The buzzer at the door sounded and our son joined us in the conference room. He smiled, sat down right next to me, and said, “Hello, I’m Patrick McGee.” I can’t express how uplifting that this introduction was. In a single phrase, he was letting all three of us know that he was back and planned to stay that way.
The three of us, Amanda, me, and Mary, had made the penultimate drive north to visit with Patrick Monday, July 15, after receiving a call last Thursday from him and his social work in which he explained that the plan was for him to be released on Wednesday (in two days). I was anxious after the call. We still had not spoken to a physician about his status and Patrick had not agreed to the durable powers of attorney that we had suggested as a softer approach to solving the issues we had raised in the guardianship/conservatorship petition that we had filed with the county.
However, Patrick rushed to explain that what he wanted more than anything was to have his family back. He reiterated his willingness to embrace the out-patient treatment that was the key provision to such a return and the rest of the meeting was spent reassuring one another that we would hang on tight. Beyond that, he wanted to make up for the trial of the past six months, rededicating himself to school, chores, and being part of the family. The short meeting ended in hugs.
Assuming that the court agrees to the recommendation of the facility’s staff, Patrick will be coming home with us Wednesday afternoon under a “less restrictive alternative” to enforced detention. Under the terms of the anticipated agreement, Patrick will meet regularly with a therapist, who will advise upon and recommend pharmaceutical interventions.
As we ended the meeting Patrick told us, “the past 5 weeks have been hard. I’ve missed my family, but the intervention was necessary.” He reminded us that the last few days he had alone in California were beyond his capacity to cope and he never fully did after returning home. This coming week, everyone is praying for a clean slate.
What wonderful steps!! Thank you so much for sharing this incredible news!💕
I am keeping you all in my thoughts. Thank you for sharing what has obviously been an incredibly challenging time for your family. 💗