One of the most difficult things I've ever had to experience in life is being overjoyed and excited for one child and being devastated and worried senseless for another. This past week and a half or so, that's exactly what I've had to do.
Youngest, as I mentioned briefly, had to be admitted to the adolescent psychiatric facility at Presbyterian Hospital, an hour away. He remained an Inpatient from Thursday until Tuesday. Visitation and "parent education" began at 7:30 a.m. weekdays, a little later on weekends. We had various family group therapies, psychosocial history, etc. to attend as well. Moving to Outpatient status brought more challenges. Day Treatment begins at 7:15 a.m. which means we leave at 6:00 a.m., and if you have never tried to wake up a child with Bipolar Disorder, you wouldn't know that they often have sleep disturbances and sleep inertia, which means, basically, he is nigh impossible to get going in the morning, much more so than you or I. His day ends at 5:15 p.m., when he comes home with goals and paperwork to discuss. We've made a Home Contract to address safety issues and situational behaviors he needs to work on. He's having to learn verbal and facial cues from scratch, pretty much, and communication and coping skills. It's a lot for the little guy; he is one of the youngest (one other had just turned thirteen, still older) there, and the only one with Bipolar Disorder.
On the other hand, Eldest is having an amazing Senior year with the Colorguard. Yesterday was their UIL Area Marching Competition. Twenty bands competed for four entries into the UIL State Marching Competition in San Antonio at the Alamo Dome. Our band marched away with First Place!!! They were incredible on the field! And, best of all, Eldest has a small solo during the show! So next week, we're off to San Antonio for three days. My sister is flying in that weekend, and she'll stay longer now.
My mom & dad have "relocated" to Jacksonville, Florida, to be nearer the Mayo Clinic while awaiting her new liver. They have to stay within 4 hours of Jacksonville. Her new condition has put her close to the top of the list, and they anticipate between 2 - 6 months to receive her transplant. So we wait. It feels strange, waiting for someone to die in order for my mother to live.
All in all, it's been an exhausting, emotionally wrenching week, but one that has made me stronger and smarter as well.
I've got a lot of sympathy for your youngest. As an adult with bipolar disorder, and having experienced it through my father before that, I know how damaging it can be to a stable life. I don't have kids, so I've never had the experience of caring for a bipolar child--fingers crossed, my kids will dodge that bullet and I'll never have to. Good luck to you.
Posted by: Rook | October 29, 2007 at 08:05 AM
Lori, I'm so glad your little guy is home again--and thrilled to hear Eldest's great band news. Crossing your fingers for your mom that she hears good news soon.
Posted by: RedMolly | October 29, 2007 at 10:22 AM
Give the girl a hug from us, 'kay?
And know we're here!
Posted by: Blue Like the Sky | October 29, 2007 at 09:42 PM