Here is a part of this exciting phenomena that is not so exciting or wonderful in any way. I have known for a long time that bipolar illness runs in my father's family. As I meet more and more of my relatives, I am becoming reaquainted with those from my father's immediate family, i.e. one of his seven brothers and sisters because now there are two more generations out there. We do know that my grandfather's wife was where the line of mental illness in my family originated. And I am now learning just how far it has gone. Only last summer, the son of one of my cousins who I have never even met but who happens to live here in Phoenix, committed suicide. This boy was only 19 years old. I have corresponded with his mother and she seems to be very much in the dark about the whys and wherefores. His father (my cousin) has shut down. I have met other cousins and second cousins who are taking medications and doing well. This disease is insidious. I have offered her my support in any way she might need.