I just wanted to add, after reading this thread again, that I am somehow relieved to see that all the irrational, illogical and destructive behaviors my schizophrenic mother portrayed over the decades is not an anomaly - that it's normal for her because it's common due to the illness. We, as the sons and daughters are all affected by mentally ill parents in the same ways, and have all had to struggle through their madness, in quiet dismay for the most part. We obviously feel so alone and helpless, yet here I see we're not - even if there aren't ready answers. For what it's worth I thank you fellow "children of the mentally ill" for speaking up and reaching out as I have.