Our life with Shelby - part two
Thu, 11/12/2009 - 08:25 | rlp
Part two in a series. Click here to read part one.
Shelby’s time in the psychiatric hospital was very hard on all of us. She was frightened to be there and wanted to come home badly. But Jeanene and I both felt strongly that she needed to finish her time of evaluation. She was there about 10 days. At the end of that time the psychiatric team gave us a diagnosis and a new medication, one that was carefully chosen to address specific issues. Before this she had been on a variety of anti-depressants and ADD medications. The standard procedure is to try things and see what happens. The doctors felt that her suicide attempt was likely the result of a combination of medications she had been taking.
Her new medication worked like a miracle. Maybe it was a miracle. I’ve decided I don’t know very much about what is or isn’t a miracle from God these days. What is undeniable is that Shelby came back to us. Her personality changed in a matter of days. Gone was the depressed, lifeless Shelby. The curious, happy child we knew returned. Many times in those days Jeanene and I looked at each other and said, “It IS a miracle. She’s back.”...
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Dammit, Preacher.
Kids + hardship + success = misty eyes.
When it's YOUR kids? I'm a little more choked up than that now. Wonderful next chapter in this story of your life!
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Dammit, that was me. Thought I had already logged in. Mea culpa.
Great news Gordon
Loved to hear the present ending of this story. All the best Shelby - may it all go well for you.
Just one thing Gordon - I believe it was the assistant princiPAL that was brought back into the room - not princiPLE...
Janet McKinney
Thank you for sharing
Hello, I've been reading your site for maybe a year now. I love your writings, but till now haven't commented. This series about your daughter is touching in a new way. I hope that the new place is amazing as it sounds! Praise God for providing a place for her!
~Sarah W.
Sometimes, doctors and pharmacists are agents of God
We, too have our challenges. Our 17-year-old son has autism. Without medication, life is extremely hard for all of us-- most of all for him. With medication, we all have the opportunity to live a rich, full life. I guess I'm not in favor of meds for all things, but when they're needed, oh, how they make life better!
Just so you're prepared, we've had to change medications a few times. Sometimes, as people age and change, their needs change. Think of it as a dance. Sometimes, you'll (and Shelby will) need to shift your weight, or move to a different beat.
Live in hope,
Emily L.
I'm crying
For a while now, I've been wondering about your voice. It seems we travel to CC Blogs to hear the (don't have a word I think you might approve of) spiritual stories. I considered that you might be depressed, I considered that you were struggling financially, I thought about your book, BUT--because I'm a stepmom, and a sister to a schizophrenic brother who has after ten years of stability, folded since my mom's death, my DENIAL was so strong that I never thought of a sick child. Shelby's cutting broke me as much as the whole school thing (I get that they aren't totally separate). But then I go and read Naked As the Day We Were Born, and there you are with your voice, back to ministering to us. What to say? Bravo, Shelby, we used to be called "late bloomers" back when dinosaurs still roamed the earth, and some of us are the people the world needs the most. Believe that. I'm sorry for my doubts about RLP's voice. And thank you, Gordon, for your ministry. Like H. Nouwen, I probably struggle the most with the fact that God loves me. The Naked story was just pure grace for me. So much to digest, written so well ... On a lighter note, having been an OR nurse for thirty years, changing in and out of scrubs to home clothes twice a day, HA! I scoff at the nudeness, although seeing my Creator, hoo, that's where I'd be flat on the floor/ground/cloud! Thank you for all that you give and share with us.
kait
cuts to the heart
As someone who was diagnosed with ADHD, OCD, and depression in middle age, I am so grateful that your daughter has found the support she needs and the appreciation she deserves. Her gifts have been recognized, her needs affirmed, and I pray that God will bless her as she learns about the world and about herself. Thank you, Shelby, for sharing your story with us. Never ever give up on yourself or let anyone convince you that you are lazy, or stupid. You are strong and smart. It's true that sometimes you have to work twice as hard as anyone else. But it's also true that with your gifts you can accomplish some things that absolutely nobody else can! Find those things that you can do and love, and have a long, rich, rewarding, and joyful life.
I have a very serious suggestion for you: Celiac's Disease.
One of the most frequently misunderstood & misdiagnosed totally reversible dietary orders is Celiac's Disease.
It is frequently misdiagnosed as many disorders because it causes neuropathy, a dumbing-down sort of affect and other behavioral things.
I know, I have this genetic disease, and I can't believe what a simple gluten-free diet - Just try it for two weeks - Has done for me and how I relate to others and they to me.
It takes forever to learn all about it - Celiac.com - But there is one simple question: Does your daughter have Dermititus Herpitiformus, a VERY ITCHY red blotchy rash that is inexplicable? It occurs the two days AFTER ingestion, so is hard to trace.
Never mind the blood tests, ect... Just put her on a gluten-free diet for two weeks; in six months she'd be completely free.
Gluten: wheat, vinegar, modified food starch, other grains... Even lotions and toothpastes.
BTW
Yes, I've been tossed into the padded cell regarding same, until an intestinal biopsy was done...