Trying something new



Duckie and Bunny.
Yes, they are sitting on our dock overlooking our pond.
Yes, we are having a very bad algae problem right now.

When Tator went to respite last week I decided things really had to change around here. I decided I was really going to start focusing on the other kids and their needs for a change. I started making changes with the little kids with things like bedtime routines, discipline, etc. I also decided we needed to start family therapy to help repair a lot of what was broken with all of us.

I made an appointment immediately and I went in and met the therapist and told her everything about our family. I talked about each one of the kids and what my concerns were. We decided that she would see each of the kids individually to see how they were doing with things and go from there. Buc and Bunny went yesterday. Buc wasn't happy about it, Bunny was fine with it. She loves to talk, expecially about herself so she didn't have any problems at all.

They did really well. When they were done I went in and talked with her. She said some things that surprised me and some that didn't about them and how they felt. I'm really glad I made this decision to have them go. She is going to see them again before Tator comes home to help teach them some coping skills. Bubbas and Buster are going in a couple days to see her.

It has been a week since Tator went to respite. I talked with the respite provider today and she is doing very well. I knew she would, she always does. That would be the RAD. She's not trying to form relationships with this family. They are simply meeting her needs and that is all she wants.

I am still having a lot of feelings. I know I don't want to go back to living like we were before. I know I want my daughter to come home, eventually heal and feel like part of our family. I also want her to want to be here and I don't know if that is possible. I want everyone to feel safe and be able to relax. I guess right now only God knows how this will play out.

Last night before I went to bed I read this and it is all I have been able to think about since. God is the only one who has the power to heal her. Will he do it on this side of heaven?