Chapter 12

It had been 6 months since Diana had been hospitalized and she no longer heard voices at all and her delusional thinking had decreased. However, she and William were both exhausted. Diana was because although the antipsychotics took away the scariest parts of her illness, she still was extremely tired,had trouble expressing her emotions and had difficulty socially. William was exhausted because after a long day of work, he helped Diana practice social skills and daily living skills while trying be there as a best friend and lover as well. He felt like an older brother and parent as he tried to find out how much she could do independently without too much stress. Everyday work was difficult, but they made it work out. Veronica only lectured part time and had cut back on her research to spend more time with the Reids. She found a support group for Diana and one for William. They also found a wonderful parish with a very empathetic priest who also wanted to end the stigma associated with mental illness,since his sister had schizophrenia.

It was a Saturday afternoon and the Carpenters were playing on the record player and Diana and William were singing after doing some cleaning. Diana knew that she had reached her limit for the day and needed to de stress before going to Mass in the evening. She loved the parish and especially Fr. John very much. When she revealed her diagnosis to him, he visited her in the hospital and began to connect her to parishioners who were empathetic with her struggles, one being a psychiatric nurse, Barb. Diana liked how in the last few years, the laity were encouraged to participate in the Mass more. Her friend Barb frequently distributed the Eucharist at Mass and receiving Jesus from her seemed very special. With Diana liking her sleep in the mornings she also liked the option of Saturday night Mass. After receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, Diana prayed, but then couldn't stop thinking about what she was going to ask Fr. John after Mass.

As usual, Fr. John greeted everyone after Mass.

"Hello, Diana. How are you today?"

"As good as I usually feel after Mass, Father. I would like to invite you to dinner some time." It all tumbled out rather quickly, Diana had not had anyone over since the hospitalization.

"I would love to Diana."

"Next Sunday at 6:00?"

"That will be wonderful."

"William and I will make something wonderful,then."

"Looking forward to it Diana."

" Evening, Father John."

"Good evening William, Have fun in the kitchen."

Will do, Thanks Father."

In the car Diana asked, " I didn't seem too foolish, did I?"

"No honey, you were ok, besides I'm sure he understands your anxiety."

"Life was more fun before my brain decided to short circuit."

" You've come a long way honey, I'm very proud of you. If you stick to your treatment and pace yourself you'll do fine."

"I love you,but I'm tired, can we go get burgers and ice cream?"

"Sounds good, honey. I'll make some decaf coffee too. Want to watch Green Acres reruns tonight?"

"Those always make me laugh. She's such a sweet ditz, but , he still loves her. Just like you love me.

"You my dear are no ditz."

"Did you know Eva Gabor went to Mass every day before filming?"

"Now I do. Let's go relax, it's been a long day for the both of us."

After watching an episode, Diana ever the professor needed to analyze.

"That was horrible,Lisa acted like she was hallucinating and convinced Oliver he was too, just so they had an excuse to go to a party of a psychiatrist friend in New York."

"That's what I like about Norman Lear sitcoms, they aren't afraid to touch on the issues that are stigmatized and I feel like I've married Maude sometimes."

"I feel like I've married Arthur sometimes,but like him, despite the political differences, you care. Well all this use of my brain is making me tired. Let's go to bed."

That day they had felt better than they had in months, knowing they were on the way to recovery (at least for now). No planning for a relapse, cooking lessons or practicing social skills, just a time to relax.