Chapter 8

"Mrs. Duran gave me more Math homework for the summer. I just love equations."

"Oh Spencer, I'm going to see my psychiatrist now. Veronica will be here soon."

"Are you going to talk about an antidepressant?"

"Yes,baby", she swore he was 6 going on 16.

" I love you Mom and I want you to get better, well stable."

" I do too. I have support group too."

"That's good Mom."

After going to her appointment and support group the family had dinner and watched a rerun of Little House on the Prairie. Diana was about to fall asleep,exhausted from her long day.

" Honey, you didn't take your medication tonight",reminded William.

"Oh,thanks William." She was so tired. She knew she had done a lot that day, but it was worth it. She felt less alone every time she went to support group and felt a glimmer of hope at the psychiatrist's office today.

After Diana went to bed, William went to check on Spencer. He had many books on his bed with titles like; Someone in My Family Has Schizophrenia, Mental Illness, and Famous Crimes. Books all written at a 5th grade level.

"Spencer, regardless of how smart you are. I'd like you to read some more novels. "Crimes and mental illness are not for bedtime. You still are 6."

"But I want help people who commit crimes and I want to help Mom."

"Even adult caregivers need a break from mental illness. Lights out,little man."

"Why do you call me that?"

"You seem more like an adult than a kid with your knowledge and intelligence."

" I like being as smart as I am."

"I'm sure you do. Goodnight Spencer. I love you very much."

"I love you too Dad."

William wished Spencer could just relate to his peers a little bit better. It was nice to see him try to help Diana. He had a very good relationship with his mother. Sometimes, William felt that everyone was better helping his own wife than he was and that was difficult to feel that way. He was glad he had the family/ caregiver support to go to tomorrow.

Willam was alarmed when he heard screaming. He ran to the bedroom.

"Diana, Diana, wake up." He didn't know how she'd react to his touch,so he just called out her name.

"William,what happened was that a dream?"

"You just woke up and you are safe now, Diana."

"Oh dear God,I hope I never have a delusion like that."

"Want to talk about it?"

"That song In The Year 2525 it came true. I was in the future and it was horrible,no autonomy."

"Oh,honey. It was just a dream."

"I know where I am, it's 1987."

"That's right. Do you want to pray?"

" Yes,I should pray."

After they did, Spencer came in the room.

"Mom, I'm sorry I didn't turn that song off the radio this morning. I didn't know it would give you a nightmare,at least it wasn't,Ohio."

"Spencer, don't you ever mention that song again. My friend,dead,killed by Nixon's soldiers. I miss her. She's praying against war in heaven now."

"I'm sure she is honey. Spencer, go back to bed" William kissed his son and held his wife close.

"Mom, should I get you my Teddy?"

"Can you get me my Rosary too?"

"Ok,Mom."

William was touched by his son's kindness. That night Diana felt safe,thankful for no more nightmares. He just hoped that 4th of July with his parents coming would go well.