When Mike and I first started dating, he would half-joke about waiting to see when my “crazy” would reveal itself.

Apparently, from past dating experiences, he pretty much was convinced that my “psycho side” eventually would come out and that would be the end of us.

I scoffed at the thought. I told him, first of all, HE’S actually the crazy one (haha) and, second of all, if I’m crazy in any way, it’s just that I’m crazy about him. 🙂

(Collective “aww”)

It kind of became a running joke between us, although I will admit I got upset a few times when we were six months in and he was still making those comments.

I remember he thought it was cute that I’d get upset but then add, “See? You ARE crazy.”

(grrr…)

***

A few weekends ago, my sister had a fun tiki party in her backyard. Our younger sister and close friends all came. It was a perfect night to be outside and we all had a fun time.

Mike and I won a prize for best “tiki” outfits.

And no, you’re not crazy. His face is on my shirt and my face is on his.

Oh, and yes, that IS a parrot on his shoulder. :-p

My sister also toasted us for our wedding and gave us back our first dance since we never really had one at our reception, what with the zombie outbreak and all :-p

***

Mike is improving every day. I found a cane that lights up and has more of a wrist support and lighter grip. He’s noticed a difference and can walk a bit faster and smoother with it. It’s super cool with a light for nighttime walking.

We will also take it hiking soon. I think it will really be helpful, definitely better than the canes he has now. They are not appropriate for hiking. But using the hiking poles aren’t enough stability right now for Mike. So this seems to be the best option at the moment.

I started a jar at the house labeled KOMPlishments. Every day, Mike is encouraged to write down at least one thing he did that he personally feels is an accomplishment.

We all know that it’s the small, consistent steps that get us to where we need to go in life. Sometimes he loses sight of those and only recognizes the giant leaps. But we are at the point in his recovery where there aren’t such noticeable differences day to day anymore. And that’s okay. He’s walking, he’s working, he’s living his routine.

Now, it’s more about building endurance with those tasks and improving on them.

At the end of the week, we will take the slips of paper out of the jar and read them and he can see all that he has a-KOMPlished!

hehe.

***

We do a lot of hearings in court that relate to a person’s right to contest being held in a psychiatric unit and their right to deny the administration of antipsychotic medication.

These people often are schizophrenic, being clearly psychotic (seeing things or hearing voices that aren’t there, among other things). At the hearing, testimony is given by the treating psychiatrist regarding their inappropriate and sometimes dangerous behavior and they describe what treatment is needed, meaning what medications they wish to administer and why.

Often, a person is functioning well and living their life with no issues and then, for whatever reason, will decide they don’t need their medicine (which is why they’re doing well) and start to decompensate in the community. They will end up being involuntarily admitted due to being a threat to themselves or others.

These people have no insight into their illness at all. They see everyone around them as the problem. It’s usually a family member that will have to make the call to have them picked up and brought to the hospital.

Their right to a hearing is understandable. After all, in today’s world, we have a lot of rights, including the right to be “crazy” (as long as we don’t bring harm to others).

***

Mike is walking without a cane around the house and around his shop. He’s been wet-sanding cars and painting.

He’s also been putting in long hours again. Two nights in a row, he worked from 11am to 10pm!!

It worries me. But his default has always been zero to CRAZY!

However, I can’t deny that he’s in his happy place here.

And call me crazy, but so am I.