In a rare interview, New York Times best-selling author DANIELLE STEEL comments on BRITNEY SPEARS' situation telling Reuters, "I feel so sorry for her."

Steel speaks from experience. Her son NICK was diagnosed at the age of 16 with bipolar disorder and committed suicide more than a decade ago at the age of 19.

"Usually bipolars present extremely well and they can bounce into court ... look very together and be a complete mess three hours later on the streets somewhere," she told Reuters at an event for the 10th anniversary of the creation of the Nick Traina Foundation. "There's nothing you can do."

In echoing the recent and widespread speculation regarding Britney, Steel suggests that her problems, "illustrate the drama and dilemma of the family of mentally ill people in this country -- it's a very, very tough thing."

But she says there is hope for the troubled pop star and her family. "If it is the case (that she has bipolar), she can get on track with the right treatment and medication," she says. "In the case of Britney Spears' parents what you have to be is extremely loving, extremely resourceful and extremely persistent and every time you're defeated, just go at the problem again."

Dear Nikko,

I didn't know that about Danielle Steel, a fellow SF resident. It may explain why, when she appeared at a charitable event with a young man who had recently survived a suicide attempt from the GG Bridge, that she appeared uncomfortable. I had chalked it up to "socialite-who-wishes-to-be-charitable-without-actually-having-to-be-around-the-objects-of-her-charity" syndrome.

Cordially

Danielle Steele has written a book about her son....His Bright Light.

I didn't know that about Daniell Steele either.

Thanks for posting.

befuddled2

Hi all! I know I've been missing in action for quite awhile now. Just so busy working full time, working on our eBay store in the evenings....Just not enough time to spend on the forums like I used to. Anyhow, I was going to bring up the book she wrote about Nick. I bought and read the book years ago. It was very well-written, but, of course, it had a sad ending....

My little Granddaughter is doing well. She was born on January 3rd. Here is a picture from her Birth Announcement. We were over last night, Angelo is so gentle with his baby sister!

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