Ok... first re-write. I've left the numbers so that it's easy to see where I shortened it or combined.

1. I have depression and anxiety. I am not “crazy” or “brainless” and have not suffered any kind of brain damage. My D/A are under control with medication. When my depression and anxiety are not under control, they can warp my thinking, but only then.

The definition of Depression is “anger turned Inward.” A person with depression tends to blame themselves for anything that goes wrong, therefore, I, at times, wrongly blame myself, not anyone else.

3. Feelings are neither right or wrong, bad or good, they just ARE. It’s the action behind them that is important. It is my habit to STOP, THINK then ACT.

9. David told me at the time (Karla and my situation) that any invitations to family functions were “blanket invitations.” It was up to whoever was the most uncomfortable to remove themselves from the situation.

10. About two years ago I was asked to not attend a party because Karla was going to be there but that I could come afterward. To me, it was a rescinding of the original decision. I respected your wishes and stayed away from the party, but I could not walk in after everything was all over. My perception of myself was of a whipped cur sneaking in the back door because I wasn’t good enough to join the main festivities. I dealt with a difficult situation in a way that was best for me.

13. Karla was in town the weekend of this last party. There was doubt whether she would leave on Saturday or not. I was prepared to continue to Respect HER boundaries, regardless.

15. I have always received an invitation when there is going to be a birthday party, with that one exception. For whatever reason, the eVite did NOT get delivered to either of my email addresses. I did not assume that I was invited simply because Jerry was.

18. I did not “go over the edge” or “pitch a fit” either time. The only time I did that was three years ago when my depression was completely out of control. Unfortunately, meds for D/A fail at times, so there is no guarantee that it will not happen again. Friends and family members can tell that the illness is taking hold when you know the person who has it. It would be extremely helpful if someone notices something is amiss and brings it to my attention because I can’t always tell. It sneaks up on me sometimes. I would expect that my family would understand and seek to clarify any misunderstanding if it happens.

(Iffy on the wording) For years I’ve kept my mouth shut about many things I don’t agree with within the family IN RESPECT for each other’s differences, but it’s time I spoke up for myself and ask for the same respect I’ve given as best I could.