My George. George is a most brilliant, loving, talented, brave, and kind young man struggling through some health battles the last few years. He and my mom have been hit with some hardships and are doing the best with what they can to stay afloat. They have been staying with various family members and making a 12 hour round trip commute to make it to George's doctors appointments. When I arrived in California this week to see George, the first thing I noticed was the extra weight he had put on. I asked about his diet; he told me he gets whatever food is donated from the food bank. The next thing I noticed were his worn out shoes. I asked if he had another pair to better protect his feet but he said that was his only pair. His shirt was worn and outgrown. It was quite cold while I was there and he didn't have a jacket or sweater that fit. When he smiled, I noticed his tooth was chipped. When I asked what had happened I learned that he had been taken outside of a movie theater, driven to a Best Buy, and pretty severely beaten over a phone and/or money that George was unable to provide. My heart broke for him. Shattered, really. I was so grateful to be there and to see him and hug him and be in a position to help in all the ways I could. But I fear it's not enough. I am determined to do anything and everything I can to help.

Both George and my mom have been working very hard but still it has taken 4 years to find a good doctor that he trusts. 4 years to find the right combination of medications. 4 years to see a bit of our George resurface. 4 years of endless patience and compassion, a father doing his best, a determined and selfless mother, a cooperative and kind George, a very strong brother, an unconditionally loving grandmother, a loyal and supportive grandfather, a fearless and unfaltering cousin and her family, endlessly supportive aunts and uncles, and some fierce, fierce friends to get George to where he is today.

Alas, he and mom have come very far but are in need of a bit more help to get them back on their feet so writing this was a first step! My goals for now are to provide them with consistent gift cards for healthy food options, warm and practical clothing that fits, a couple pairs of shoes, help getting to and from medical appointments, a professional opinion on George's tooth, and eventually some sort of stable housing. Any bit of this is progress and a great help. Though his journey to achieve optimal mental health has been difficult and while there is a diagnosis and treatment being given, we still have quite a long road. George has asked that some privacy be maintained so I apologize for the vagueness. Thank you for taking the time to read and know that that alone makes me oh so grateful!! #mentalhealthmatters #mygeorge #mygryffindor #bepresent