You’ve told your mother’s story with such love, tenderness and understanding Patrick. I hope that in the pain of telling, you have also found joy and comfort in remembering the positive impact she had on people around her. Although I haven’t suffered with mental illness such as Bipolar, I’ve had depression during challenging life changes. I can identify with the importance your mother placed on being the best mother she could be and on giving back to the world, and how life can feel meaningless otherwise. In understanding her, you gave the greatest gift a son could give - “you really do get me”. Your mother was a strong woman. Thank you for sharing her story of love and courage Patrick.