My Bipolar Son Returns Home: A Happier Homecoming

Last night, Bob returned home after spending a week with his biological father. It's always an adjustment, but last night's return seemed to go more smoothly than homecomings past.

There really wasn't much difference between this month's return and last month's. He was gone the same number of days, taking the same medications and being every bit as wound up on his return as ever. This month, however, I think the rest of us--the ones he came home to--made an effort to re-frame our thoughts on the matter.

I'll admit it--last month, I wasn't looking forward to him coming home. It's not an admission that will make me popular or win me any Mother of the Year awards, but it's the truth. I wasn't alone--my husband wasn't looking forward to it, either, and in fact seemed downright disappointed once he was home.

Feeling Inadequate as Parents

A couple of days ago, my husband and I had a conversation wherein he simply stated, "I don't feel like I'm a good step-dad." I didn't press for details--I didn't have to; I knew what he meant. I told him a lot of the time, I don't feel like I'm a good mom, either. "We do the best we can," I told him. "That's all we can do."

So last night, on my way to pick him up, I resolved to actually do the best I could do. "Fake it til you feel it," right? When he got in the car, I gave him a hug and kiss and told him I was glad to see him. I asked him about his "vacation" and, surprisingly, he obliged me with answers. He was wound, for sure, but he was in good spirits, and I did my best to keep it that way.

My husband did, too. He wasn't turning cartwheels, but I could tell he was making a genuine effort. And the evening went without any drama.

As I was putting Bob to bed, I noticed he was upset and missing his father. I told him I knew it was hard, but I was happy to have him back, and so was his brother and stepfather. He asked why his brother didn't say as much; I explained his brother is 3 and doesn't know how to verbalize his feelings.

"Why didn't (stepdad)?"

I told him some men don't like to talk about their feelings like that (which in this case is mostly true). "I do," he said. "I'm all into my emotions." And he laughed.

"Yes," I said, "you are. You're more sensitive than a lot of dudes." And I smiled at him to let him know that's okay.

Because it is okay. He is who he is, and we love him.

Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves.