I have always loved my daddy dearly, as you can see I even resemble him (although this picture is over 20 years ago). Vacations with my daddy were absolutely fabulous. You may be wondering then why I call this blog Finding Daddy, let me explain. You see although I always knew my daddy's heart daddy suffers with Bi Polar I with Rapid Cycling and chronic depression and the only time daddy was at peace and who he really is was when we were on vacations. I hear many people say that families suffer dearly when a family member suffers with depression (and they do), but in all honesty I have come to realize that the person who suffers the most is the person with the disorder becasue it is not the way they want to be. After many years of daddy struggling with this disorder and a lack of appropriate care and accurate diagnosis from doctors my daddy is finally on a medicine that manages his Bi Polar and lets us see the beautiful man that he is everyday. As I sat and talked with my daddy yesterday I came to realize how much courage he has. He has battled with this disorder all of his life (even though he did not receive a diagnosis until 2000) and yet he always provided well for us and we all knew how much he loved us. I also came to realize the beautiful, sweet, loving person that he is and how the things that happen to him in his life (extreme cruelty from his parents) never killed the beauty that is within him. This last year has been an extremely difficult year for daddy as he has suffered dearly both mentally and physically but through it all there has been great reward as daddy is finally at peace and on the road to recovery. For all those out there in the world who have a loved one who suffers from mental illness or if you suffer from mental illness, never give up. Remember, perseverance is the key. Love unconditionally either yourself, if you are the one who suffers from mental illness, or your loved one if they are the one who suffers from mental illness. There is hope, never give up! I love you daddy, thanks for never giving up<3
