Subject: [Tweeters] Patrick
Date: Sep 24 20:03:15 2007
From: Bill and Nancy LaFramboise - billnanl at verizon.net


We were so sad to hear of Patrick's passing. We have lost a great man in
our lives. We agree with what has been posted about his abilities and
teaching as we too experienced them. Our hearts go out to Ruth. We hope to
see the physical legacies happen.

Let it also be a legacy of Patrick's that we all learn a little more about
bipolar disorder. We are not experts and the following is not in any way
diagnosis or personal advice but maybe it's time to talk about the hard
things. Bipolar disorder is such a misunderstood condition that is shrouded
in the fear of mental illness. It is our personal opinion that it is no
different than any other chemical imbalance except that it manifests itself
in the mental chaos of mania and physical depression. The physical
depression is not necessarily a state of unhappiness but the body going too
slow. Either state can be painful and can lead to the desire to have the
agony end.

Much more is being said about depression even in ads on television but the
information is frequently only implied. Be very aware that anyone who is
not aware of their bipolar disorder may take an antidepressant and be pushed
into mania. The ads and news stories one hears about teen suicide after
taking antidepressants is not just happening to teens. Not that this is
what happened to Patrick but it can be another of his lessons to us. If
just one of us or someone in our family is helped by a new awareness of
bipolar disorder, then Patrick's contribution to us multiplies.

Bill and Nancy LaFramboise
Richland WA
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