Just thought I'd pop in and say, "Hi"!
Hope everyone here is well.

Been a while. (around Oct last year?)

Nothing to brag about on my side.

Big, long, long slide downhill.
15 year old went to court for truancy on 15 May, just before school let out. Hasn't been back since.
Finally get to go to court again on 3 Oct for violating court order (Go to school, no drugs, follow Dad's rules, follow DHS (Dept. Human Services) family plan, etc).
Tested positive for meth, cocaine and pot 4 times since 17 August.
Reported as runaway at least a dozen times over the summer.

21 year old has paranoid schizophrenia/bipolar, not "officially" diagnosed yet but she's actually seeing a doctor now. Hopefully she gets meds tomorrow.
She runs stands in front of the mirror for hours (literally) and asks why me and her sister are shaving her face and arms trying to get her to kill herself. Also she wonders why one of her eyes is bigger than the other (it's not), why are lips are shrinking and her teeth are growing.
This is really making me bonkers. UNderstatement of the century...
(Yes, I have contacted NAMI)
She turned 21 end of August and dropped off my insurance.
She does have (limited) thru her work but she's probably going to lose that job very shortly.
I may be able to get her back ion mine though.

Their mom spent 6 months (starting Christmas) 60 miles away. Didn't visit or even call them one single time.
Not even a card or phone call for Christams or either of their birthdays.

She did write a letter and send the $125 last week (Sorry I haven't called. I feel like a looser (sic)").
Same old crapola.

Happy days...
I'm at the bottom and still going lower but head held up...
<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Wow. Welcome back, Chris! You certainly have a fan club and cheering squad here, as always... though few will be here to greet you tonight except Orchid and the West Coasters.

Aloha Chris,

I didn't realize you still had sooo much drama going on. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> Despite it all, you are still the one with a clear mind and fairly calm heart. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

It hurts bad to hear about our children making bad choices. Still in time, some or most of them figure it out. Then there's a few who are still out there. I know of one almost 40 years old and she is in a worst state of mind now then she has ever been. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Hang in there bro'......there's light out there....somewhere...... <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

L.

Hi Chris,

I'm sorry to hear about these newest developments <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I went through a very tough time when my oldest was fifteen....with some of the same issues you're facing. I currently have two friends who are dealing with similar issues as well with their teenagers. While your son is still a minor and you don't need his permission to commit him to a treatment center....I strongly urge you to put him in a drug facility while you still have the power to do so. Soon....you will be able to do nothing! Both of the families I know who are struggling with the exact same issues as you are (except the one with a daughter has a little baby to cope with too because their daughter is also teenage mother) have had to get their children into treatment. If you can't keep him in school....then getting him healthy and safe has got to be your first priority. School is vitally important....but it must be secondary right now. He can still finish school...but only if he's alive.

Both of the kids I mentioned above have finished their intial treatment and are moving to halfway houses far away from their community of dysfunctional friends (they're doing really well). It may be the only thing that saves their lives. The meth is particularly troublesome.....so please please....do not let this become an entrenched addiction. Meth is evidently one of the most addictive and dangerous drugs on the street and your window of intervention is rapidly closing.

I know when my daughter was fifteen....I could have easily been booked on the Jerry Springer show. The school called everyday. She was truant, ran away, drunk, rebelious, violent, in trouble with the law, suicidal etc....so angry!! Teachers, even doctors gave up on her....but I didn't. She's 23 now....and she's just fine....finishing college, working, happy, beautiful. The transformation was amazing. Don't lose hope....and get him in treatment now while you don't need his consent. Get the police to help you if you need them....it could save his life.

I will keep you in my prayers!!

((((((((((((((((chris)))))))))))))))))

Yes, don't lose hope Chris. Many, many of us had some pretty nasty teenage years, and straightened out just fine in the end. Got all the bugs out early in life. Well most of them, anyway. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

How hard your daughters illness must be on you and her siblings, as well as for her. I hope she gets on the right meds today, and that the doctor working with her is a good one.

I also hope you are finding some relief/peace in positive ways.

Dang Chris, you sure have a lot on your plate right now.

Chris, so sorry to hear about your kids. Mine went off into la-la land for a couple of years with drinking antics when he was 18-19, so I can somewhat relate to what you are going through. The wonderful thing is that he came back from the land of the looney and is now a responsible, sane 24 yr old. He is almost done with his degree and is considering marriage. So, there is hope for yours too. Just keep telling them that no matter how old they get, you can still reach their [censored]! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

You have been sorely missed around here. I missed your straightforward, no nonsense, good advice. Good to see you back, my friend. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

* Post Deleted *

Hi Chris... I'm sorry to hear that Donna's poor life choices have had such a long-lasting effect on your girls. I hope and pray they will come out the other side of these tumultuous years knowing how much you love them and have stood by them. You are always in my thoughts whenever I stop by here.

Hey Chris,

Good to hear from you...although I am sorry to hear that life has handed you a big load right now. You are dealing with alot and my heart goes out to you and your family.

Your level headed thinking and strength helped me through my darkest days when I thought the pain would never end. I am sending my prayers that these days will pass quickly and you will have a safe speedy passage to stability, peace and happiness. May God be with you on this journey. Stay strong, Chris.

Hi Chris,

You have given me advice a few times last year when I was totally devastated, if you remember. I am very sorry to hear about what your kids have to go through. I am very upset at your xW and don't understand how she, the mother, can just abandone her own children. But I am very happy to know that the kids are with YOU. Please stay strong and keep trying. I know your kids will realize how much you love and care for them someday.

Milk

Chris,

I had hoped that your lack of posting here meant that your life and that of your family had gone on to better things. I am so sorry to hear about your girls. Do your best to get the oldest help and see what you can do about perhaps getting the younger one inpatient help with her habits.

I just never figured out your W, but her behavior has no doubt really affected your daughters. I do hope you can get them the help they need, and more I hope that you are at the bottom and that things start to take a turn for the better in your life. You deserve much better and I think you will in fact get much better.

Do your best my man...it is all you can really do.

God Bless,

JL

I am so sorry to hear about your daughters. I wonder if your ex-wife is bipolar also, since there is a strong genetic component to bipolar illness.

{{{{CHRIS}}}}}}}

I'm so sorry to hear about the problems with your kids. I KNOW how hard that is and really feel for anyone that has to face those obstacles. I went through it with both of mine and fortunately they have found the right road again. As Orchid said--Do ALL you can now!! Rehab, intervention, police,,whatever it takes. Anything is better than dead.

I know you're a good dad Chris and I know this is tearing you apart. I'm wishing for the very best for you and if there's ANYTHING I can do to help or questions I can answer, feel free to ask.

Stay strong!!

Looking back at some of these old posts kind of brings a tear to my eye.
Wow, some things were really effed up, eh?

Eight years later! Wow. I'm new here, but how about an update?

How are you doing, Chris?

Hello?
(echo�)

Hello Chris, I remember you. How is your life? How are the kids doing?

Are you back to help the newbies?

Hi Chris.

How are you doing?