What's It For?

Thanks for stopping by! This blog is my attempt to help other parents not feel alone in their struggles with ADD/ADHD.  I really want it to be an accurate reflection of how we're dealing, the new things we learn, how we got to where we are now, how we plan to keep moving ahead, and how we're feeling, as individuals and as a family.

We're a pretty normal family. My husband (Josh) and I have been married for almost 11 years. We have two daughters, Maddie (7) and Hailey (almost 10).  We also have custody of my husband's 17 year old brother.  My husband works in the natural gas industry and I used to be a not-so-stay-at-home mom. Now? I'm a substitute teacher in our public school system, a caregiver, an avid volunteer and some days, I'm a crying wreck too.  We really don't have much family due to familial breakdowns (it'll come up later, I'm sure) but we're a strong family unit and my husband and I are making positive changes for future generations. We're doing it differently but in the process we're finding hurdles that cause us to make changes all the time. Go with the flow isn't something we do well here but we try!  

So, where does the ADD/ADHD come in? My oldest daughter Hailey was just diagnosed about 2 months ago after several frustrating, come to Jesus meetings since 1st grade. I've found out how much stigmatism is attached to this 'difference' in our sweet daughter.  Our motto is: I'm not disabled, I'm just different and I'm proud! She's super sweet, so respectful and obedient, very empathetic, artistic, an avid reader and has the funniest sense of humor. Over the last few years, I felt like I lost her. She went from a school loving, straight A student, to a crying, fearful, resentful, sickly, stressed out, withdrawing little girl. We're working to get her passion and her personality back on track.

Why a blog? Well, time constraints mostly but also, the rural area we live in and the lack of support groups in our area. We had to take into consideration Hailey's needs also. Adjusting to the Focalin XR has made her a little emotional and moody in addition to the positive benefits we've seen.  She's been severely ostracized at school and that has made her fearful of making new friends. So, here is where we start, and with luck, we'll get to a new place!

Ok, so here we go! Wish me luck, follow along, and always know: you're not alone. There are other parents out there going through the same thing. Feel free to input your thoughts and feelings, cause that's what I'm going to do, right here.


Be Blessed!
~Leo