Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Mental illness is the only illness that has an age limit for care: By Leisl Stoufer


Like Cody, at age 17 our son was in recovery due to early interventions and treatment that worked; plus supports and resources! 10 years later, we're surviving the broken system nightmare due to his rights to say no and a serious condition called anosognosia!" gg
original (3)

One Year Away: A Mother’s Fear

By Leisl Stoufer


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Today is his birthday and just like every kid on their birthday, Cody is excited.  He is growing up  and he knows he is  just one year away from the magical age of eighteen.  Eighteen. When Cody thinks about eighteen, he sees independence and the  freedom to make his own choices. He sees nothing but promise as he imagines the possibilities for his future.  Today he’s just one year away. For Cody this is a very happy day.

Today our son, Cody, turned seventeen.  Seventeen.
I wish I felt the same.
On one hand I do.  I  see promise.  For the first time in several years, Cody is doing well in school, he has started a part-time job so he is gaining work experience, and he is considering what life will look like after high school.  Cody is thriving. There is definitely promise.
But on the other hand, I feel dread.  Fear rises in my chest and tears sting my eyes.  I am scared. I am sad. I am angry.
Today we are one year away.  This is it.  We are running out of time.
Cody suffers from mental illness.