I did not talk with Peter on Friday. My contact, Jeanie said she offered to help him make the phone call but he did not want to. I am ok with that. I wanted him to know I knew where he was and that if he wanted to connect, I was available. I now know that he knows that. But if he is still in an agitated state, I don't think it would have been beneficial to either of us. Jeanie says that she will offer again as he improves which of course is the hope now that he is taking some medication.
To backtrack a bit. This past Tuesday after not hearing from anyone in several weeks, I received a call from a lady with the ACT Team. She and I spoke back in August when Peter showed up on my porch. She is a nurse with the program Peter was "working with" while on the porch. A connection had just been made between the mental health liaison and ACT Team. She called me to see if she could connect me with the Mental Health liaison at the jail, Jeanie. So I had the opportunity to speak with both of them and probably gained more information than I had in 3 months. There is still quite a bit that I am unclear about but it appears that there are definitely some people working on Peter's behalf. The process I am told is slow. Currently the court has ordered a competency test based on his state when he last was to appear in court. (Evidently the psychosis got pretty bad.) From my understanding, they won't let him out while that is pending. And it could take up to a year. Meanwhile they are working on getting him medication. I was able to share with Jeanie (who is a nurse) all the meds that he has been on over the past 3 years which I think gives them a head start. There are programs for people in jail upon release but I learned only if it is a felony. Peter's is a misdemeanor. So the "what happens after incarceration?" is still a big question. And how the outcome of the competency test, either way, affect things, I don't know. I did learn that his disability application will have been stopped because his is incarcerated. It will have to be started all over. With new information of course comes new "concerns" I am mentally trying to solve. There is something to be said about the whole "ignorance is bliss" thing.
So here are things I am concerned for and appreciate your prayers regarding (in addition to however God leads you.)
- Peter's mental stability - effective medication and his willingness to take it.
- God's kindness and mercy to him in the midst of great mental darkness as well as jail.
- For mental, physical, spiritual healing.
- For Jeanie and his Public Defenders as they work on his behalf.
- A place for him to live as well as people support and advocacy once he is out of jail.
- Financial support - disability etc.
- Wisdom for me in knowing what I am to do - regarding the medical bills and letters from collection agencies, preparing for his future financial needs, etc.
- Peter is "safe" and sheltered and fed.
- There are people working on his behalf. Our city government just instigated this Mental Health Liaison position and put Jeanie in the position to help people like Peter.
- I have had a reprieve from the stress of the past year with Peter.
- During Peter's incarceration I have been on 2 tripsand many other day events that I have been free to enjoy without constant anticipation of "a phone call."
- Mom and I were not going to do a Christmas beach trip this year because of all the uncertainty with Peter. However a few weeks ago some friends invited us to go to the beach with them for a few days before Christmas. Because Peter will be "cared for," we are going to go. We are looking forward to it.
- Mom's health has been good.
- I am grateful for my peaceful little house.
- I have great friends who have been supportive and caring.
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