Hi Margo,

Well, in my family everyone has headed for the hills...except me. Coping with my sister's suicide is secondary with facing the fact my family really are mentally ill - and especially my mom. This is a bitter pill to swallow for me. Christ has always been my rock, but my mother and I were close, even though the dysfunction would pop up here and there, I guess I am far enough away that I forgot how severe it can be. Now I must walk away and allow God to give me strength alone, with my husband, 2 children (9 & 12), and the wonderful network of friends I have created over the 16 years I have lived in France. I have joined up with a lovely christian woman therapist, who knows me and my entourage, and we meet once a week to talk. I have met her twice on this level, and she is shocked at how I turned out "so well" in the wake of such a dysfunctional family. I told her it is all due to God's love for me. He drew me out and saved me from the fate my remaining family are experiencing (there are 4 boys and my mom; I am the youngest at 50). But that does not make me immune to new waves of rejection and deep pain. My husband is a christian and bless his heart, he talks with me endlessly about these problems. But we are stymied: how does one walk away from one's family and not fall apart with sadness? I would be happy to give you my personal email: suzanne.sellierdisan@free.fr feel free to write me at that address. Thanks again for your encouragement, and especially for your prayers. God bless you for your kind and giving heart.