What doesn't kill us...

I am sorry to have left you all with a very sour note of our existence.  It is really not all bad around here and I must say the day after the nightmare doctor's appointment we had a very successful visit to a wonderful dentist who did all of the sensitive caring things I wish the pediatrician had done.  I knew things were going to be OK when I saw the following question on his form "how do you think your child will react to this appointment and as a parent what do I think would make the visit go better?"  A simple question with huge results.  Isaac and Emerson were filled with loads of laughter and the appointment went wonderful. 

We are also going to see about getting a temporary extension on Isaac's vaccines and do them during his next ear surgery.  Considering he has had to have them replaced every 6 months I am sure we will have to do it again and this way he is already sedated.  What is ridiculous is that I came up with this idea after working on getting Finn (our new puppy) an appointment to get fixed.  That is what the vet does for dog's vaccines, why can't it be done for kids with PTSD. 

As far as Isaac in general, what doesn't kill you can make you stronger, or at least build up the level of trust to new heights.  I remember reading once that newly adopted kids sometimes feel like they have woken up in a dark room siting on a chair.  The first thing they do is learn about their surroundings by crawling around the room and feeling for walls.  Well imagine if the wall you reached out for fell when you pushed it.  I don't know about you, but I would go running back to my chair. 

While Isaac hit a tough wall as a result of the doctors appointment and a PTSD episode, the walls of his family and love did not back away or fall over.  We stood firm, we stood with him and it is clear that we have all come through it stronger, with a much deeper connection. 

The other wonderful thing is friends who are also adoptive parents who have gone through a lot with their daughter, heard our need for support.  They came with open ears and liquid comfort. It was nice on so many levels to feel understood, cared about and also to have people come over and love on our children when we ourselves needed a recharge.

For now we are enjoying the time as a family during the summer.  Because I am a teacher I have shifted into the role of primary caregiver and the boys seem to be into this.  John also loves it because he has a lot more time to spend with our business. 

On Thursday we will leave for Kazapalooza, unfortunately without Dad along, but with Mimi and Grandaddy.  It should be fun, but as always our trips need to have lots of talks about coming home and that a hotel does not necessarily mean another transfer of families.  We are looking forward to seeing our fellow adopt parents. 

I am sure the trip will provide loads of entertainment and a much needed change of scenery.  For those of you who will be at KP we can't wait to see you.