We have nearly made it through the first week of school although I don't have any cute "First Day" photos. I have a senior who would think that was "SO cheesy Mom" and an 8th grader who was too nervous for me to even think about taking his picture. As most of you know, Richard suffers from OCD and anxiety disorder. Last school year was a nightmare for him (and so it was for me too!). As his anxiety increased, his OCD got worse. He literally couldn't walk from class to class. He couldn't read because he felt the need to re-read every sentence and it drove him crazy. Homework was torture and without his very understanding teachers he would be doing 7th grade over. They helped us so much as did his counselor and Vice Principal.
He was bullied and tormented so much that he didn't want to go anymore.
Through treatment he has learned the coping skills he needs to keep himself from doing his repetitive behaviors. His therapist told us a week ago that he didn't need to be seen on a regular basis anymore, only as needed! I was worried that throwing him back into the lion's den of Jr. High would make him worse again. One week ago tonight he broke down and cried worried about the bullying. He was so upset and didn't know if he could go back to school. It made me physically ill for a day or so to think that we had to put him back into the thick of things again...summer has been so nice and worry free! His father gave him a beautiful blessing and I have found myself praying for him fervently as well as for those who might tend to pick on him.
Four days into the new year and he has had good experiences. He doesn't appear nervous to go and has had no trouble with his OCD yet. He told me that he has made an effort to talk to people he knows (he was very withdrawn last year) and that kids have been talking to him too! Today was so great! When I picked him up he said, "Mom, something amazing just happened! A kid who was mean to me last year just walked by me and said "Hi Richard. Sorry I was such a big jerk last year"! Wow. Prayers are answered, kids do grow up and I feel pretty good right now. I know we will have bumps in the road ahead but we'll meet them head-on and get through!
Thanks for all of your prayers for my son and if you think about him now and then, say a little prayer for him still. We couldn't have made it through without prayer!
9 comments:
Hi Marianne, I hope that you don't mind me commenting on this but what a special story. As a mother of sons I can't even imagine what both of you have been going through. It just breaks my heart that kids can be so cruel. Richard is such a cute boy, you can sure tell he related to the Ellsworth's! My heart goes out to both of you & I am so glad that so far this year everything is getting better for him & Mom. Prayers are so powerful & I will remember him in mine.
Thank you Laurel. That means a lot to me! :)
Oh that story just made me cry! Me being one of the many who have kept him in our prayers it just really touched me to see once again the power of prayer and fasting. That is just wonderful. I'm so glad things are going well. We will definately keep remembering him in our prayers. We love you all and miss you very much!
Hi Marianne, My heart broke as I read your story and then began mending itself as I read further. Miracles do happen and I'm so happy they are happening for Richard and for you!! Our children's challenges are, many times, harder for us, as their mothers, than they are for them. Richard is a beautiful boy and I hope that the kids around him will continue to recognize that. I will include him (and you) in my prayers!
P.S. Will you be at the BYU game next Saturday?
No BYU game for us...not even on TV :( We have DISH and the games are on Comcast. It stinks!
My sweet rianne: I was so touched by what you wrote. I was there the day Richard cried because he had to go back to school. My grief is doubled because I hurt for my daughter but also for my Grandson. I have always said that anytime a person gets married and has children they are seting themselves up for heart aches. But then it is how we handle them that is important. I was so touched to see what Laurel wrote to you. I must get on her blog and thank her.
Hug Richard for me and tell him how happy I am that things are better for him.
Goodnight and sweet dreams.
I love you so much Mom
Hi, sweet sister. I can't tell you how I feel hearing about Richard's positive experiences. I've had him in my heart and mind all week and I'm so glad to know that he's starting out so positive. I love you!!!!
p.s. give Sarah a big hug for me before she goes back to the great white north... and hug the rest of your brood just for fun.
Aunt Marianne
I am so glad to hear that richard is having a good expericance in school this year so far. That young man deserves every miracle and blessing that comes his way.
Thank you so much for sharing that, with all of us. It just goes to show ya how much our heavenly father loves you and listens to yours and everyones prayes.][
Love you guys
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