Hello everyone,

Thought I'd give a bit of an update on my brother. Today he was released from the hospital, so he was there for a week total. Had a family meeting with the social worker before he got to leave...and basically established that his depression is more a reaction to external events - not biological. To me, this is good news. It means that once the stressors are gone, he can be himself again.

We agreed that him moving out is a good plan - it's what he wants to do. So he just recently packed his stuff and left less than an hour ago - to live with our dad about an hour away. To be honest, I'm not really sad. I'll be able to see him on a semi-regular basis...and I know this probably sounds selfish - but I don't mind living alone.

According to the plan, he will probably be at our dad's for several months. And I will stay here with Zeppelin (my black lab puppy), while finishing up my high school and keeping up with a regular routine. This is the first time that I have ever lived alone, on my own. Looking forward to it, but it still does feel a bit weird. Guess it'll take some getting used to!

Before next September, I want to move out to an apartment that will be closer to the college I'll be attending. Looking forward to that as well. ^.^ Some big changes, but for once, I feel like I can handle them.