One of many sunsets from the porch at Wells Beach

Furiously packing and tying up loose ends here to get out of here at 5am.  I want to get to the airport to see if there’s any chance I can upgrade to first class tomorrow at the airport…wish me luck!

We had a FANTASTIC meeting today with John’s new private case manager:  Manny Walker.  He’s the guy you want on your side let me tell you.  He’s fierce and smooth and knows ALL about the mental health systems in AZ having worked in many advocacy capacities for 30 years.  He connected with John right away, I had a great vibe on him and he is very proactive.  While I was sitting there wishing he’d accompany John to his next Dr. appt next week he just piped up and said “John I’d like to go with you to the Dr. next week and let this team know what is expected of them”.  He knows the Psychiatrist well, has a good reputation and is a guy who gets things done.

I’m using this photo as Manny had a similar hat and shirt on today and Denzel looks like a bad ass here with a briefcase like Manny carries 😉

He’s got that kind of Denzel Washington style of quiet confidence that commands respect.  That’s how I take him anyway,  He assured us that by law, John can take his medication whenever he wants to, can refuse to be monitored, can choose whoever he wants on his team and he will facilitate bringing Dr. Yasinski back on in whatever capacity we want him.  Even if it’s as a counselor or backup monitoring of John’s meds.  He said he will let the ACT Team know in no uncertain terms that goals need to be documented and a clear plan established.

This man doesn’t mess around!  He charges a flat monthly fee, checks in regularly and is basically available for whatever you need in terms of case management from the smallest of things like calling John while I’m out of town to full blown handling hospitalizations and attending staffings.  He’s like me, but in a more respected form.  And his taking over my role frees me up to be a sister vs. a case management sister.

Ahhhh…can you imagine how much more relieved I feel about leaving now?  John is also doing much better these last few days.  I can only imagine how this development of a plan and making him a priority affects his mental health.  Everyone wants to feel important.

What’s that line from The Help?  “You is smart.  You is kind. You is important”.  Imagine being on the fringe of those messages in your life then getting inundated with it.

My cousin Katy will be picking me up from the Boston shuttle with lobster rolls and champagne.  How lucky am I?  She’s driving me up to the cottage with her family who will be returning the next day and she will get to stay with me for a whole day and night alone!  We’re gonna do facials, drink wine, walk the beach, cook and do a lot of girl talk.  I can’t wait!

I see both of us in that exact pose tomorrow evening

I think I may post a pic a day while I’m gone to represent the theme of that day.  Let’s see if I can distill it to that.

I’ll be going out on a lobster boat with our friend Sid (who doesn’t eat lobster so gives them to me 🙂 ), reading, resting, being cold at night under the blankets with my window cracked facing the ocean, sunrises, sunsets, kayaking, cooking, visiting, beachcombing, etc. etc.  What I won’t be doing is worrying about my dear brother who’s receiving the attention he deserves, finally.

This is my Dad’s amazing swordfish…my favorite of all time

awwwww

This will be happening most evenings after bocce ball

will definitely be making my famous basil tomato tart for Happy Hour–I also made our HH platter that we pull out each year

sunset bocce!

before

after

This wild bunch is coming down from NH for two days of..this.

sunsets over the ocean every night…

My only worry at the moment is if my suitcase weighs over 50 lbs…but maybe if I get in first, they won’t care.  😉

Ciao everyone!  See you soon….