. I know life isn't easy, but I have faith in you. Now, I've put a little something on your door, I think you'll like."

Beth looked at her door to the apartment and her mouth dropped open.

" My favorite bible verse. The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear?" Oh,Mom!" She gave both parents a hug.

When she walked into her apartment, she was surprised.

" Not like I remember it. So clean. Labels, checklists. Wait my job, what happened? My income?"

" You've still got the job if you want it, then you have your supplemental income too," said Julie.

" I disclosed, right?"

" You did."

" I'm thinking I need time off. I'm scared to work again."

" Do you want me to pick up some lunch at the deli?," asked Jack."

" Sounds good to me, Beth?"

" Yes, I don't want to cook now."

" Ok, I'll be back, ladies."

" Thanks, Dad."

"No problem."

" Do you want to fill your pill box with me, or do you want me to do it,?"asked Julie.

" Do you have a list from the hospital?"

" I do."

" Ok, I'll go in my room then." Beth saw her childhood teddy bear on her bed, grabbed her rosary in one hand and her bear in another and wrapped herself securely in her sheets. She prayed she could live alone again and accept the help she needed. She looked at her labeled dresser and saw her mother's handwriting on the drawers.

"My brain is so sick that I feel kind of stupid," Beth called out.

As soon as she finished, Julie came into her daughter's room and sat on her bed beside her.

" I have more time now, you know. I only am teaching two classes at the community college now, no more clients. We only live 3 miles away. Your dad and I, we like helping you."

" Really? Oh, ok." As they sat there in silence for awhile, Beth felt love, strength and hope.