Veiled Joy: A Memoir of 3 Years, 2 Gains, 1 Loss

College is an exciting time for most students. It's a taste of freedom - freedom from the watchful eyes of parents, freedom from curfews, and freedom to make your own decisions.

Experiencing a personal tragedy during that time shook the core of my foundation. My beautiful, vibrant mother was stolen from her family by an unexpected thief. In retrospect, I somehow was able to balance college and this family tragedy.

Three years. Attending college year round led to graduation in three years.

Two gains. I gained a college degree and a valuable lesson in stereotyping.

One loss. The year I entered college, Mom was a beautiful, vibrant woman. The year I graduated, she was gone.

{An excellent book for college students and families who have been touched by mental illness.}