I started the Family to Family program with Nami last night and it may seem after the fact since my husband has passed away but its not really. Now how's that for a run on sentence. I think this is something everyone with a mentally ill person in their lives should take It is a wonderful program and very educational in many ways. Not only do you learn how to deal with the MI person but how to take care of yourself. I highly reccommend it.

Hi, Marsh:wave: That's wonderful!!! I am glad that you started the family to famliy program.....I see you not only helping others but also getting some closure for yourself by what you give. There is always something to be received when you are giving to others and my wish is that you open your heart to these families and allow them to help you as well.

I never utilized family to family but we had something similar, a wrap around service that came into our home after Erin was discharged from the hospital....we almost felt invaded at first since they came in 3 times a week. They stayed for 4 months and when they left it was as if they had become part of our family!!!

I am sure that this will be a wonderful experience for you. Please keep us posted in terms of telling us how it works and what you gain from it.

Love & (((HUGS))) ~ Goody:angel: :wave:

MM I'm so glad your feeling better and turning the negative into a positive.....
You're gaining insight and knowledge and being productive! I'm so proud of you Marshmallow, I wish I could give you a great big hug! Keep it up!
:angel:

Hi Marsh,

It's so smart of you to participate in this program, please give us some info from time to time (highlights maybe??)...I contacted NAMI about signing up for Family to Family here, but unfortunately it's not offered in our area yet.

Hope you are doing a little bit better each day, thinking of you...;)

Love,
4

Hi Marsh,

Will you be training to be a facilitator? I know in our area they are always looking for people to train to lead these groups!! I planned on doing it this fall, but am having back surgery instead.:mad:

Hope you're doing better.

Hugs,

Tsohl

Hi Marsh,

Just breaking in for a minute to talk with Tsohl....back surgery???? Oh no! :( Are you OK?

Hugs,
4

Rosequarts, thank you so much and I can always use a big hug.

goody, tsohl thanks so much I would love to facilatate the program but this time around I am learning. I want to put it to a good use helping others though. I am taking things a day at a time healing. I think about John everyday especially when I wake up and go to bed. He is never far from my thoughts. The more I learn the more I realize how sick he was. I believe without the illness he was one great man. He did terrible things. He had a good heart but his brain was not right. Got to stop talking about him tears rolling down my cheeks.

4 support, I am sorry the program is not in your area because it would be such a help to you and your family. I read your other post and I pray things get better for you. Sometimes a person can take only so much. I pray for your strength and your husbands stability.

Mudhound, I am so thankful to find NAMI I just wish I had years ago. I don't know if it would of made a difference with my husband but it may of helped me along the way. I hope at some point to be able to be as involved as you are. I have never mentioned it before but I also have another family member with bp that hopefully I may be able to help with what I learn at NAMI. I am grateful for everything I learn and hope I can be a help to others hurting because of this illness. Today was a hard day for me maybe because it has been 2 months since my husband died. I miss many things about him inspite of all the rage and abuse that took place. He had a good heart. Sorry for getting emotional.