Saturday, October 31, 2009

Just Fix Him


that has been my thought all week-- or should I say since Wednesday no I can say all week-

I know that is maybe easier said then done but it is how I am feeling-

its been a long week and I just would like things to be semi normal- regrouping reassessing not just him but me as well- I know I have done what I need to do- and yet feel there is always room for improvement in my parenting skills- more education of what I need to know of his diagnosis - what other steps are there etc-

How to get the rest I need- how to get time to myself and recoup- I will admit I do not do that enough-sooooo get ready may be asking some of you for an hour or 2 of your time -
I trust in the God I serve- As I was praying yesterday God just told me you are still the right choice- the song Here I am came on the radio and there are few lines in it that jumped out at me

When setbacks and failures, and upset plans,Test my faith and leave me with empty hands,Are you not the closest when it's hardest to stand?I know that you will finish what you began.These broken parts you redeem,Become the song, that I can sing
Overwhelmed by the thought of my weakness,And the fear that I'll fail you in the end,In this mess, I'm just one of the pieces,I can't put this together but you can

Here I am, Lord send me,I wanna live my life as an offeringHere I am, Lord send me,Somehow my story, Is part of your plan,Here I am

Monday, October 26, 2009

New day same story

I know my blogs have not been the most up beat lately-and let me say I apologize -I try to be positive in every avenue of life and want what God has for me- and yet the past month is taking a toll- now it is taking a real toll- I try my hardest not to and yet I am just so tired - physically and mentally drained on a daily basis- I wish I had a little scope to go inside his brain and see what is going on- I wish I could fix him like that- I am ready for God to completely heal him-I have learned a lot over the past 4 and half years and right now I am truly at a loss of what to do with him-

The I do not wants toos- the I do not cares- the refusal to do things- i can understand if it was just at home and it was a me thing - however it is at school- church and home-at others houses
I continually question myself of how I can do things different- so I try new ways and guess what it is the same response as above- he also gets angry and throws a meltdown too-
I keep persevering I keep trying I keep standing and yet I feel like my knees are about to crumble and not allow me to stand anymore.

And yet again I hear the same song everytime when I first I get in the car- I will rise by Chris Tomlin-
I will not give up- I will not give up- may need to call on some friends more often so I can have down time for me- it is a needed with any parent- single parent- and especially a special needs parent

Pressing on - Pressing through-

Sunday, October 25, 2009

ITs a Celebration

First I was able to celebrate our pastors by speaking from the platform and sharing where they are going-
Here is what I said - I wrote it down because I would have not gotten through it-

As I begin to think about what I was going to say today- I have been thinking about this for weeks-no words came to my mind on how to express how our pastors mean to me.
What do you say to 2 people who pour into your life?
That challenge you to reach your potential in what God has for you
That hears from God and brings His word to you every week-
That cries when you cry and rejoices when you rejoices-
What do you say to 2 people that have such a heart such a compassion to reach the lost?
I came up with just a couple of things to say to you PL and PD
Always remember you are not alone- we are here to lift you up - we are here to pray with you- we are here to move forward and celebrate with you in all that God has for His church
And one finally word I want to say before I share what we have planned for you is:
I love you and your kids from the depth of my heart- you all mean so much to me
.

Then I was able to tell them where they were going - finally a month we had to keep it hushed
Here is where they are going

So then we are relaunching our church in January- a name change and all - its a celebration-Our church is a place where you belong- where you believe and where you become all the Christ has for you -

So what is our new name
Celebration Church

In time and with patience

In time and with patience - those words were commented to me by my good friend Cathy - She said to hold on to this promise from God.
I have learned much patience and still am learning much patience- sometimes I pray God fix him and make it all good- I know such a profound statement-
Last night I was telling a friend of mine- I just hope for one day with no meltdowns- we have had too many over this past month-

Yesterday was probably on eof the best days in a while- we still had a meltdown or 2 and yet they were not so bad.

The song I will rise seems to be on whenever I get in the car and turn it on-as if to tell me - Michele you will rise- one day there is going to be no more pain no more tears-to hang on and persevere- did I pick the word for me this year - wowzers- so I am persevering-I am hangin on-sometimes by the knot at the end of the rope but I am still hanging on- sometimes I feel lke the knot is slipping and then there are those of you who I love -who say a word - send an email and yes sometimes slap me around (not really- well maybe - no) and have me get a reality check- each person has been knowing what to say at the right time-
the bonfire with the youth - came at just the right time- sitting in the fire ok not really in the fire by the fire- and watching it was so very relaxing and just what I needed- so I think I need a fire place :)

In time and patience- IN time and patience- IN TIME and Patience- IN TIME and PATIENCE

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Youth at the parents house


So the youth traveled to Venice last night- and let me tell you - I had such a good time with them- we do have awesome group- I do hope they had a nice time-

Mom made her chili - which is one of my favorites- I get to bring some home - yeah!- they ate and played football in the pasture - hung with the horses- played some soccer- went on a hayride (dad drove)- then hung about an hour around the bonfire- for me that was so relaxing and I could have fallen asleep there-

Thanks mom and dad for all the hard work you put into that night for them- I appreciate it so much-

It was nice that I got to spend time with both of my families- how awesome is that-

Friday, October 23, 2009

I am Trying trying trying

I am so trying to keep my thoughts positive- so trying- oh they are- church is unbelievable and can not wait til Sunday- Work is going well- tiring but well. Our group is teaming together to make things work.
God is helping me through this trial or tribulation or what ever you want to call it- I know I am standing cause I am being held by Him-
The only road block I am having is the major regression Marcus is having - so it is tiring- emotionally- physically-
Hoping to see the light at the end of the tunnel- trying so hard for not to let this get me down- so keep praying I do- keep perservering I do

The words of Marcus' therapist keep ringing in my ears- do not give up you are making a difference- do not give up- you have changed his life
Then God speaks to me- DO not give up- I made him in my image- keep reminding him of that- I know you are tired and I will give you rest - Just do not give up I am here holding you -

So I am not giving up I refuse to - in this fashion I am stubborn- We will get through this regression phase - we will move on in one way or another-

Monday, October 19, 2009

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)


( info taken from helpguide)

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is a clinically recognized form of extreme insecure attachment. Common causes of RAD include severe child abuse and neglect. Children may have been removed from the home and placed in the foster care system. RAD also frequently occurs in internationally adopted children who were living in orphanages.

Signs and Symptoms of RAD
Children with RAD are so neurologically disrupted that they have extreme difficulty attaching to a primary caregiver, attaining normal developmental milestones or establishing normal relationships with other people. They show strong symptoms of attachment disruption. These children may be difficult or impossible to soothe, accepting comfort from no one, even the primary caregiver, and preferring to play alone. On the other hand, they may seem superficially friendly to everyone, inappropriately approaching and interacting with strangers as if they were the primary caregiver. What can be especially hard to bear for those who care for these children is that the child might not seem to be bonded to them at all, despite their attempts to show love and affection. Many of these children may be incorrectly diagnosed with severe emotional and behavioral disturbances ranging from bipolar disorder to depression. Families caring for children with RAD will benefit from treatment and therapeutic parenting skills. In time and with patience, even severe attachment disorders can be repaired.

Adoptive and foster parents
Adoptive and foster parents open their hearts and homes to children who have sometimes been severely abused and neglected. These parents might not have expected the challenges that come with children with attachment difficulties. Even if these challenges are known, anger, lashing out and difficult behaviors can be frustrating and hard to handle. Remember that the child is not acting out because of lack of love for you. They are acting out because their brain development has actually progressed differently. Your stability in the child’s life is giving him or her a tremendous chance to repair insecure attachments and have a much better start in life. Be sure to seek support from organizations and support groups that specialize in your situation, and don’t be afraid to seek help for yourself if you are feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.

Interactions with others, self-esteem, self-control, learning, and optimum mental and physical health are affected. Symptoms of insecure attachment may be similar to common developmental and mental problems including ADHD, spectrum autism, depression, and anxiety disorders.


Symptoms of insecure attachment
Emotional Problems
low self-esteem, needy, clingy or pseudo-independent behavior, inability to deal with stress and adversity, depressed, unresponsive, resists comforting.
Physical problems
susceptibility to chronic illness, obsession with food – may hoard food, gorge, refuse to eat, eat strange things, may be developmentally delayed
Social Problems
lack of self-control, inability to develop and maintain friendships, alienation from parents, caregivers, and other authority figures, overly friendly and treating strangers like the primary caregiver, aggression and violence, difficulty with genuine trust, intimacy, and affection, lack of empathy, compassion and remorse, negative, hopeless, pessimistic view of self, family and society
Learning problems
behavioral problems at school; speech and language problems; incessant chatter and questions; difficulty learning- brain development has actually progressed differently.

Conflict, boundaries, and repair in secure attachment
No matter how much we love our children, there comes a point where we are not in agreement with them, a point when we have to set limits, and say “no.” This conflict temporally ruptures the relationship as the child angrily protests. Such protest is to be expected. The key to strengthening the attachment bond of trust is to be consistently available when the child is ready to reconnect. It is also important to initiate repair when we have done something to hurt, disrespect, or shame a child. Parents aren’t perfect. From time to time, we are the cause of the disconnection. Again, our willingness to initiate repair can strengthen the attachment bond.
For children with insecure attachments and attachment disorders, this conflict can be especially disturbing and scary—for both the children and the primary caregiver. The child may overreact, having a wild tantrum, or rapidly withdraw. They may temporarily show developmentally regressive behaviors, like rocking or trouble with toileting. Don’t be afraid to set limits and boundaries with insecurely attached children. Consistent, loving boundaries will help them develop the sense of trust they need that their caregiver will be with them through thick and thin. These children also need to learn that no matter what they do, they will be loved and respected. Repairing insecure attachments and attachment disorders
Sadly, insecure attachment can be a vicious cycle. Due to problems with social relationships, insecurely attached children may become even more isolated and withdrawn from their primary caregivers, family and friends. They may be seen as “bratty” or “bullies”, making it hard for them to form relationships that may mitigate the effects of insecure attachment. However, it is never too late to work on forming secure attachments. While the brain is most pliable in infancy and early childhood, it is responsive to changes all of our lives. Relationships with relatives, teachers and childcare providers can also supply an important source of connection and strength for a child’s developing mind.

Here are some tips on repairing an insecure attachment:
Learn what creates a secure attachment. Attachment is an interactive process that requires both verbal and nonverbal skills. Emotional intelligence is critical to building a secure attachment, since even verbal children are sensing our moods and watching everything we do. Every child is unique and will have different ways to be soothed.
Provide support for the primary caregiver. The primary caregiver needs to be emotionally healthy, have adequate time, and the right skills to be attuned and responsive to the child’s needs. In some cases, the caregiver may simply be overwhelmed, and help with household or work responsibilities allows them to focus. Other caregivers may need more help, such as parenting classes, alcohol or drug treatment, or therapy for mental disorders such as emotional trauma or depression.
Help the child express his or her needs. Children with attachment problems will need extra help in learning to express their needs. They may have learned not to cry if in pain or frightened, for example, or not associate touch with being soothed. They may revert to developmentally inappropriate behaviors if stressed or scared. It might take extra creativity and diligence on the caregiver’s part to help the child express needs safely and appropriately.
Time, consistency and predictability is key. Problems in attachment result from problems with trust. By this very definition, repairing an attachment disruption takes time, consistency and patience. It will take time for a child to realize that they can trust and rely on their primary caregiver and other important people in their lives. Children with attachment disruptions may be more sensitive to life changes and situations like travel, returning to school or holidays. Caregivers should be aware and as attuned to this as possible, helping to keep a normal schedule during unpredictable times.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

3 little words and then some

Have you ever heard these words - I HATE YOU- well I have many many times- and let me tell you those words cut to the heart- well they did for me for a bit- and now- they don't so much- I do not like to hear them but they do not cut to the heart so much-they are just words spoken when a young man is angry. I simply tell him I love him and say it over and over again until he stops saying he hates me-
It is an amazing way -to have his attitude change.

I know I may have concerned some of you with my last post- let me reassure you - I am ok- just tired-when it is a constant thing of calming and angry child that could get volatile it does get you tired-especially when it is daily- dealing with a child with emotional and behavioral baggage is no easy task-I do not recommend this type of life for the weak- honestly it takes guts and perserverance and determination- sometimes strength from others and just the caring of others to help you through to know You ARE NOT ALONE- I wonder at times how in the world I was chosen for this incredible life- I am not losing out hope-he just is going through some regression. We will overcome though-

Many have told me I am doing an amazing job- yes yes I am - I am doing an amazing job- we have come so far in this journey of only 4 years November 18th. I am doing everything possible to help him- it is up to him what he does with the help- these are not my choices they are his-

I continously learn how to deal with him and what I need to change- It is a constant learning curve.

So do not worry- I am ok- just need some rest and down time for me- to recoup to regenerate- Things will change-Keep praying for us- God is doing a great thing- I just need to keep my eye focused on Him even during all seasons.


Mark 9:37 (New International Version)
37 "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

Monday, October 12, 2009

I have not wanted to write

Sorry everyone - just not feeling like writing lately- work has been a little difficult - because of me and my malfunction of time management and now I am working it out and seems to be smoother.
On another note- the last several weeks have been extremely difficult extremely difficult- with non other Marcus- it seems he has spiraled out of control again- oh not to be hospitalized but he gets angry because he can not find a sock or someone will not show a picture- so I asked him why he is not working on his goals or doing his work at school- he plainly says he does not want to- my repsonse probably was not the greatest but it is truly how I felt- then how can I help you if you do not want to do these things or you do not want to do your goals or what you are asked to do.

Thankfully we have 3 appts this week so- we shall see what happens

On the upside of the many days I have not written-I have met a wonderful person who knows exactly what this life is all about with special needs adopted children- so blessed to get to know her and realize we are not alone in this world- I was introduced to her by PD and so thankful for her introduction . We already gelled in the short time of know ing each other

So thankful for you Jill- She has so many more children then I do and deals with so much of what I do with one child- Her children are so blessed to have her as a mom.



Monday, October 5, 2009

God protects us

We were on our way home Saturday from my sister's house- going home one of several ways that I go- nothing abnormal until we get to a turn in a road where what do I see a huge pick up truck in my lane - heading for us straight on- and for some reason I was not scared actually calm-which was was very weird-(lack of better words). and with in inches (seemed like it) more like a couple of feet- it was like God pushed the huge truck out of the way- Marcus was oblivious to what was going on-
Had the truck hit us we would have been squished like a bug- I have a Focus- but God provided his protection-

Thank you God!

Saturday, October 3, 2009