How Did We Get Here?

Who knows?

Our family's latitude for individuality may have been broadened when Frazer was born.  Every step forward involved herculean effort from Frazer.  From speech therapy to occupational therapy to to neural feedback to private tutoring for dylexia, Frazer has been a draft horse marching along at his pace ultimately arriving at his destination.

Quirkiness abounded but surrounded by caring folks from Sabot to Southampton to St. Thomas, watching Frazer navigate friendships and life through these communities inspired William and me to believe in the strength of community and friendship. 

Two years ago, many of Frazer's friendships started slipping away.  In sports, it was understandable that he was not able to compete with his peers.  In academics, he began to be less engaged with this groups and clubs.  At home, he wanted more and more time on the screen.

Whether we did not pay enough attention because we were dealing with issues with the other kids or whether we just kept expanding that circle of acceptable quirky behavior, last summer Frazer mentioned seeing other people and hearing voices.  At first, I ignored it.  Then, in a conversation with just William and me, Frazer described the voices as "Powerful." 

That conversation was a turning point and many interventions and questions began with professionals and Frazer. 

And Frazer continued to withdraw into his world.

By February, he rode his bike into on-coming neighborhood traffic because he thought was morphing -- changing into a superpower and controlling traffic.  Porter watched the whole thing and said the cars almost hit him and each other.  Frazer did not even know.

After confirming diagnosis at Mayo in March, I sought out NIH for therapeutic studies -- ones in which no medicines were tested on him.  Part of the issue with schizophrenia is that there is no lab test.  However, William and I have friend who was able to recommend how helpful NIH could be.  After showing the study to the doctors at Mayo and in Richmond, I contacted NIH.

The screening process was grueling as it should be.  I will share more of that in another post. 

Two months later, we are here and are hoping Frazer can get the help he needs to reconnect with his communities.