Samantha and I met in 2010. It wasn’t long before we were together all the time, and that included her two little girls who were 4 & 6. Without giving too much private information those 3 went through hell before I met them. Their lives and safety- forever changed by what they had lived through and overcame. The younger years for the girls were pretty normal and we adjusted well. Their adoption to Mitchells happened in 2013 and Samantha and I married a few short months later. By the end of 2013, my family went through some turmoil and our middle child came to live with us at 15 months old (placed through foster care). Her ride was emotional and bumpy. We adopted her in 2017.  Samantha and I always felt compelled to help people, which is why we both worked in healthcare and continued fostering kids for so many years. Ultimately, adopting and completing our family in 2020 with our littlest two.

 

For those of you who are not a foster parents or know someone who is, it is incredibly hard to understand trauma informed care for kids. They can be resistant to love, structure, and all things good for them. Our lives started to spiral out of control a few years ago with one of our children’s mental health diagnosis. We have sought intensive help over the last 3 years with multiple therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, groups, hospitalizations, inpatient, and outpatient services, medications, only for things to get progressively worse in the teenage years. Most recently, high risk behaviors like suicidal ideation, running away, physical aggression, and more.  Everyday, is a struggle. An emotional rollercoaster.  We fear when our phones ring something has happened at school- or if we are at work, there is an emergency to run home to.  There have been days she hasn’t come home from school- that alone is a feeling no parent should ever have to experience.  Sitting in the emergency room begging for help.  I could go on, but it is all heartbreaking and scary.  We feel as though we have no other option but to find out of home placement that specializes in personality disorders and trauma, not only for her safety, but the safety of our other children.

 

We have accumulated thousands and thousands of dollars in medical bills, which we are staying on top of paying, but it is the next step we are asking for help in. The next step in treatment is over 50k. We have made a down payment and secured a spot for our child to get the best possible treatment and a chance at a brighter future.

 

It is incredibly difficult as a parent to admit you can no longer give your child the help they need.

Please donate and share our story to help.