Someone stop the ride I want off!! It seems I’ve just been going from one wild experience to the next. Let me just share the highlights. Earlier this week we received confirmation that our oldest was diagnosed with ADHD. The first attempt at medications produced some VERY scary side effects. Please, if you don’t agree with giving our child medication – don’t share it with me. I’ve been beat up every which way this week. My husband and I have been in much prayer about this and have decided at this time that we will use this avenue to help us. It turns out that this was simple to fix, but watching my child become that manic was shocking.
Then today while ordering HS curriculum for son #2 I had to explain some of his special needs and what our current IEP is for his education. (this is a company that helps you choose curriculum from various publishers so they need to know a bit about your children) The lady starts to say my son is autistic. At first I’m humoring her – no one has ever suggested this before….but eventually I start to wonder and grow anxious. By the time I get off the phone I’m a mess. I know my boys were damaged in the womb, but I HATE labels! They are who they are…they are growing at THEIR rate and learning and I don’t want some silly label to define and limit them, but it appears everywhere I turn lately I’m faced with more labels. Now I realize how ridiculous she was thinking she could diagnose him over the phone based on my descriptions of how he communicates.
Today I also took son #3 to be evaulated by a team of special education teachers – I’m praying that his speech is his only issue – but I won’t know the end result for sometime due to their school schedule.
Don’t get me wrong there were some good times this week – I was able to get a pedicure and talk to the local YMCA about designing a webpage for them (bartering sports for the work! 🙂 But I feel like satan has realized that I’m vulnerable when it comes to my kids and he is doing his best to hurt me there. Or maybe this is just life and I’m not up for it!
I’m so glad we are going to camp next week – DH will be Camp pastor and we are along for the ride. There should be lots of opportunities for prayer together, reading and cuddling.
Wow! A lot going on. It’s always easy for people outside the situation to say what is right or wrong to do or to “diagnose” like the gal on the phone…the human body is so complicated and we are all fearfully and wonderfully made…even if we have “damage” in the womb. I don’t fear labels, just false labeling! Labels can be a tool to help, can give you a direction, answers to questions etc. I think all of us moms are vulnerable to Satan’s attacks when it comes to our kids because we love them so much and also because they are a direct reflection or extension of ourselves. Working ten years in peds I have seen a ton of kids on meds, some who needed it and some who didn’t. I have seen it be dramatically and literally “life changing” for some kids and some adults. I view meds as a tool too, one that when handled appropriately and with wisdom can be really good. Your job as a parent is to to do the best with God’s wisdom, professional and caring input, and the Holy Spirit guiding you, to help your child grow up to be a functional, compassionate, Godfearing adult. Sounds like you are doing a great job, just trench weary! Keep looking to Him, Seek Him and His face always and you will not fail. Go in peace this week and enjoying being a family together at camp!!! Even though you don’t feel like it much at times, you ARE a SUPER Mom!
Theresa, you are a gift from God! Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your wisdom and encouragement! I needed it so much!
Praying for you Amy. I hope your time at camp is a peaceful one!
Love ya!
Julie
You know, I was diagnosed with adult ADHD, and while there are challenges, there are also blessings with this “condition.” I don’t know if I’d even call it a condition – it’s just the way I am and many other people are. I agree with Theresa, it sounds like you’re doing a wonderful job. 🙂