Just a thought.......

My 15 year old son recently broke up with his long time girlfriend.  Knowing teenage romance, long term being a year, and all the drama that surrounds is, you can only imagine the emotional falloutfrom that.  But his ex is a girl that from the first day I have loved very very much (since I don't have a daughter of my own).  She has severe problems as well, mostly with depression, and I suspect eventually she will face a diagnosis of bipolar also.

She recently got admitted to Beach Psych, which is where I spent both of my recent hospitalizations.  Since then, we have been communicating pretty consistently via text and email.  Our relationship has not changed, even though she and my son are no longer dating.  They have eventually reached a terse kind of friendship, and he has finally accepted the fact that I'm going to continue to be in her life unless and until it proves to be harmful to my relationship with him or myself.

It's amazing how much better I feel knowing that she can talk to me about all of this.  For once, I'm not just being supported by other people.  I'm the person that is non-judgemental, that is understanding and there as much or as little as needed.  She is an important part of my life, although she is not blood-related, and her episodes with mental issues resonates with my own life.

I never thought that being a support for someone could possibly be anything I could take on in my brittle emotional state.  But I have found that by lending an ear, a shoulder, and all my love, I'm getting stronger and starting to understand myself a little more.  On that note, thanks to all who help me through this forum, and thanks to all that let me give what little advice I have gained through experience, whether it's helpful or not to your own life path.

One day at a time.  One small victory that I keep close.