Keith Richards. Seriously, he LOOKS dead. Has for years. I think he's the harbringer of the Zombie Apocalypse.

Unless you know the family inside and out, there's just no way you truly know what is going on in that family's life, the child's life. Are there folks out there that make a lifestyle out of being the 'damsel in distress'? That complain about anything and everything, but completely helpless to enact change? Yup, of course. But, every parent has *those* moments. Moments where they figure their kid would've been better off raised by chickens. And, venting to a trusted friend can be a stress release valve, that enables them to dust themselves off and get back into the parenting game. Unless someone blatantly claims, "I don't believe in ANY discipline!" I do my best to give grace. God knows I've needed it.

Thank you.

Thank you all.

Thanks everyone. Friends have tried to set up a fund for funeral expenses, but it hasn't been hugely successful at this point, but at least it's something. I need a wining lotto ticket.

Someone I've known for about 10 yrs online is burying her 17 yo ds today. He leaves behind her, his dad, a brother and 4 sisters, all younger. She's allowed friends to share details, and such, but those aren't important. What matters is this Mother is facing every mother's worst nightmare, and can use all the prayers she can get, for her, her remaining children. Thank you all.

Dealtg w/an issue w/something not working properly. Went to what Tazzie said was a open house at the gymnastic's club...errrm, no, it was their end of the season thingie. Cooked meatballs. Going to start supper shortly. Still need to print off more stuff. Still scrambling.

I think Diva and I will go. Sounds like a good Mom/teen dd date :D

Starting a new regime. Kick some heinie. Follow my chore list. Record any spending. Kick some more heinie. Make supper. Threaten any whiners about the new regime that Daddy will cook from now on. Threaten Wolf if he whines, he's cooking from now on. Quell rebellion before it starts.

No tub, no sale for me.

Uh, I have a toddler. No way in HADES would I allow Tazzie or Princess to take him anywhere. EVER. The most they're allowed to do is be in *our* yard w/him, and that's a recent development, and I'm racing from window to window to check on them. The idea of sending him to someone else's yard? No, no, no.

I think your text response was awesome.

Thinking of you and your girl, Rosie :grouphug:

No words. Sending you love and strength. :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

Report the therapist. She's violated privacy laws, she's over stepping boundaries, and is practicing in an area that she acknowledges she's incompetant in. God only knows what she's doing w/other paitents. Report, report, report. She's dealing w/vulnerable ppl. That's her job. And the idea that someone is playing free and loose w/privacy? No. Report.

So overjoyed for you!!

Being married to an adoptee makes for an interesting perspective as well. As does meeting birth family, etc. It's definitely a spectrum of experience. Hallmark lies a lot. :P

Oh, I suppose I should add that Mother's Day and my birthday, I'm Queen of the Universe. At least, as far as my house goes. Queens don't do laundry. Queens don't cook. Queens don't clean. Queens get to sleep as long and as often as they want. And the next day, it's totally back to being cook, bottle washer, serf :p

I'm *not* saying all children have RAD. I'm saying that attachment issues are normal, regardless of how minute. These children, regardless of if they've been in foster care, or orphanages, or under what circumstances, have experienced a profound loss, and are now going to a completely new environment. Some attachment issues, grieving, is to be expected. Being aware of attachment excercises is a positive thing, even if the child isn't profoundly affected by attachment issues.

I think for anyone considering adoption, heavily research attachment disorders. And I mean, HEAVILY. It's pretty much a given that a child entering a new family WILL have attachment issues. How could they not? The difference is, will it be an Interrupted Attachment Disorder, which can heal, given time and proper exercises/work done (sometimes it manages w/out any focused effort, but why not do attachment exercises regardless, kwim?) or Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) that rarely, if ever, fully heals? Personally, I think *every* potential adoptive parent should look long and hard into RAD. Could they handle that? Are there resources in the area? RAD specialists, from what I understand, are few and far between. Kind of a, 'hope for the best, prepare for the worst' scenario. Unfortunately, the 'love heals all wounds' is a steaming pile of bull doody in too many situations in today's world. RAD is absolutely one of those situations.

I'm so sorry :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

*hugs* Audrey

His rants are awesome. I also love his 'experiences' that he has. I didn't mention the 'Talking To Americans', b/c some folks have been offended by that. Enjoy the ice cream!

Ack! Who is Rick Mercer?! He's a Canadian comedian, who has a show called, "The Rick Mercer Report" on CBC. He's stinking hilarious. He's like the Canadian version of Jon Stewart, or Stephen Colbert...but I'm pretty sure he's been around longer than Colbert, maybe even Stewart, since he started out on This Hour Has 22 Minutes. His show has him doing all sorts of different things...most recent was driving an ambulance, political satire, etc. Love him. http://rickmercer.com

I asked for a birthstone bracelet, w/all the kids on it. Actually, I asked for a tiara, but was willing to settle for a bracelet :lol: