     /** Dismiss the custom keyboard (the input accessory) */
     func dismissKeyboard() {
         chatInputAccessoryView.expandingTextView.resignFirstResponder()
+        self.becomeFirstResponder()
     }
     
     

    
    /** Delegate method which fires when the specified text view has begun editing. */
    func textViewDidBeginEditing(_ textView: UITextView) {
        
        self.chatInputAccessoryView.expandingTextView.textColor = UIColor.darkGray
        

    }
    
    
    // MARK: IBAction methods
    /** Action method which fires when the user taps 'Send'. */
    @IBAction func didPressSend(_ sender: Any) {
