It's Not All Bad--Really

I think I left many of you with the impression following some recent posts that life with a bipolar child is difficult beyond my ability to cope. Just like bipolar disorder itself, there are ups and downs to caring for any special needs child. And the fact that we have four kids does add quadruple the work for mom and dad, anyhow. We wanted a big family and we consider each one to be a special part of our family, precious to God and to us. We would never trade Caroline for anyone else. There are things about her that are so unique, so creative, so sweet that she brightens my day quite often. She is one of my biggest cheerleaders. She tells Bill and I very often how lucky she is to have us as parents, that she is so blessed to be in this family, and that she loves us soooooo much. She is more respectful to me than my youngest, that is for sure. Since coming back from the RTC, she has gained a LOT more self-control over her temper and in all areas of her life. She is a very diligent student who strives for As. She has such a tender heart towards God and is quick to confess the things that she feels were unkind to me or her dad. I have GREAT HOPE for her future, knowing that the key to her success is three-fold: staying on her meds, sticking with psychotherapy for probably the rest of her life to deal with the complexities of bipolar disorder, and to trust in God's purpose for her life. There will be big ups and downs, and probably more hospitalizations, but bipolar disorder doesn't DEFINE her, as we often tell her. It is part of who she is but not the whole. She is so much more than the kid with the mental illness. She is a beautiful work of God's hands.