As a little boys journey begins, Scott Jordan experiences continuous childhood traumas and is grief stricken by his mothers ultimate abandonment, jumping overboard to her watery death from a cruise ship. He grows up sad, confused and angry. Subsequently Scott has another personal hell to wage war with; Manic depressive illness. His life is a succession of delusional, psychotic, manic episodes and crippling suicidal depressions. He is caught in an intricate web of misfiring brain chemistry. The dawning desire to live without fear and paranoia, a few angels in street clothes, and an amazing faith, Scott discovers life, a miracle of wonder

As a little boys journey begins, Scott Jordan experiences continuous childhood traumas and is grief stricken by his mothers ultimate abandonment, jumping overboard to her watery death from a cruise ship. He grows up sad, confused and angry. Subsequently Scott has another personal hell to wage war with; Manic depressive illness. His life is a succession of delusional, psychotic, manic episodes and crippling suicidal depressions. He is caught in an intricate web of misfiring brain chemistry. The dawning desire to live without fear and paranoia, a few angels in street clothes, and an amazing faith, Scott discovers life, a miracle of wonder

As a little boys journey begins, Scott Jordan experiences continuous childhood traumas and is grief stricken by his mothers ultimate abandonment, jumping overboard to her watery death from a cruise ship. He grows up sad, confused and angry. Subsequently Scott has another personal hell to wage war with; Manic depressive illness. His life is a succession of delusional, psychotic, manic episodes and crippling suicidal depressions. He is caught in an intricate web of misfiring brain chemistry. The dawning desire to live without fear and paranoia, a few angels in street clothes, and an amazing faith, Scott discovers life, a miracle of wonder

No Description Available.

No Description Available.

No Description Available.

No Description Available.

No Description Available.

No Description Available.

Domestic violence can have crippling effects physically, mentally and emotionally to the victim. Some of the victims’ experiences are horrifi c and traumatic resulting in mental illness, substance misuse and alcohol abuse. The hostility and anger that comes from the abuse has often led some victims to retaliate in ways that land them in prison or mental institutions. Margret is a victim of domestic violence herself and has worked with victims of abuse. She outlines how she survived domestic violence through learning that God is always available to listen, comfort, deliver and restore especially in diffi cult and lonely times. (Psalms 91)

Domestic violence can have crippling effects physically, mentally and emotionally to the victim. Some of the victims’ experiences are horrifi c and traumatic resulting in mental illness, substance misuse and alcohol abuse. The hostility and anger that comes from the abuse has often led some victims to retaliate in ways that land them in prison or mental institutions. Margret is a victim of domestic violence herself and has worked with victims of abuse. She outlines how she survived domestic violence through learning that God is always available to listen, comfort, deliver and restore especially in diffi cult and lonely times. (Psalms 91)

Domestic violence can have crippling effects physically, mentally and emotionally to the victim. Some of the victims’ experiences are horrifi c and traumatic resulting in mental illness, substance misuse and alcohol abuse. The hostility and anger that comes from the abuse has often led some victims to retaliate in ways that land them in prison or mental institutions. Margret is a victim of domestic violence herself and has worked with victims of abuse. She outlines how she survived domestic violence through learning that God is always available to listen, comfort, deliver and restore especially in diffi cult and lonely times. (Psalms 91)

No Description Available.

Young, handsome, and full of life, David Day is ready to marry his college sweetheart. Everything is in place: he has completed his college education and launched a successful computer career. Before he can make the most important commitment of his life, however, a thief strikes, stealing his dreams. As he wrestles with severe bipolar disease, he loses first his fianc�e and then his job.
David�s fighting spirit gets him through law school and helps him pass the Minnesota Bar Examination. It helps him too when the Minnesota Board of Law Examiners decides his illness makes him unfit for the challenging public law career he had chosen�a decision he courageously challenges.
His family has faith everything will come out right in the end. Surely David�s hard work has earned him some good luck, some happiness. He has found a medication he can tolerate and has been hospital free for three years. As they begin to relax, bipolar strikes again, fatally this time.
In the aftermath of David�s death, his mother, Pat, has to decide: Is that all there was to his life? Did the thief win? Decide for yourself as you follow Pat�s compelling true-life journey. Along the way you�ll learn important information about bipolar, a disease which affects 5.7 million Americans, about how to cope with mental illness when it affects you or a loved one, and about how to move forward when, in the midst of grief and loss, God seems unavailable and uncaring. You�ll also discover the joy and peace available even in the darkest pit and the hope that can rise from the ashes of despair. This is a story you will find as intriguing as the movies and books you have seen and can�t forget.


The best book I've ever read on grief. Just beautiful how the author bares her soul. A must read for anyone who has lost a child. A book to read again and again. As former manage of a Christian book store, I know the crying need for When the Thief Strikes. Marilyn Otte, Cannon Falls, MN

Wow! Right from the beginning this book grabs you and takes you through the darkness of the battle to victory. You might be able to read it in one sitting (because you can't put it down), but you will want to read it again slowly chewing on the God given insights Pat shares. Whether you are going through the journey of dealing with mental illness, grief or know someone who is and want to reach out with wisdom....this book is for you. Susan Dehmlow, Vermilion, MN

Even if Pat Day weren't my friend, I would love this book!!!! Pat Hanson, Randolph, MN

A TREMENDOUS book. A gift of love. I have friends impacted by bipolar which has largely been a mystery to me. Because of the insights gained from Pat Day's book, I can now come along side them as a friend in their struggle with this �thief.� The end notes, bibliography, and index. make the book even more useful. The heart wrenching candor with which she recounts her story and its impact on her personal faith journey will profoundly affect you and strengthen you for your own times of trial. Beth Hagemeister, Cannon Falls, MN

An Awesome book!!! Hard to put down. So far 10 people are on my waiting list to borrow it. As a nurse, I recommend doctors read it to gain insights on mental illness not found in textbooks. Cheryl Albers, Northfield, MN

I loved this book! A moving story for anyone. Addresses the core of suffering and grief. A must read for anyone who has a loved one suffering with mental illness. Sheds light on subjects rarely talked about. A true gift to those who read it! Roxanne Devney, Northfield, MN

This book invoked poignant memories of people I knew who died by suicide. It begs the question--when will understanding and acceptance of mental illness begin and the silence and shame end? Don Burgoyne, Cannon Falls, MN�

It's hard enough for a mother to work through the grief of losing a beloved son, but to come to terms with the disease that stole him from her, is a lesson in courage! No one ever gets over the loss of a loved one...they get through it. Pat gives voice to the pain of living and dealing with the mental illness that threatens to rob us from everything we believe in. But because of Pat's faith in God and a love that surpasses all understanding, she is able to share this touching and powerful story with those if us who can only marvel at her strength. Colleen Adams

A wonderful piece of precious words that so perfectly describe the process of grieving. We all need to know the price of mental illness. The author and her family have done a real service to others by speaking the truth. This discussion needs to continue the rest of our lives. Richard J. Obershaw, LICSW, Founder and Director of Grief Center, Burnsville, Minnesota and the Author of Cry Until You Laugh

A beautiful telling of a sad but redemptive story of pain and loss. Gives you the opportunity to walk in the "skin" of someone who has loved and lived through the pain of mental illness in their family. Sally Dyck, Resident Bishop of Minnesota, The United Methodist Church

David would have been a wonderful person to know. He had a good heart, and I shall remember his story and try to keep his spirit alive within me. Jeannine Fraley, Spiritual Director/Faith Community Nurse

A compelling story of tragedy and healing. Anyone who has suffered a painful loss or faced the challenges of coping with the mental illness of a loved one will find hope in these pages. Cindy M. Gregorson, Director of Congregational Development, Minnesota Conference of the United Methodist Church

My ministry, particularly with those suffering from bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses will be enhanced by what Pat Day has written here. Rev. Denny Dempsey, Catholic Church of St. Dominic. Northfield, Minnesota

Vivid, so vivid. Will touch your heart and awaken a sense of God's presence in the midst of your own personal pain. Cheryl Horn, Christ United Methodist Church

The writing is articulate, but also highly personal-Pat lets the reader see her weep and feel the darkness. By sharing her journey, the author seeks to educate those willing to confront subjects that remain socially taboo. She offers hope and comfort to those walking a similar path. Paul R. Adams, PhD, LP, Clinical Psychologist and Certified Spiritual Director

Young, handsome, and full of life, David Day is ready to marry his college sweetheart. Everything is in place: he has completed his college education and launched a successful computer career. Before he can make the most important commitment of his life, however, a thief strikes, stealing his dreams. As he wrestles with severe bipolar disease, he loses first his fianc�e and then his job.
David�s fighting spirit gets him through law school and helps him pass the Minnesota Bar Examination. It helps him too when the Minnesota Board of Law Examiners decides his illness makes him unfit for the challenging public law career he had chosen�a decision he courageously challenges.
His family has faith everything will come out right in the end. Surely David�s hard work has earned him some good luck, some happiness. He has found a medication he can tolerate and has been hospital free for three years. As they begin to relax, bipolar strikes again, fatally this time.
In the aftermath of David�s death, his mother, Pat, has to decide: Is that all there was to his life? Did the thief win? Decide for yourself as you follow Pat�s compelling true-life journey. Along the way you�ll learn important information about bipolar, a disease which affects 5.7 million Americans, about how to cope with mental illness when it affects you or a loved one, and about how to move forward when, in the midst of grief and loss, God seems unavailable and uncaring. You�ll also discover the joy and peace available even in the darkest pit and the hope that can rise from the ashes of despair. This is a story you will find as intriguing as the movies and books you have seen and can�t forget.


The best book I've ever read on grief. Just beautiful how the author bares her soul. A must read for anyone who has lost a child. A book to read again and again. As former manage of a Christian book store, I know the crying need for When the Thief Strikes. Marilyn Otte, Cannon Falls, MN

Wow! Right from the beginning this book grabs you and takes you through the darkness of the battle to victory. You might be able to read it in one sitting (because you can't put it down), but you will want to read it again slowly chewing on the God given insights Pat shares. Whether you are going through the journey of dealing with mental illness, grief or know someone who is and want to reach out with wisdom....this book is for you. Susan Dehmlow, Vermilion, MN

Even if Pat Day weren't my friend, I would love this book!!!! Pat Hanson, Randolph, MN

A TREMENDOUS book. A gift of love. I have friends impacted by bipolar which has largely been a mystery to me. Because of the insights gained from Pat Day's book, I can now come along side them as a friend in their struggle with this �thief.� The end notes, bibliography, and index. make the book even more useful. The heart wrenching candor with which she recounts her story and its impact on her personal faith journey will profoundly affect you and strengthen you for your own times of trial. Beth Hagemeister, Cannon Falls, MN

An Awesome book!!! Hard to put down. So far 10 people are on my waiting list to borrow it. As a nurse, I recommend doctors read it to gain insights on mental illness not found in textbooks. Cheryl Albers, Northfield, MN

I loved this book! A moving story for anyone. Addresses the core of suffering and grief. A must read for anyone who has a loved one suffering with mental illness. Sheds light on subjects rarely talked about. A true gift to those who read it! Roxanne Devney, Northfield, MN

This book invoked poignant memories of people I knew who died by suicide. It begs the question--when will understanding and acceptance of mental illness begin and the silence and shame end? Don Burgoyne, Cannon Falls, MN�

It's hard enough for a mother to work through the grief of losing a beloved son, but to come to terms with the disease that stole him from her, is a lesson in courage! No one ever gets over the loss of a loved one...they get through it. Pat gives voice to the pain of living and dealing with the mental illness that threatens to rob us from everything we believe in. But because of Pat's faith in God and a love that surpasses all understanding, she is able to share this touching and powerful story with those if us who can only marvel at her strength. Colleen Adams

A wonderful piece of precious words that so perfectly describe the process of grieving. We all need to know the price of mental illness. The author and her family have done a real service to others by speaking the truth. This discussion needs to continue the rest of our lives. Richard J. Obershaw, LICSW, Founder and Director of Grief Center, Burnsville, Minnesota and the Author of Cry Until You Laugh

A beautiful telling of a sad but redemptive story of pain and loss. Gives you the opportunity to walk in the "skin" of someone who has loved and lived through the pain of mental illness in their family. Sally Dyck, Resident Bishop of Minnesota, The United Methodist Church

David would have been a wonderful person to know. He had a good heart, and I shall remember his story and try to keep his spirit alive within me. Jeannine Fraley, Spiritual Director/Faith Community Nurse

A compelling story of tragedy and healing. Anyone who has suffered a painful loss or faced the challenges of coping with the mental illness of a loved one will find hope in these pages. Cindy M. Gregorson, Director of Congregational Development, Minnesota Conference of the United Methodist Church

My ministry, particularly with those suffering from bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses will be enhanced by what Pat Day has written here. Rev. Denny Dempsey, Catholic Church of St. Dominic. Northfield, Minnesota

Vivid, so vivid. Will touch your heart and awaken a sense of God's presence in the midst of your own personal pain. Cheryl Horn, Christ United Methodist Church

The writing is articulate, but also highly personal-Pat lets the reader see her weep and feel the darkness. By sharing her journey, the author seeks to educate those willing to confront subjects that remain socially taboo. She offers hope and comfort to those walking a similar path. Paul R. Adams, PhD, LP, Clinical Psychologist and Certified Spiritual Director