I am a lawyer and former middle school teacher living in Chicago. My dad battled Bipolar I disorder most of his adult life, unbeknownst to me until 2008.  He died by suicide at age 65 in September of 2014. My dad was quick witted, unfailingly kind and generous, the life of the party, and loved me very much. I miss him every day and hope that writing these posts helps me through the grieving process and prevents someone else from having to navigate it.