Dear Reader,
I hope you"ve enjoyed the journey of a young lady who suffers from a sometimes delightful and often misunderstood mental illness. In 1978 I was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and spent the next thirty-six years alternately struggling with it and rejoicing in any small victories. My university professors and others at the University of Alberta are to be credited with recognizing and attempting to deal with the illness as far back as 1975. Dr. Robert Fischer attempted to reconcile my wildness with the gentleness of spirit and love he saw in me, and I salute his memory and the expertise and compassion he brought to my therapy. My children, family, and friends suffered with me through no fault of their own, and to them I bring my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude for
