Tough Love

Yesterday was bittersweet.  We had a great family day minus one.  My son continues to struggle in the residential environment.  I don't know if he is testing limits or sabotaging himself because of anxiety but he tends to act out right before a pass and then doesn't get one.  My husband told him a couple weeks ago that the family will be doing fun things on Saturdays, if he would like to see us he needs to get a pass - we will not go in the middle of the afternoon to the hospital.  He will see us later in the week for family therapy if he doesn't get a pass.  He told him "We have moved the whole family up to Arkansas for the summer - your siblings gave up their camps and summer plans to be here with you - we have done our part --you need to do yours.  Behave and get a pass."  I know it seems harsh not visiting on Saturdays - but we are trying to get him to work at being part of the family - just like we are working for him to be part of it.  But it is extremely hard for me -- tough love - I would so much rather hugs and kisses -- but this is what must be done to get to the hugs and kisses....sigh.

So yesterday we were minus one in our family adventure & when I called later he was not on the unit so I didn't get to speak to him - I just left a message.  Tuesday is my oldest girls birthday - we are hoping he will earn a pass - family days are important and they are hard when everyone is not present.  But it is my job to see that she has a wonderful birthday - with or without all present -- And that is exactly what I plan to do.

We took the kids to see a waterfall yesterday -- again quite a feat for Florida children!  I loved watching them play in the falls!  They were having a blast.  It was quite a hike getting there - not an easy climb - the brochure listed it as strenuous - and it was.  It was so worth the climb though -- all agreed.  I think it was the perfect illustration of our life right now - we are doing the strenuous climbing - but eventually we will get to our destination and be so happy we made the climb! 

I watched the beauty of the falls and all the wonderful scenery around and it gave my heart hope - surely the Creator of all this beauty is capable of creating a beautiful outcome in our lives.

Keep on climbing till you reach your destination - the beauty of it all will overtake you!

Dancing in the Falls,

Amy