Yeah, I know that feeling well. At every family get-together. Every holiday or birthday. I don't even try to communicate this part of my life to family anymore. I don't really blame them so much now, because I've come to realize that it's just beyond their capacity, without experience and all, to understand. Heck, I don't know that I'd understand myself if I hadn't been here through it all.

Good luck with your visit...

Well, I made it through my visit with my family........tomorrow I am visiting with a friend (who also has a mental illness) and so I am not worried about that one, but today was a good day, just tired of being around noise and a lot of people.....just got home, and I have just had enough, because my mom is constantly up me to do things "her way." She was upset because I didn't take a shower this morning....because I was "going with her and she wanted me to look nice." Whatever. I take a shower every other day and it so happens today was not my day. Well, I didn't look bad, just not up to her standards. Then, she was getting annoyed with my cousin (she can be a handful) and yelled at me when I told her she is just a kid. But aside from my mom getting on my nerves a bit, we still had a good time.

I'm glad your family visit went so well, Kelly.

And I hope your visit with the friend goes even better.