Neighbor News Follow Up; We're All Fine Here, Now, Thank You.

So the good news. Max is fine. His doctors say it was an acute episode of psychosis. A little medication, some ongoing therapy, and the symptoms have minimized. He’s functional, back to where he was before the breakdown of New Year’s Eve. He’s living at home, looking for work, going back to school when he can.

The other news. He does not hold with our beliefs, is not sure what he himself believes. He wants to be good, wants to be trusted. We are finding our way, and appreciate the offers of support.

I honestly don’t know what to do now. Shame has no place in the complex dynamic of recovery and stability after something like Max has experienced, so we’re trying to delicately navigate the anger we’ve felt about some of his choices without making it more anxious for him. That’s the support side, I guess. I am resolutely terrified he’s going to drift the wrong way and make a mistake he won’t recover from next time.

So. Say hi to Max. He’s still the same good kid he was before. Still funny, kind, and sweet. We love him.

The Neighbor Rule, and What Is Going on with Maxwell

My rule has been that you should share news with distant folks, especially bad or uncomfortable news that your actual neighbors would know.

So here's the news; Max is not returning to BYU. As of this morning, he's staying with us, though that could change. If it does, I'll let you know.

He has been struggling with some doubts about the church and his own future. He has been worried about disappointing us, about being judged, and about being honest. Last Saturday, I spent New Year's Eve in the hospital with him while he experienced a mild (non-violent) mental breakdown. He was released from the Hospital yesterday, and we are looking for a therapist we can meet with this week.

I don't want to gossip about Max, or embarrass him. But I want people to know what to pray for when they become aware of his status.

So if this seems a little vague, much of that is a deliberate attempt to respect Max's privacy as he determines what to do next. We love him, and are glad he is talking to us, even if we aren't always sure what to say back to him. I am confident he can be happy and honest and functional and be a joy to himself and others.

We will let everyone know when there is something else to know.