Thursday, October 22, 2009

Relief

I had the best meeting today with that agency. I was almost moved to tears as they explained what they could do for me. They will handle the school, period. I was told not to give it a second thought. They would put into place all the things I need to survive at home in the IEP b/c his emotional stability at home directly affects his educational success. They understood completely. They know how to work the system and work for the child not the school. If that wasn't enough, they will help me with filing for Social Security, forcing the state to provide respite, find a meeting for me with NAMI and one for Rosa to cope with her history, offered to refer us to the Food Bank, free daycare for the 2 little girls, and they will staff a meeting with DFCS, Juvenile Courts, Police, and the school to be sure we are taken care of and everyone is on the same page. Their next question threw me off. They wanted to know what I do for me. I don't. It's that plain and simple. Nothing. I can't. I don't complain b/c it's my choosing. I chose to adopted them all and I knew they would have to come first. I must admit, I am a little excited to find something to do alone. Does sleeping count? I am exhausted and that would be nice. I took their offers for help in every area except daycare and the food bank. I can't do that to the baby but it would be tempting and I got food covered.

Michael is being released today! I pick him up in an hour and run him over to be admitted in the partial hospitalization program next door. Ava, Ruthie, and Patches have all been a part of it. He will leave here for school in the morning and be picked up from school by the program. He will stay at the hospital until bed time and they will drop him off. They will do his homework, have group and individual therapy, and feed him. We will get to see him and get a break at the same time. They will monitor his meds and symptoms, too.

Something is about to happen in our home that I never thought would. I believe that everyone has a right to do as they wish int heir own home, with their own family. I just have never been in this position before and given my son's issues, I am a bit freaked out. Rosa will be issued her gun today. She asked if she would be allowed to leave it at the academy but they told her no. They told her she wouldn't have bullets, it comes with 3 safety measures (I think a pin, a chain, and a locked box). She will also be keeping it in our fire proof safe. I am sure it will be fine. They will not have access to it but I am worried their fascination will begin. Rosa turned away from the Director and said, "Perfect. Now all I have to do is keep the kids form burying it in the yard".

7 comments:

Jenny said...

WOW! What an awesome service. I wish we had something like that in Ohio.

I'm glad you guys are getting help and that Michael is still going to be coming home. Hang in there.

The Semi-Domesticated Mama said...

I am so happy for you that you're finally getting some assistance with that asshat school!

When I was on the task force and had to bring my weapon home, I used a special lock box. It has a back up safety measure that uses fingerprints. I had a combination lock on it and then once I did the combination I had to place 3 of my fingers on a scan pad to open the box. Nothing better than peace of mind.

Crayon said...

I got teary eyed reading that! You deserve some support. I'm glad you finally have a team on your side. This is awesome! I'm glad Michael is doing better.

Annie said...

How wonderful to hear that you are getting the support you need! I'm sure the way the school behaves would drive me up the wall.

MyLinda said...

I am so happy for you that you found the support that you deserve and need! You did choose to take on your children and their problems but you don't have to do it alone!!

Unknown said...

Pleased that you aren't having to fight the battle alone any longer. Hope the school is more cooperative. Glad Michael is getting more help than you could provide on your own.

Jeri said...

Seriously, take their question about yourself and what you do for you to heart. I say this as I sit typing with a mask on because I have pneumonia. Don't let stress suck your immune system down the drain! We are rescuers....but sometimes, the person we need to rescue first (just like when the oxygen mask drops in the plane!) is ourselves. Take care and I am so, so happy you are getting the support your family needs.