[SerenitysWave]

<font color="purple">Just needed to be where I know pple can relate.... Finally have some time to myself after three weeks of trying to adjust to our new family member...

I want to continue doing what I feel is the right thing to do and hang in there for the long haul in this sitaution but I just dont know if I can handle it mentally or emitionally anymore....

Pple already have stated that they see a positive change in her since she has been with us.... But I am starting to feel like I lost myself... My mind is yelling at me in so many directions, tones, and volumes that I can't make sense of it...

I believe she may be bipolar but b/c I do not have legal custody of her I cannot participate in her counseling that she attends and her dad lives thousand miles away.... We did get her into school and she has her own insurance, all under the homeless program, Its confusing b/c she is a minor that has not been emancipated, but conisdered head of her household yet cant make her own medical judgments... She is 17 BTW...

Anyway, her mood swings is an eye opener as to what my family deals with with me, but hers are starting to affect mine... I am exhausted... Her background is one you see in Lifetime movie of the week. She got herself into a hardcore street life...

But she is changing and doing pretty well... Still has many tweaks , but doing great.... Has a job, goes to school, and with the program she is in can graduate this year.... even tho she only has an 8th grade education....

I know its been an adjustment for her to live here and share attention with 4 other kids... They get along for the most part, again have typical "sibling" type issues....

I am drained... Maria, probably my strongest other, has been stepping up for me.... My husband Paul, God Bless him... He is being the typical "dad"... I just keep telling myself its only been three weeks... I prayed and believe that God really wants this, and that we are the match for her...

good thoughts and prayers would be great.... </font>

[Fuzzybear]

(((((((((((((( SerenitysWave ))))))))))))))

[WinterRose]

(((((((((((((( SerenitysWave ))))))))))))))

[eskielover]

I admire families like yours who can talk in problem children (or teenagers) & work with them to give them a better chance at a wonderful life. It is something I would never have the patience to deal with. It takes so much patience, kindness, & just a lot o smarts on how to handle children it just the right way so they aren't hurt any more.

It's exhausting when we put our emotions so deeply into into making an almost impossible situation show improvement & promise of the person really turning around.

It takes a very special family like yours to accomplish such a hard job. You have my prayers for continued success,
Debbie

[January]

((((((((((((( SW ))))))))))))))))

I hope things get better very soon.

Gentle hugs,

Jan

[DePressMe]

Melinda, it sounds like you really do have your hands full. I admire you for what you are doing. It takes a special angel to do what you are doing. Please don't forget to take care of yourself. I am sending positive thoughts your way.

[SerenitysWave]

Thank you all for your hugs and support... I was having such a weak moment and the love here really shines through and helps quite a bit... Thank you!!

I honestly believe she is trying hard.... We stated that we want to have a family meeting and the poor soul was in tears asking me if we were sending back.... Broke my heart... I assured her that that was not the case, that we just need to touch base about a few things as a family. I explained to her that even when she has setbacks or if we get upset with her that it doesnt mean we are sending her back, just means we have some talking to do to come up with solutions....

What is awesome is that she is taking a vocational program for human resources where she works with children. She wants to go to college and beocme a social worker and help families and children...

I do have to remember to have some balance and make more efforts in keeping myself healthy as well... so today I am making time for myself....