Terryforvols
Member
I have not posted here in awhile, but come often to keep up with what is going on, especially Mikey in Teens.
ANYWAY, this Wednesday, March 26, husband and I will be first time grandparents!! Our difficult child, who struggled for many years and then finally succeeded in 2005 after 8 months of long-term rehab, is giving birth to a baby girl, Isabelle Renee. She has come SO far, is back in college, has goals for herself, etc. We had times that we thought she wouldn't live, or would be in jail long term. From age 16-21, it was pure h***, and she had a 1-2 month relapse in 2006 after rehab (she had to have surgery and got re-hooked on pain pills) but spent one night in jail and that finished what rehab had started. She has now been clean for 2+ years. Ironically, 5 days after this baby is born will be the 3-year anniversary of us taking her to her long-term rehab; I could never have dreamed of this situation on that day. She is the young woman we knew was buried deep inside, and is now strong and ready to be a mom. Now, I could start a new thread about her husband, but I'm too happy right now.
I hope this gives hope to people who are suffering and struggling. This board still helps me and helps me realize how truly lucky we are and how hard SHE worked. We took her there at age 20 as a last resort; she didn't want to go, but we offered to pay her bills and take care of her life in that way if she would take care of her life and get well. She thought she would "play the system", do what we asked for 3 months, then go about her merry way. But...the light went on there and she realized how far she had dropped and decided she didn't want to live that way any longer. When we left her there, for the first time in 4 years, I could actually sleep at night knowing she was OK. She came out a new person, not perfect, but more of the daughter we once had. Over the years, she has matured and made positive decisions for herself. Sadly, about 5 people she was with at the ranch have passed away from drug OD. If you can take the advice given here that is SO on target, it won't make everything OK, but it will help you hang on for that next minute or hour or day. Sometimes, just knowing there were others out there who KNEW, really KNEW, what I was going through was a blessing.
My only sadness is that this grandchild will be in TX, we're in TN!! I'm spending 3+ weeks with her and just can't wait to hold this precious, precious life. I also know with all I have that once she sees and holds that child, she will FINALLY realize the love we had for her.
I just wanted to share this with you all.
ANYWAY, this Wednesday, March 26, husband and I will be first time grandparents!! Our difficult child, who struggled for many years and then finally succeeded in 2005 after 8 months of long-term rehab, is giving birth to a baby girl, Isabelle Renee. She has come SO far, is back in college, has goals for herself, etc. We had times that we thought she wouldn't live, or would be in jail long term. From age 16-21, it was pure h***, and she had a 1-2 month relapse in 2006 after rehab (she had to have surgery and got re-hooked on pain pills) but spent one night in jail and that finished what rehab had started. She has now been clean for 2+ years. Ironically, 5 days after this baby is born will be the 3-year anniversary of us taking her to her long-term rehab; I could never have dreamed of this situation on that day. She is the young woman we knew was buried deep inside, and is now strong and ready to be a mom. Now, I could start a new thread about her husband, but I'm too happy right now.
I hope this gives hope to people who are suffering and struggling. This board still helps me and helps me realize how truly lucky we are and how hard SHE worked. We took her there at age 20 as a last resort; she didn't want to go, but we offered to pay her bills and take care of her life in that way if she would take care of her life and get well. She thought she would "play the system", do what we asked for 3 months, then go about her merry way. But...the light went on there and she realized how far she had dropped and decided she didn't want to live that way any longer. When we left her there, for the first time in 4 years, I could actually sleep at night knowing she was OK. She came out a new person, not perfect, but more of the daughter we once had. Over the years, she has matured and made positive decisions for herself. Sadly, about 5 people she was with at the ranch have passed away from drug OD. If you can take the advice given here that is SO on target, it won't make everything OK, but it will help you hang on for that next minute or hour or day. Sometimes, just knowing there were others out there who KNEW, really KNEW, what I was going through was a blessing.
My only sadness is that this grandchild will be in TX, we're in TN!! I'm spending 3+ weeks with her and just can't wait to hold this precious, precious life. I also know with all I have that once she sees and holds that child, she will FINALLY realize the love we had for her.
I just wanted to share this with you all.
I can just imagine the relief and joy of seeing your daughter grow into the person you hoped she would. Give the newest addition a hug from the board aunties. 
. I pray that your life with your daughter and your new grandchild continues to improve, and that you have the strength, patience and wisdom to handle the occasional speedbumps that will probably pop up.
