Hi Beth, sorry that it's been a minute since you commented and I haven't had the action points to reply. I really appreciate your sharing your story; so many people have or know someone with serious mental illness, and yet we literally overlook it for all sorts of reasons. I have tried my best not to be reductive nor try to claim that what I've seen reflects all experiences of schizophrenia, and yet still try to say that this is one experience, and through that build some empathy.
I do wish well for your friend and am glad they are medicated, as sadly my mom is not.
Thanks again for taking a look! I always appreciate your enthusiasm for this medium.