To batter or not to batter...

I would like to do some research on why individuals who suffer from BiPolar do not take their prescribed medication. Of course, of course, I know the "excuses" for why they opt out or go on a break from medicating themselves, but I just want to see what the real problem is. Is it lack of education to understand the physical need that filters into one's social, emotional and psychological "physical" need? Or is it something else?

I have been assigned at least five cases per month with families who have battering husbands. Everytime I go to jail to interview them after their arrest or coherece them into my office to "talk", I realize each one has previously been diagnosed BiPolar. I can't imagine being diagnosed with such a stigmatized word and having to deal with that. All I know, is that somebody has to do something about informing them the consequences of not taking them. I hope doctors are providing education as they send these men out of their offices to face this big dark world and encourage them to call them if they are considering taking a break from their meds.

So I'd like to do some research, but I don't have time. Maybe my 2nd year Research class I will write my paper on that. I just think there is a problem and we (social workers, doctors, researchers) must attempt to alleviate some oppression. . . because their horrible decision to get off medication effects everyone in the family. He gets mad at her, he beats her, she beats him back, the kids are sitting there watching or become the object to inflict pain on the other partner. Then I step in.

It's just straight crazy.

And it seems so simple to me when I rehearse with the parents what "just" happened. As we talk, I think "O...see that's where you went wrong. When she said this, that doesn't mean you are allowed to throw her down. What are other options are there? Let's explore this. Ok, when she says this, what could you to manage your anger?" ... Simple. But no...it just gets worse...and worse.

O, and by no means am I saying there aren't battering women. I've had those cases. And there are also cases of women who get off their Bipolar but I normally see them as sucidial or homicidal (to their children).

I'm thankful for the life I live OUTSIDE of my job. I'm thankful for my upbringing, my education, my friendships, and the blessing of knowing a God who is OUR refuge, OUR strength, and my SAFE place. I believe He can heal all my families' souls but these problems... this is something that goes back to Adam and Eve.

I have a "big" daddy coming into my office today. He just got back on his meds. Wish me luck.

crazy. wedding. dreams.

so, i've been having some pretty crazy dreams about my wedding, seeing as it is rapidly approaching. some dreams are good, some are disastrous. either way, i always remember all the details and can't get it out of my head the following day. well, last night was a rather interesting episode....

i dreamed that my wedding and my high school boyfriend's wedding (if you are somehow reading this, i apologize if its awkward :) was at the same church, on the same day, at the same time. we were having a joint wedding. very odd. i remember in my dream that my dress was way too big. it was really baggy, like i had gotten the wrong size or something. also, as i was walking down the aisle (made of stained concrete), i tripped and slid all the way down the aisle to scott. i looked up to at the stage and saw my high school boyfriend getting married on the other side of the room. the really weird thing is that after all this, i remember being really happy in my dream. and when i woke up, i was really happy and it put me in a better mood for the day.

i am thankful that i get to be with scott forever. he is perfect for me. the end.

::: Home :::

Life and Lauren and Matt are HOME!!! Finally, Life's room will be graced with her beautiful presence :)  Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. They are still needed, so don't forget the precious family in your offerings. But what a HAPPY time!!! Tonight they will sleep in their home, as a complete family. Praise the Lord.

it's quiet

i can't believe summer is over. i can't believe all that happened from may - august. i just can't believe it. i'm ready for summer now....but o, don't worry, summer is practically over. it's time to embrace all the children going back to school & my stack of cases getting thicker by the ... hour at work.

at least we have sweet fall weather to look forward to and some fun weddings. woods is starting law school at smu & lindsay is embracing the countdown to her long- awaited wed to scott. i can't wait for their big day, because they are truly perfect candidates for marriage. 

on another thought pattern, people tell us we blog about a lot of serious stuff. . . but don't you agree that there was just so much going on that we just had to do so. i'm thankful it's quiet now. i hope it's quiet for you too. 

i think the mountains are calling. wanna go?

Great News!

Lucia Life is doing so well! She is a little miracle baby.

She has been awake, she is off the ventilator, matt and lauren got to hold her, she is breathing well on her own, she is beeing weened off of some of her medicines and doing so well, her nurses have been given other babies to care for which means Life doesn't need full time attention anymore! 

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.  :::  Psalm 59:16

if you aren't already, read the Larsen's blog for current and correct updates. Family members are regularly updating it now...

ecclesiastes 4:12

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

The Larsen family wants us to come together and wear these bracelets, wrapped around the wrist 3 times, in reference to the above verse. It is a daily, moment by moment, reminder to pray for Life and Lauren and Matt.

Make your own at home if you have to, ours are just made of orange yarn.

Update

I just updated the Larsen's blog. We love them. Please pray with us. And read their update.

Because of the bleeding in Life's brain, they are slowly weening her off of the ECMO. This could take up to 6 hours. She will be breathing on a respirator and we pray and trust that this will be enough for her to survive.

 

The doctors are doing everything they can. Pray for the respirator to be enough because with brain bleeding, she cannot be on ECMO or it causes more damage to the brain...

Pray for her little lungs... she is already a miracle in and of herself... pray that the respirator will be enough. Pray against brain damage.

Lacy said Matt says that there is still hope... and we will cling to that.

PS. I am trying not to post anything I am unsure of. I apologize if I am not getting it all right. It is complicated and there are so many details. But hopefully our posts can give some clarification to your prayers.

Life's brain is bleeding. If it continues to bleed, they will have to take her off ECMO. 

They are putting Life on a large respirator. If her oxygen levels can be from 92-100 then she can survive without ECMO.

Laurel says to, "Pray for not clotting in the brain. Pray in expectation. Jesus will answer. WE will have hope."