I ripped that quote out of the most recent issue of Natural Solutions magazine, and taped it to my laptop so I see it every day. It was in an article about managing an allergen-free diet during the holidays, I believe, but it spoke to me in a different way. In a single sentence, that quote managed to describe exactly why I write here, and the tribe I have assembled around me. I don’t write to embarrass my family, or to show off my kids’ strengths and weaknesses, or to toot my own horn. I write for the sense of community, for building connections, to not be alone. I hope I help build those communities and connections for others as well, so they don’t feel so alone too. Parenting is a tough job, parenting kids with WTF??? needs is even harder.
I can’t begin to express my thanks for the support after yesterday’s hysterics on my part. The emails, the notes on Facebook, the comments here. I will email back everyone as soon as I can, as I like to do that, but a quick update here before the boys come tearing into the house. I did talk to the doctor last night, and agreed this is a challenging situation. Because this is such a new drug, A is only the fifth patient in his practice to be on Intuniv. So the doctor doesn’t have all the answers; in fact, last night he was looking up answers as I was asking the questions. We decided to move his dose to dinnertime, so that mornings are calmer, and because full effect is roughly six hours after taking it. That explains why A was almost falling asleep in school yesterday afternoon; his meds kicked in around 2:30. He held out as long as he could, went to bed at 6:30 and slept for a solid 12 hours. The kid has NEVER slept that long. Ever. The larger pill can be split and taken as 2 smaller sizes. Thank GOD. And I have another pill taking trick up my sleeve that we will try tonight.
This community, this online community, is something that is so difficult to explain unless you live in it. To try to explain to people that I have very dear friends all over the world I’ve never met, who I’d let take my kids out, who I trust completely…it sounds insane. This online tribe of writers, of parents, of people, is so valuable to me, and I’m honored to be a part of it.
I love the online community too. I agree it doesn’t translate very well when I try explain it.
I’m glad things are settling. We’ve all had those days and they are rough. Just hang in there kiddo! We heart you!
And you keep on fighting to get the answers. You’re an awesome mom, an amazing friend and you know there’s always someone willing to listen – like me. Love you! *hugs*
I cannot begin to even explain how much support and love i’ve gotten from my online only friends. It baffles people in my parents generation, but to have people who have been in the same trenches I am tell me that this too shall pass, and give me GOOD WAYS to help is invaluable.
oh and PS. I’m down the road in Colorado Springs. so, we’re neighbors.
Well said!
I followed a link here from Hopeful Parents. My daughter takes some medications as well and we ball it up in a small piece of bread for her. She chews it right up, although the thought alone makes ME want to gag! One other thought, I used to work with a psychiatrist who suggested taking apart the capsule and mixing the beads in with something else.
I hope something helps!
Also, a crappy parent would not be writing a blog with the anquish you have on the issue. The crappy parent would say, oh well, and go back to bed.
I quit trying to explain this to people. If you don’t blog or hang out with bloggy friends online, you would never understand. So, now I don’t even try. 🙂