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John grew up in a volatile environment. His mother suffered from bipolar disease but never took her medication. She experienced much more mania than depression, and throughout John’s life his mother would show up frenetically at his school, social gather- ings, or church affairs in wild attire with outrageous ideas. His father, although not abusive, was a raging alcoholic and drank to escape from the reality of his life. John’s family experienced great financial ups and downs, at times living lavishly when his father’s business was flourishing, at other times having the cars repossessed from the front yard.
John went to private schools and often had more than most, but he also adapted to not knowing if he would be asked to leave boarding school for a semes- ter because his tuition was not paid. He was amiable and developed friendships with classmates easily but was never really sure that he fit in. John started drink- ing at boarding school and drank all through the 6 years it took him to finish college. He graduated and decided to go to law school which, despite drinking heavily and creating enormous debt, he was able to finish in 3 years.
John passed the bar on the first try but had diffi- culty holding down a job as an attorney. At 35 years old, John would frequently have his phone turned off, have his car repossessed, or get evicted from his apart- ment but he was always able to land on his feet. John had endured many struggles and rose above signifi- cant challenges in his life. He believed he was a good attorney and had come a long way. He had friends and the ability to laugh at himself. He lived his life the way he wanted and had no regrets.