D, my supermodel, has become my hairy ward. He’ll be living in my studio while he waits for a room to open in a board-and-care facility. The place where he was staying decided that since he was no longer in need of critical care he should cough up $170 a day to live there. I suggested that he stay at the Fairmont instead, or move in with me until a place opens up. We’ve arranged for him to live here, at Rancho Relaxo, but to report daily to the Center where he receives treatment to pick up his meds and check in with the staff. Over the past week D has sort of awakened, experiencing a quasi-independence and interacting with seemingly-normal people for the first time in 2 years. He’s now exercising with me 3 times a week, has taken a greater interest in his treatment, and is happier than I’ve seen him since his breakdown. He’s like my big furry puppy–he follows me around the house, runs errands with me, helps me with my art, works in the garden with me, drinks tea with me in the morning, and is totally available for whatever aesthetic emergency arises. “Quick, D, I must photograph your elbow!” If his progress continues, we’re thinking that he may be ready to move into a place of his own, rather than back into a board-and-care. Seeing his smiling face every morning, which could have been taken away from me so easily, makes me so happy. Joan Collins, as Edith Keeler in that Star Trek episode where Dr. McCoy goes wacko after a cordrazine overdose and leaps through the portal into the 20th century, is my guide. Coco’s Recovery House and Bar is open for business!
Tales of Post-Twinkie Ennui