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My mother, who passed away in '05, was diagnosed with bipolar ds at the age of 76. The doctors told us that she was, in fact, unipolar, and probably had been most of her life.
Looking back over the years of my childhood I realize that the very thing that plagued her was actually a gift- in a strange way- to all six of us sisters. She gave us an idyllic childhood filled with wonderful adventures. Everything we did was infused with her marvelous energy- whether picking berries and learning how to make jelly, baking Christmas cookies, swimming, skiing, exploring old houses- whatever it was, She made it especially fun and exciting. Christmas and Easter were absolutely magical. Holiday dinners and birthday parties were all very fancy and everyone's favorite dish was made and presented with great care and love. She played the trumpet, the piano, and the guitar. Many of my fondest memories are of singing folk songs in rounds as she played.
Because of her great energy she was herself a world class athlete- doing swimming, diving and down hill ski racing until @ the age of 55. (I have some neat pictures of her coming through the gates at Jackson Hole @ that age!) Each of us learned how to ski just as soon as we could walk. She and Dad even bought a small hill across the street from our house and put a rope toe on it and some night lights. And, one of the neighbors, an architect, built a ski chalet at the bottom of the hill. All of us neighborhood kids had a ball skiing day and night- whenever there was snow (in Philly!). The ski club is still active today.
She gave us all a great deal of freedom and encouraged us with all of our aspirations. When I was 16 I had saved a couple thousand $ from various jobs and I told her that I thought I wanted to buy a house. So, she matched what I had, and we went out and bought a rental property together. We managed that little place together for almost 30 years.
After many years without treatment she began to do things that worried us a great deal. At about the age of 60 she began to invite strangers to live in the house with her. Many of these people were just nice. And, she was always there to help anyone who needed a helping hand. But, later she began befriending criminals. They often took advantage of her kindness and generosity. I had to intervene more than a couple times to 'rescue' her from some of these folks. She bought one drug addict six cars!! I kid you not. In the end, the thing that really made me sad was that she could NOT stop driving. She insisted on driving even when her license had been taken away. As it happened, she crashed into the police station! The chief of police was just getting out of his car and saw the whole thing. Luckily no one got hurt. She simply had the compulsion to keep on going!
At this point we were able to get her started on some meds that really helped. We were all by her side when she crossed over to the other side.:hug:
My blessings to all of you who struggle with the ups and downs of Bipolar ds!
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