Nufer: 'The Mike File: A Story of Grief and Hope'
Last month’s column addressed the adversity of Stephen Trimble and his life with his brother, Mike, who had severe mental illnesses. Stephen has written an excellent and heartfelt book about this time in his life called, The Mike File.
We left off with Mike being ordered to the Colorado State Hospital at the age of 14. His family was told not to visit but they did anyway. They loved Mike. Once a month the family would drive from Denver to see him. Sometimes they stayed on campus and other times they would go to Mineral Palace Park for a picnic. Each trip ended in depression for the family and with their mother crying. Again, Stevie vowed to be the “the good kid” and to not be any trouble to his loving parents.
When Mike lived at the hospital, conditions were awful, treatments were ineffective and people were “warehoused” for their own good. Danel Helfer, a nurse-in-training, wrote a book about the institution called, The Caretakers. A movie was made and was nominated for Best Picture at the Golden Globes. President Kennedy, a fierce advocate for the mentally ill, had it shown on the floor of the U.S. Senate to show the treatment fellow Americans with mental illness were enduring.
Mike remained institutionalized for three years and at the age of 17 he was released to Ridge Home, a treatment center for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It was just five miles from his home in Denver. He came home twice a month for visits. Stevie felt so uncomfortable that the “good kid” started misbehaving in school by cheating and stealing.
When Mike was 20 he returned to the Colorado State Hospital. Life with Mike, and for Mike, was more than challenging..…it was hellish. Mike passed away in 1976. He was just 33 years old.
Stephen had a desire to learn more about his brother. He investigated medical records and details of Mike’s time at institutions. He talked with psychiatrists seeking understanding or a semblance of such.
As the records, interviews and letters mounted, Stephen began writing his riveting book, The Mike File. It was a way for him to make sense of the life he led and the impact of such. This was his way of dealing with the adversity that he’d experienced his entire life. This was his way “out of that garage”….60 years later. This was his way of helping so many others to cope with the challenges of livings with loved ones with mental illness.
This column is but a snippet of the story of Mike and his family. I admit when I first read the book, I felt pity for Mike. Upon further reflection, I now know that Mike held great strength within himself. How else could anyone endure the life that he had? The pain. The hurt. The loneliness. Stephen’s book has shown the love he held for his brother and has given dignity to Mike’s life.
If you or someone you know is need of help and support please contact a licensed therapist or nearest behavioral health center.
Betty Nufer is a community advocate and cheerleader for those who need support getting through the rough times in life. She can be reached at 72bettynufer@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Nufer: 'The Mike File: A Story of Grief and Hope'
