Thursday, January 7, 2010

cRAzy LiFe

This New Year began with a bang...of sorts...right upside John's head..  Following a  visit to the ER, MRI and sutures, John is healing nicely and has gone back to work.  His ear was stitched back on successfully.  We lovingly nick named him Mr Potato Head. Although I am leaning toward John Van Gogh. 

I would post pictures of him, but he said he would divorce me.  I had to think about that one.   Then it dawned on me that I am still on unemployment - so paying all of my own bills at this juncture is not a good idea.  So you will have to visualize him with his head wrapped in white gauze, huge black eye and a ear skilfully sutured back onto his head.

So, what happened you ask?

My son happened.   My son has schizophrenia.  Living with schizophrenia can rip the fabric of a family apart at the seams.  When he refuses his medication he parts from reality and the delusions & paranoia manifest in violence.  Unfortunately his violence is often directed at John.

The laws in Washington State make caring for these children next to impossible.  The only way we have been able to get help for him is by getting him out of our state and have had him admitted in facilities in other states, such as San Marcos, TX.  Now that he is 18 it is harder.  Still we managed to have him admitted into a facility a few days ago and are praying they do not just 'treat' and 'street' him.  Put a medication bandage on the problem then dump him back into our laps without the legal 'oomph' to force him into therapy or to take his meds.  Although in their defense...there is nothing that can be done.  The trick to treating this is  behavioral/cognitive therapy and medication management - combined with supervision.  Ever tried to supervise a normal 18 year old?  That in itself is difficult...now think about one who thinks the medication is actually uranium and radiating his brain and will try to kill you if you force him to take it. 

Washington State law says if the person is not a immediate threat to themselves or others - you cannot force them into treatment.  Even if they recently tried to kill someone - if the doctor asks them "Do you want to hurt  yourself or another person" and they say "No"....they have to release them.  Does that make sense to you?  Since when should a patient who is out of their mind be allowed to decide what is in their best interest?

Sorry, off my soap box now. 

So, that is in a nutshell why there are large gaps in my posts.  Crazy life gets in the way.

On really bad days all I have to do is look at this face...





Like sunlight after a long period of rain, he lights up my day.




Such a doofus...

 

I love him more than...well...chocolate and cheetos.  And that is a whole bunch.




Warm fuzzy goober of my heart.




Everyone should have a big goofy snuggle pup.




Must schmush his face with kisses. 



He may not know how to work sheep but he sure knows how to work my heart strings. 





I hope he made you smile too.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

I KNEW Ranger was your favorite!
Seriously, I'm glad you have him to make you laugh during your toughest times. (Guess I have to ditch my plan to kidnap the doofus). My heart goes out to you as you try to do what's best for your son and family.
I went to my one year of university in San Marcos! It's a beautiful part of Texas.
See you in "Country Life!" lol

Sweetpea said...

BEEEYOUTEEFULL photos, no wonder he makes your heart sing!!

central bark designs said...

Ah----the magic of a dog's love...I swear its all in the eyes.

My heart goes out to you and your family as you face the many challenges ahead. Know that you have the loving support of people you don't even know - but share the love of their dogs.

Here's hoping you true happiness and joy in the coming New Year.

Abbey (and her Mom)

Country Girl said...

Living with a family member who has a mental illness is stressful - my thoughts go out to you and yours - here in Alberta it can also be challenging to get people help, which stinks!

Love your pics - nothing love absolute love to make the day better!

Country Girl said...

Jeez - that should read - nothing like absolute love... Sigh...

An English Shepherd said...

What a lovely lad :-)

Wizz

BorderWars said...

Hey, I just wanted to stop in and say thanks for your blog, I read it every day. I too use my blog and the dogs as an escape, and wonder how much personal stuff need be aired to virtual strangers, but it's rather cathartic in the end.

As of late I've started many drafts, but just haven't found the motivation to push them out the door, and the one that I do is on concentration camps of all things!! WHAT? Depressing, I know.

I most appreciate all your photos, as it's so much easier and enjoyable to process some great BC photography than wade through a wall of text (guilty). And the exploits of another BCxFour family are almost always timely, often heartwarming, and typically hilarious.

I really need to get my camera out again, it's been too long since I've captured the joy my dogs bring on film.

I wish your whole family, especially you, some joy in the new year.

D.K. Wall said...

Chocolate and Cheetohs? Is that at the same time? Just checking.

So sorry you are going through those tough times. I get to deal with my father's dementia which can be quite challenging, but certainly nothing like what you are dealing with. We wish you the best.

Emma Rose said...

I think I'm in love! **sigh**

Kisses,
Emma Rose

I am really sorry to hear about John. I hope he heals quickly. The whole situation sounds terrible. I wish there were words of wisdom I could send - or I could be of help. But - wow - what does a person do? At least I can keep you all in my prayers, and I will!
Dyan

Loretta Mueller said...

Lovely boy :) He is just so handsome. We are thinking of you and John through all this...

Unknown said...

I love your dogs. They are beautiful. I am sorry to hear about your son. We have the same laws here in Canada and it does not make sense. There has to be something better that "treat" and "street".

Anonymous said...

Carolynn, I am so sorry to hear about John, and thankful you have him to rely on.

Of course Ranger is adorable and he adores you and wants to make you feel better.

Hugs and take care of yourself too.

Unknown said...

Yes he made me smile i am happy for you thats he is around.
bye bye,Lean

Jules said...

I hope John heals quickly and San marcos is good to your son. I am thinking of you.

Ranger is beautiful!! Those eyes...

the magic sleigh said...

Wooos!Mum understands that living with mental illness can wreck havoc on a family.We wish woo all of the best, and hope fro better days. I am glad the dogs can make woo smile, Mum call me her personal therapy dog!
-Kira The BeaWoootiful

PoochesForPeace said...

Beautiful pics. Do you guys have "pink slips" where you live to "force" someone into treatment? Our medical system is a wreck right now, and no one seems to take mental illness seriously enough :(

Debra Kay said...

?I'm glad you have such a friend to help you through the hard times-where would we all be without our dogs

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog through some tangled web of Bad Mutha Fudruckers and related links of Three Woofs and a Woo, but please know you both are in my thoughts. Wait, too personal for a random blogger visiting for the first time? Indeed.

The system's not any better in Georgia and I've seen firsthand (ahem, not that I've ever had cause to enter the system ... ) the damage a lacking mental health plan can unleash upon an otherwise stable family.

Really though, all I had to say was that, a) there's room for improvement across the board and I absolutely sympathize with your struggle to help your son, b) I love, love, LOVE the pictures of your BCs and c) I envy your photography skills. You might just have inspired me to hit the dog park tomorrow, camera in hand. :)