Yesterday was a huge undertaking.

In the past months that I've connected with my friend who is bipolar, I've been lashed out at by two of my four children and some of my familly members who seem to think that I'll be in some kind of trouble for developing a beautiful friendship. Their fears are somewhat justifiable as my friend did some pretty awful things over 20 years of bouncing in and out of his meds. It destroyed his marriage and left him with almost no one to trust him or even like him anymore. Whatever he may have done was done at a time when I was happily married and enjoying the world of regular life. When my husband passed from a horrific battle with cancer, I didn't seem to fit in anywhere and happened to meet up with my old high school friend. We exchanged sorrows for our losses and just began connecting on profound levels that no one else seemed to understand.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to have Thanksgiving dinner with some of his siblings and their families, and I decided to stand my ground and said yes to the invitations from my own siblings who have reached out to say he is welcomed in their homes. As we entered my sisters home, my son and his wife were obviously not happy or comfortable with my decision. My friend extended a handshake to my son which went over well, but then my son and daughter in law sat as far away as they could as though they were going to melt if they engaged in any conversation at all. It made them look silly. I love my son and his wife, but I love my friend too..

I was asked a while back to choose them or my friend. I told them that I would never choose because I needed them all in my life. And there will be no trade off!!! I was so proud of my friend who went through a huge undertaking yesterday. I felt bad and apologized to him, but he said he wasn't going to sweat the small stuff. We then went to another one of my sisters homes and the atmosphere was completely void of judgement. Our happiness means more to them than the stigma society places on individuals. I wish I had video taped both scenes and then replay them to those who consider themselves normal.

[hamster-bamster]

You should write more, you write such wonderful, engaging stories. I congratulate you on having found people who do not judge you and your important choices in life.

[BlackPup]

You sound like a great friend. I'm glad you had a positive experience (apart from your son sitting far away....) hope your friend stays on meds and stays balanced. They are lucky to have your support.