Veiled Joy

Three years, two gains, one loss. College is an exciting time for most students. It's a taste of freedom - freedom from the watchful eyes of parents, freedom from curfews, and freedom to make your own decisions. Experiencing a personal tragedy during that time shook the core of my foundation. My beautiful, vibrant mother was stolen from her family by an unexpected thief. In retrospect, I somehow was able to balance college and this family tragedy. Three years. Attending college year round led to graduation in three years. Two gains. I gained a college degree and a valuable lesson in stereotyping. One loss. The year I entered college, Mom was a beautiful, vibrant woman. The year I graduated, she was gone. {An excellent book for college students and families who have been touched by mental illness.}