What Roller Coaster Ride...

First she was staying for a month. Then they had it after one week, said they were sending her home. Then they couldn't find a flight for another week. Then a day before she was to leave, she asked if she could stay another week, and since they had a couple of good days, the grandparents said yes, asked us if it was OK, and changed her flight again. By 2:00 yesterday, they had a new flight and she had another week with them, and we had another week of peace. As soon as they changed her flight, she started acting out again, and at 11:00 PM last night, we found out they paid big bucks to fly her tail out of there at 6:00 today. Her flight arrives here in half an hour.

Then the grandparents called to de-pressurize by venting all her actions, telling me so many things that I already know and have expereinced for two years.

I had a real mixed reaction to news of her return. Part of me was bummed - I was looking forward to another week and we had plans with our son for tonight--plans that cannot happen now. Another part of me felt sadly vindicated--guilty vindication, but vindication none-the-less. I didn't say "I told you so" because they know that I gave them 20 ways out of their initial invitation to her. The benefit is that we now have a strong ally of support in getting her more intensive help. They realize that she has no clue of her impact on the world. No cause and effect. No empathy. No conscience. They realize what we have been trying to do for two years, and how futile it feels to get no where, and how it is time to let someone else who is specially trained try to help her.

We have a long way to go and a lot of hoops to jump through before we can actually get the help we (her therapist included) think she needs. Our first appointment with a Psychiatrist is June 28th. Should be interesting. Until then, we just have to muddle through and try not to get bogged down again in her tension and her drama.

It was a great two weeks.

Started a New Blog...

One that is not a place for me to vent, but just a friendly place to post pics and family updates.

PipitonePics

So, now it holds pics from our recent vacation and from our backyard.

In the meantime, my dad called. Kaelyn's trip with them is coming to an abrupt end. She pushed all their buttons, broke all the rules, and stunned them with her defiance. Oh well, it was a quiet week here at home, and Tony actually hung out with us more than usual. It has been wonderful.

They learned that they cannot fly her out until next Saturday (several logistical reasons), so we get a little more peace-time at home. Then to decide what to do next. At least now there is someone else in the family that "gets it." I feel like we are sometimes having to defend our position with some family members who only see her ocassionally and think she is fine and that we are just over-reacting. While I know that this is sooooo common with RAD, it is still hard to swallow--hearing that someone you love thinks that you are being cruel to consider getting her help in a treatment center.

Hopefully one day this will all be behind us and we will be a happy little family.