(June 25, 2013) Last Friday was the 13th "anniversary," if you will, of the day that changed my life forever. My son Eric, instead of getting the help he needed for his severe mental illness, ended up in one of our country's "new" mental health facilities--jail. Sadly, a police officer's death sent him there.
As time has gone on, the pain in my heart has diminished but will never truly go away. I am sad for him. I am sad for the officer's family. I am sad for this country. The tears I have shed are futile. They land on “metal” surfaces and roll off. The powers that be don't understand. Nothing sinks in. I will never have my Eric back, and the system goes unchanged.
What keeps me going is the love and support I have received, especially from you, my friend and ally. This journey has made me stronger in so many ways. I have never felt alone because of you. I do not let it define me, but it has made me a new person inside and out--I always hope for the better, but there are days I wonder!
So today--and truly every day--I thank you for all you have given to me to make my journey worthwhile. I pray daily for all those afflicted with severe mental illness, their families and those they may come into contact with that they may treat them humanely. May God bless you today and always.
Love,
Terry
Terry Clark’s son Eric was 17 years old when he shot and killed police officer Jeffrey Moritz on June 21, 2000, while under the delusion he was protecting Arizona from invading space aliens. Terry was a tireless advocate for mental health reform even before the tragedy. The Treatment Advocacy Center filed an amicus brief when her son’s case was appealed to the US Supreme Court. You can read Terry's story in our Spring 2012 issue of Catalyst (page 6). She sent this message to Treatment Advocacy Center staff.
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