Diana was no stranger to agitation when having an episode,but now an episode of psychosis wasn't causing agitation, but the soon to be arrival of her father in law. When the doorbell rang,she almost jumped,but was glad to see her sister.
"He loves Regan and is a traditionalist Catholic who loves being Republican and doesn't empathize with the mentally ill. Help me Anne, you are my only hope."
"Who are you talking about?" Sister Anne stepped inside carrying a cooler full of salad fixings.
"My father in law doesn't like me."
"Oh, Diana. I'm sorry you feel that way."
"I want you to help tell me if it's true. What my psychiatrist and Veronica call reality testing."
" A very good idea. You told me you were using that. I'll be glad to help you."
"That's kind of why I invited you. The 4th of July can be overkill There is so much wrong with this country." Diana no longer feared the government,like she used to,but was not a fan of the current administration.
"Diana,I understand your frustration, but I'd really appreciate a proper greeting." She put the salad fixings in the fridge and turned around to face Diana.
"I'm glad to see you. How was the drive?"
"Good, see you survived the dreaded small talk. Hug?"
"Of course."
William opened the door to his office, the phone to his ear. He smiled seeing his wife and sister in law hug.
"Trial is next week at 1. I'll discuss more about where the family should meet me later. I have to go, bye."
William hung up the phone on the wall and gave his sister in law a hug.
"Hi William,how are you?"
"Doing ok, Anne and you?"
"Pretty good. Is Spencer home?"
"Spencer," William yelled.
"William, don't yell," said Diana and Anne.
Spencer came bounding down the stairs.
"Aunt Anne, I got a lot of books yesterday at the library."
"Oh,what about?"
"Einstein, the founding fathers, mental illness,famous mathematicians.."
The doorbell rang.
William opened the door to his father.
"Hi Dad, where's Mom?"
"Finishing up a conversation on the newfangled car phone with Ethel. It's a year today that DanIel passed away,as I'm sure you remember."
"We will definitely pray for her",said William about the wife of his late brother. He missed his younger brother every day.
"Diana,looks like your sister is here",said William's father,Robert.
"Yes, her name is Anne."
"That's right they keep their names now."
"Yes, many communities of sisters do. Nice to see you,Robert",greeted Anne.
"Hi,Grandpa, I went to the library and got some books on the founding fathers,yesterday."
"Good idea, Spencer."
The front door opened.
"Here I am. William,Diana, Spencer,Anne, how wonderful to see you all",exclaimed William's mother, Alice.
"So,are you doing..ok Diana?" It was over 10 years that his daughter in law had been diagnosed,but Robert never took enough time to learn much about Schizophrenia,well not as much as his wife had. He still felt very uncomfortable talking about it and didn't know how to best help.
"Well, I'm not experiencing psychosis now, but life still isn't easy."
"You still a liberal?"
"Yes."
"Robert, don't argue politics with Diana,please",said Alice.
"Can I get you all something to drink?," asked Diana relieved to play hostess,once. Anything to get away from the tension brought on by her father in law.
Here,let me help you Diana",said Alice wanting to diffuse tension.
After taking everyone's drink requests,Alice closed the kitchen door.
"I know you need a low key environment. Unlike Robert,I've read a lot about how to best help those with your illness."
"Have you heard of reality testing?"
"I have,do you find it helpful?"
Yes,dones Robert hate me?"
"He is afraid of mental illness,but that's because he's hardly educated himself. He does wish you shared his politics and were not a feminist, but in his own way he cares. He doesn't know how slow and unpredictable recovery can be,or understand that nobody is pampering you, but giving you help when it's really needed."
"Thank you, that makes sense."
"I'll get the beers,you pour the lemonades?"
"Sure,what dessert did you bring?"
"Ice cream and fudge sauce."
"I'm so glad you are not the stereotypical mother in law. I really like you."
I love you and enjoy being with you my dear."
"Really?"
"Really,hug?"
"Please."
Diana missed her mother in that moment. Her mother left when Diana was in college.
After the company had received their drinks,Robert said," William, how about you and I catch up,it's been a while.
"Grandpa, can we play a dice game?",asked Spencer
"Sure,Spencer."
" No giving lectures on probability to grandpa."
"But, Dad, that's the best part,"whined Spencer.
The ladies spent some time in the living room.
"Remember,when we were kids and I used to hate not being able to talk with the men at family gatherings,about politics?" Asked Anne.
"Yes, and look at us now. We don't need to gossip though," said Diana.
"I remember the looks I got when I suggested the ladies talk politics,once. I think they thought I was a radical,"said Alice.
"Ha, up until I encouraged you to read The Feminine Mystique, you liked Phyllis Schlafly," exclaimed Diana.
" Before you started grad school and spent a lot of time at the house,your arguments were great food for thought. You taught this traditional housewife to expand her point of view. I call myself a moderate now. What was radical was that women should even talk politics."
"Very true," stated Anne.
Soon the ladies heard a commotion from downstairs.
"William Arthur Reid,this is all your fault. Why did you marry that crazy feminist?"
"Grandpa,Mom loves the Eucharist, I just don't believe in the Real Presence."
" You are 6 Spencer,you are supposed to believe whatever your parents say."
"Grandpa, Mom can hear you."
"It's for her own good."
"Dad,you don't know what you are talking about."
"Yes, I do. My grandchild must receive all the sacraments."
"Shut up you stupid old man, I pray for my son every night. I can hear you." Diana started yelling down the stairs.
"Oh,Diana, honey." William came rushing up the stairs and held his weeping wife.
"Robert,you ought to be ashamed. Do you want her in the hospital again?" Alice was fuming.
"Let's go,Alice,I don't want to be here right now."
"I'm staying with Diana."
"Fine, find your own way back to Ohio."
"I will. I'll also pray that you'll stop being so stubborn," yelled Alice.
Robert left slamming the door.
"I told you he hates me," exclaimed Diana.
"He'll come to his senses",said Alice. A similar thing happened when he discovered she was reading The Feminine Mystique. He came back the next morning.
"Diana, how do feel?" Asked Anne.
"Like I want tell Robert, I'm not some atheist, who is brainwashing Spencer into not believing in the Real Presence."
"That's very articulate, Diana. I want you to tell me what emotions you are feeling."
"Very sad,mad and confused. Call Veronica. I want her."
All the festivities of the 4th were forgotten as Diana cried herself to sleep.