There has been an ongoing struggle in my head over the last month about whether to write this post or not. But in the beginning, I laid out plans for this blog to be a journal of sorts about my life. So here goes.
Last month, Madeline was diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder.) I knew the diagnosis was coming, it has been pretty clear for several years that something wasn't quite right. She is an intelligent and creative young woman, but has a very hard time focusing and school is a daily STRUGGLE.
We have chosen to avoid the medication route and try an alternative method of treatment. We are now in week three of the treatments, and the doctors told us that things may get worse before they get better. We should see improvement around 6-8 weeks and I am praying and hoping to see progress.
Throughout this process, I have done some research about ADD and the support groups in our area. Guess what? There are none. None that I've found anyways. This week is actually ADHD/ADD awareness week, but I've yet to see any attention paid to this inattentive disorder in our area. One thing I am learning is that I need to be an advocate for my daughter. No one else will fight for her if I won't. So today I made my way to the school to schedule a meeting with her counselors and to discover what options we have for her.
I'm not sure for what purpose I am writing this post, except for my own therapeutic reasons. This new diagnosis and ongoing struggle has forced me to take a hard look at myself and my parenting style and I have realized that there are some changes I need to make within myself.
Probably the most important thing I am learning is that I cannot do this alone. I need to rely on the Lord, for in Him, I will find strength to endure the really frustrating days.
