[evmdimples]

Thanks. It's good to get perspective from someone who lives with it. Interestingly, right after I posted I went to my hairdresser and lo and behold: she has two kids with bipolar! It was good to chat with someone who has experience dealing with this. I went ahead and bought the book you recommended and a few others. It'll be good to read up on these things. I'm guessing there's more to this than meets the eye. As I do my own inventory, I realize there have been people with mental illness around me most of my adult life. I don't believe in coincidences and so I have to start questioning my own mental health; I've battled mild depression most of my life. I'll definitely keep you posted on how things develop. I love her, but I also understand that I must take care of me first. I also don't want her to feel abandoned, which I know she does when these things happen. She's trusted me with a lot, maybe she'll continue to trust me. Again thanks for sharing and for your encouragement to "detach in love."
peace and light
elena