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My wife provided the atmosphere that helped me in my recovery from a devastating mental illness.

In October of 1993 I was hospitalized for clinical depression. In the hospital I experienced isolation, fear, and suicidal thoughts. I learned how to cope on a locked ward by concentrating on playing cards with a fellow consumer. I looked forward to the three smoke breaks we had during the day. Only then was I able to get out of the unit to stand outside in the fresh air for a while.

My wife must have realized how isolated I felt being on the ward. She made sure all my friends and relatives called me every day. I received an average of 20 calls a day.

Finally, when I got out of the hospital, my recovery was slow and steady. Of course, like everybody else, I had setbacks, but nothing I couldn't overcome. My wife was my rock. She possesses loyalty and unconditional love.

Now my family life is divided between my wife, my children and the newest member of my family, a grandson by my daughter-in-law. He has fair skin, jet-black hair, and big blue eyes. He is now fifteen months old and he's my pride and joy. Life is good. Everybody needs a loving relationship or some kind of support system.