1920's Today

White socks. Whoa! I was given this book as a gift. I read to page 4 that day and I knew this was going to be a story that I would not want to put down. I told my family that on Saturday, they shouldn’t expect anything from me until I finished this book. I finished it that day.

I was so full of emotion on every level. I was excited for this woman who was overcoming a difficult childhood and really making something of herself. I loved her boldness and her love for Jesus. Even in her dark moments she was brave.

I imagine that I would be kicking and screaming if someone was trying to have me committed but you never know how you will react to a situation until you’re the one in it. I wanted to save her. I wanted to waltz up to where she was, grab her by the hand and say, ‘Let’s Go’! I was ready to take my earrings out and meet whoever got in our way.

I have a cousin that is crazy. Legit crazy. She has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and severe delusion. When she is on her medication, she is seemingly normal, but off of it is another story. We have tried to have her committed to getting her back on her medication and we have been told that she has to do something to hurt herself or someone else before we can force her into an institution. No one knows where she is today.

I couldn’t believe there are people who get committed just because someone say’s they need to be. That really blew my mind.

With the experience of my cousin, I thought the pendulum had swung too far in the other direction. Rather than someone being able to admit someone into a facility, now there had to be proof. Harmful proof. Apparently, being forced into an institution is still happening today but under the radar. This made me feel like something must be done about it.

Awareness that this is still happening today. Reading this story, I could see her beaten down but getting stronger. Finding who she is again. My heart broke for her that some things did not work in her favor but she still found joy. She made the decision to not let this experience define her. She chooses joy and love. This story is an inspiration to me. It has inspired me to dive into my own mental health and to also try to choose joy, every day. And to do it wearing red lipstick and NO

white socks!