I had some interesting years after I graduated from ACC. I worked for a year at Bell Telephone Laboratories in Lisle, IL. I had been suffering from a mental health diagnosis of manic depression. Unfortunately, I did not get diagnosed until I was 23. So lots of crazy behavior before then. When I was working at the Grand Canyon, I became suicidal which I recognized as not the way to be thinking. So I told them how I was feeling and I went to Flagstaff General hospital in Flagstaff. They diagnosed me as manic depressive and put me on lithium. That drug saved my life. I was able to get on with my life. So I went to school and got an AA in Business magna cum laude, here in Fresno, CA I worked as a secretary, a medical secretary, and finally a legal secretary.. I was a legal secretary when I met my future husband in October of one year. We married in May the following year. My husband has been extremely supportive and very encouraging to me throughout the years. This month we celebrated our 38th wedding anniversary. I am also retired now. I enjoy retirement. My husband is also retired and we both love it.
I was the consumer advocate for a committee that was part of the Social Services Dept at Fresno State. There was a lady there who was the Division Manager for Fresno County Dept of Behavioral Health. We got along well. She told me the County was opening up a new position, Peer Support Specialist. She recommended me to apply. So I did. When I got interviewed she was there. I got hired. I taught classes on anxiety, self-esteem, how to regain mental health recovery in your life. I worked with clients who were mild to moderate in their diagnoses. I enjoyed my work. I worked there for 12 years and got a pension. I never would of thought that would happen. I also have two great kids who are both go getters. Right now Sueshep has been very sick but I believe he is getting better. It will take some time. The doctor has given him 90 days to recuperate. I feel good. I am busy.
What am I up to now?
Well, my Sueshep has been very ill. Today was day 24 in the hospital. Sueshep has sepsis due to osteomyletitis. Also, discititis, and two other diagnoses. He has been in a lot of pain and that is hard to witness. Good news is today he transferred to a SNF with REHAB. As he cannot walk independently at this time. That has kept us very busy. He is improving though and thank God for that.
I take it day-by-day. I remain optimistic and have hope.
