By SARAH DOOLITTLE
Four Points News
Mary and Adam are the parents of a daughter and son, both adults. Their daughter works in education and looks forward to getting married and raising a family. Their son Paul, however, suffers from mental illness, which includes delusional and erratic behavior. For Paul, who is currently not taking medications, this means he is unable to keep a job, date or enjoy a life considered “normal” by most. As best his parents can tell, Paul is currently homeless and living in his car in and around Steiner Ranch.
Background
Paul grew up in a loving and stable home. His parents, both working professionals, raised their children in a steady faith tradition, something that became an important part of Paul’s life. Not only was he active in Future Farmers of America and Boy Scouts of America, earning his Eagle Scout, he was also a Eucharist minister and usher/hospitality minister at his church and became a 4th degree Knight of Columbus. He played sports and joined the Junior ROTC. “He’s very, very, very wholesome,” said his mom.
He was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) at age six and was prescribed an increasing number of medications, but eventually was taken off the meds when they caused an adverse reaction. By middle school he was on a total of 14, which left him feeling sluggish and sleepy. “We even said to the doctors, can we take him off of everything and just see who he is and start all over?” Mary remembered asking.
