Tough Love The Jounrey Continues

Any parent knows tough love is the hardest, especesaly with a special needs child. Parents know go through just as much emotions as the child. So the last week in September was my sons birthday. Then mine to follow 4 days later. It was very hard, not because I know he is getting the treatment he needs, but because as a mother you want the most fun and happiest times for your kids. So at his treatment center I brought a cake for the entire unit. I did not get to partipate with the kids bit they thanked be latter that even. Out tradition was that my son and I would always do something together, this year we couldn't, but even though he is learning what he needs to, I have found that with treatment and conisitent support he is on the road to recovery.

This week on the 15th he will have been in treatment for bipolar will be his 30 day review. I have constatanly talk to staff and there is constant communication and visits. Communication by the way is key, because thought it is hard for the parent it is extremely hard on the child. However my son was able to find his triggers. This is a total breack through, he hates the fact that he has issues, but to realize what triggers his disorder is a wonderful thing.

Now today he is upset with the fact that he will be in this treatment center for 60 more days, but the fact that he realizes that he could have made better choices is ecstatic to me. He doesn't realize the progress he has made but I do. My only hope is that he will leave this place taking with him the life skills necessary to succeed. He is know at school every day, carrying A's and doing chores as well as participating group, ( not an easy task no one wants to share their problems) but hes is learning emotions which with bipolar it is hard to do but he is making the step) I am so proud of my son, but I miss him with all of my hart.

Getting my son into a program in which I am not the sole care taker, who make all the decision was the hardest thing I had to do besides losing his father to suicide. But seeing him doing well is all a mother can ask for. I know he is looking forward to spending time with me on his day pass and I can't wait, but the hardest thing is knowing he has other hurdles to acheive, all I can do is remain strong, which I do every day.

I want to say to all the parents out there is that sometimes we have to make decisions that are uncomfortable for our children and at times it will be emotional, but a support system in place so you can have the help and support you need, you may not find it in family, or friends but through referrals, but either way do what is best for your child and family, but do it with out the state taking your rights away. What I mean is don't let your situation get so bad, or give up on your child that the state steps in. I never had that happen to me, because I knew there was a better way, don't let your child fail, be the one who make the first step, and when you do. Even though it hurts, you will know you did the right thing.

Remember bipolar is a disease and it is up to you to find the help, support and education you need to help your child to succeed even if it means you have to send them to a treatment program they hate, in the long run your will find that your child will have the coping and life skills necessary to have the a healthy and productive you wished for and they one they deserve.

I am happy to report that my son is feeling much better about himself, and lets me know that even though he doesn't like the aspects of his treatment he is willing to try and learn how to cope and graduate with his class and be a graphic artist, and you know what I know he can, it is all about support. Parenting never ends, but it is all worth it, when you are educated.

I still miss my son with deepest emotions, but he and I will be better for it, Thanks to the advocates and support I have, some times I will cry because I miss my son, but when I talk to friends, or my advocate, it helps, doesn't take the pain away, but it gives me comfort.

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