We're having a dry day today, so my husband is rushing out to take the dogs to the reservoir, and I am going to do a bunch of errands. The sun is shining and the waters have receded. We had a nice lunch with our younger son yesterday, walking there and back and getting fruit on the way. Then I read my amazing book, and called a friend and generally snuggled in for the dark wet evening. I am so interested in the summary of information in Solomon's book, and riveted to the stories of families coping or not with horrendous surprises of children sick and disabled and difficult, without often the support they need and deserve. I read about schizophrenia last night, and the suffering of its victims leaves no silver lining. Parents literally lose the child they loved to a stranger. But their courage, and that of the victims, in the face of such a cruel, relentless disease, is humbling. These victims need halfway houses and constant care all their lives, but our culture seems to believe we aren't responsible for them and should leave it to the families. What a tragedy.
How we face what we have to bear depends on circumstances as much as character. Those with resources succeed in getting help, those without are lost, to fend for themselves. I believe if we had universal health care, there would soon be facilities and halfway houses to give families relief and a sense of safety. I hope our country takes the compassionate stance on people with disabilities. I don't think it has fully embraced our interconnectedness and need to take care of our communities, not just ourselves. I hope everyone reads this book.
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