Summer 2010
I thought I would have time to answer some questions today, but the morning has gotten away from me – I need to tackle my messy kitchen and get my homeschoolers working. They’ve already gone sledding for PE, which was sort of like starting the school day, but I guess we need to get serious.
Just a quick update on Dimples. We had our Monday evening phone call with her and had a nice conversation. She told us about school, fun activities she’s been doing, and a birthday party for a child in her cottage. She even asked for some pictures for her bulletin board – the ones she specifically requested were of her friends, but I’ll still take that as a good sign that she might like pictures of her family too. She was happy to learn that I found her favorite jeans and plan to mail them to her.
In addition to our weekly phone call with Dimples, we have a weekly call on Wednesdays with her therapist. I think that is going to prove to be very helpful for us to understand their work with her and how we can be part of that. Our first visit is on the calendar for late February; they want to give her time to settle in before we visit her. It is longer than I had hoped, but I understand why it is done that way.
Small things still get me – washing Dimples’ monogrammed towel and putting it away in the linen cupboard rather than hanging it on the towel rack, cooking a huge roast knowing how much she would love it, and not being quite sure what to do with her school uniforms. Our home is notably quiet – which sounds odd given that 11 of us live here, but there is no raging, screaming, or intense arguing. I also find that I’m quieter because I’m not engaged in constant chatter or constantly needing to interact and redirect.
Don’t get me wrong, life is still full, messy, and our kids could use a tune-up. Russ and I have an ongoing conversation about all that we let slip over the last years as our energy was focused on Dimples. Bad habits have crept in, together with poor coping mechanisms – both the kids’ and our own. Bee and Eby have needs that have not been met which now need to be addressed. All in all, we have lots of catching up to do.
Thanks to those of you who sent questions to me; they are all great questions and I will tackle them soon.
Have a great day, friends. I am very thankful for each one of you.
Lisa
I pray that this time would be refreshing to your whole family and that the Lord would restore the years the locusts have eaten in your kids lives. May He use this time to pour love into their lives and may they be sponges to soak it up.
Amen!
Praying for you, for Dimples, for Bee and Eby, and for the rest of your crew. Love you.
"all that we let slip over the last years as our energy was focused on Dimples. Bad habits have crept in, together with poor coping mechanisms – both the kids’ and our own. "
I so understand. Right there with you.
While "school work" is important, I hope that you will take some time to really ENJOY the children you still have at home all day. There may be days that "Time with Mama" is much more important than "Reading, 'Riting, and 'Rithmatic".
After lunch . . . maybe you should grab a sled and race them to the sledding hill. :)
Hugs & Prayers,
Laurel :)
Continuing prayers for your family as you walk this road…….
Take some time to breathe Lisa. So many of us are praying for you. If possible, get some solitude. God’s grace covers our children.
Continuing in prayer! So many heavy things for you to deal with. May God provide you peace, hope, wisdom, and perseverance in all that is happening.
Dear Lisa, Your post hit some areas of sadness that I have had in dealing with "difficult" children and that is that the needs of my other children were not addressed as well as I would have liked. I, too, have felt the strange emptiness that comes from not dealing with constant storms. I hope this time will bring peace and healing not only to Dimples, but the whole family.
Praying for hope for you today. I think you are beautiful. :)
Thanks for the update – keep us posted.