How My Dad Went Crazy

1. When Things Changed

My name is Daniella. I was fourteen when my dad got sick. There was no trigger, ot just took him in its wake and left those of us left behind, looking for answers. I lived with my mom and dad at the time in Phoenix, Arizona. Family life was happy. I was always a daddy's girl. My dad worked as an attorney. He earned good money. Things were always great and I grew up in a very loving home.

Things began to change on a Wednesday. Mom was working late as a nurse in the ER. Dad came back from work early. I was maybe twelve years old at this point. I left my room and walked downstairs to go see my dad. I didn't like what I saw. My dad sat on the couch, staring at the ceiling, his eyes bulging out of his head. I was scared. I called out to him several times before he even noticed I was there.

"Are you alright?" I asked, concerned for my dad.

He nodded.

"What were you staring at dad?" I asked. Looking back, its sad. I was a young innocent kid completely oblivious to the hell that was coming our way.

He shrugged his shoulders as though he had no idea what had just happened either.

Unbeknownst to me, this was the day I slowly started to lose my dad. He was his usual self for the rest of that day and even when my mom came home, and I didn't think to mention it to my mom because it just seemed so oblivious at the time.

Several days later, the same thing happened again. I couldn't get my dads attention. It was like he was in a transcript. I called out to him several times but again, he didn't respond. This time, I had to physically push at his shoulders to get him to come back to planet earth.

"Dad what is going on?" I asked, concerned.

"Daniella baby, go to your room."

"Dad?"

"Just do it, please."

My parents never sent me to my room. Even when I deserved it. I knew something was up. I admitted defeat and went to my room, with the intention of staying their bur after about fifteen minutes I heard my dad talking. I assumed he was on the phone to my mom but just to be certain, I crept out of my room and slowly walked down the stairs.
I entered the front room where my dad was and I saw him having a heated discussion with himself. I cant quite explain what I saw and heard, but even at my tender age I knew it wasn't right.

I waited for my mom to get home four hours later and told her what I had witnessed.

"What do you mean? Arguing with himself?"

"Mom, I'm serious. You need to take him to see a doctor."

My mom was a little reluctant initially, maybe even thinking I was being naive, but I persevered into convincing her my dad needed to see a doctor. 

Day 9 - 09/19/2010
Mom took my dad to the doctors office today. She didn't tell me much but I know dad was given meds. I hope he is going to be okay.

A/N - So this is written different and may be difficult for people to follow. Its basically Daniella telling the story, but also her diary extracts during the time when her dad was sick. It will of course get more descriptive and graphic, and you'll see the effect it also has on Daniella's own mental health. Anyways, if you are interested in this please look out for the next part and come along for the journey.