In an appreciated act of kindness and concern, one of her birth brothers called me to let me know that she was safe and asked to hear my version of the incident. Abbie and I then exchanged some pretty angry emails, in which she threatened to run away again if she was forced to return. I promptly notified our local police of her whereabouts, via a voicemail message on the reporting officer's telephone but I haven't heard anything back from them so I will follow-up tomorrow.
She and I didn't communicate for several days after the angry emails, and I think it was good that we both had the time to simmer down. On Saturday she called me and was very excited to tell me that she'd just finished a 7 and a half-hour shift as a car-hop at Sonic, and she'd made over 30 dollars in tips! I congratulated her on her resourcefulness and told her we'd talk more later as I was attending an AA/Al-Anon convention down the mountain.
The trip to the convention gave me lots of time to discuss this situation further with my sponsor and I have been leaning towards letting her stay in Oklahoma, however, I will meet with my counselor this coming week to also seek her input. Additionally, I have been in contact with Abbie's Life Coach and she and I are going to have a telephone appointment on Thursday, to discuss the possibility of Abbie staying there, with continued telephone support, including goal setting, from the Life Coach. It could work and it may be the healthiest solution for our family at this time.
With only Tam and I here, it is very peaceful and that is the upside of this difficult situation.
Again, I am a very grateful Al-Anon member as I know my reaction to this ordeal would have been significantly worse, without this incredible program. The inspirational speakers at Saturday's convention were just what the doctor ordered for this frazzled Mom! I couldn't have a better sponsor either! Her insight is an incredible blessing!
All considered, it was a good weekend!
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I'm glad that she is safe and doing something that excites her. This may be God's way of putting her where she needs to be for now and giving you the serenity that you need as well. Glad that the convention went well. Nothing like being surrounded by a bunch of people practicing the program.
ReplyDeleteWell i'm glad you know she is safe. Kids can cause serious heartache. Ugh.
ReplyDeletethat kid !!!
ReplyDeletedoesnt she just give you a run for yur money- sheez- how do you stay sane Lisa ??
groan xx
You know, I think the best thing to do at this point is let her stay in O and find out for herself that earning $2 plus something dollars an hour just isn't going to do it. Plus, it sounds as if you guys need a break from each other, give yourselves time to get rid of the anger and maybe develop some trust thru other means of communication. Just saying.
ReplyDeleteI am glad, for whatever reasons, and in God's hands, you had a relaxing weekend!!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you know where she is. I am hoping for the best possible outcome!
ReplyDeleteSounds as though you are handling this well. I guess as well as possible! Keeping you guys in thoughts and prayers!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are doing the very best you can. I hear you in your thanks for our program. Keep on keeping on....its all we can do.
ReplyDeleteHi. I noticed you were on the list for the Louisville meetup next year. I plan on attending, too.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about your daughter! I just read the whole story and I can't imagine how you are feeling.
btw, I worked at Sonic a few years ago. its not that bad but she will soon find there is a lot more.
wow, 30 bucks. I didn't know she was adopted, what an ungrateful little...
ReplyDeletewell here is to you and your sanity my friend, hang in there you deserve the piece and serenity these moments can bring.
I have been through some similar trials through the years with my brood. I have five children. So I am glad to hear that you have help to pull through this trying time.
ReplyDeleteThank you for following my blogsite. You definitely have a scarier story than my hairdresser today. Her daughter is being a real rebel. I am impressed with how your keeping your sanity. I also added you (follower) to keep track of how things go. I will say a prayer for you.
ReplyDeleteAt least she's safe.
ReplyDeleteThanks for updating us, L.
XOXOX
Big hugs.
Yep, Clarksville, Tn! How neat! We def. have to meet up when you go there! I live in brandenburg, KY which is about 2 1/2 hours from Clarksville,TN.
ReplyDeleteWow.
ReplyDeleteSomeone once suggested that I join Al-Anon. Many many years ago. I did not do it.
I am suffering the consequences. I hope these children find a way to thrive.
Perhaps with a little prolonged exposure to her, that family may be ready & willing to send her back. As you know, you can't control it. Say your serenity prayer, and enjoy the quiet!
ReplyDeleteAnd I thought the Rie-man was a handful....ha!
ReplyDeleteRest while you can - smile... Maybe this is what you both need for now. Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI am praying for our daughters.... they have so much to learn. I'm so glad you are getting some hope and serenity through all of this. Thanks for stopping by! :)
ReplyDeleteTo say my jaw dropped was an understatement. Never did I imagine they would make it that far. Not to get the pot boiling but how DARE they help her. At least one of them had the decency to call and inform you that YOUR child was thousands of miles away. I'm glad you know she's safe.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Jamie
It sounds as if you've done well in moving forward with yourself, and her. I'm grateful that you've been told where she is -- why wouldn't them have immediately? ugh, or at least let police know, something. One day, one step at a time. Prayers for you, and yes, for her, too.
ReplyDeleteyou are so awesome i have an award for you over at my blog, come check it out.
ReplyDeletei'm really glad that a resolution is on the horizon. i can ONLY imagine just how stressed you are about this whole thing.
ReplyDeletebig hugs, darling xo
You have handled well and I am glad both of you are safe. it sounds like you detach with love - something which I found very difficult and admittingly not always handle well. The differnce for me is now that I dont pressure myself anymore for not doing everything right all the time. I am not perfect and I love that. Paula xx
ReplyDeleteYou've been in my thoughts and I hope you'll continue to get the support you need to get through this.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a great network of supportive people to rely on.
I'm glad she's okay and someone called you to let you know. She'll soon wear out her welcome back there.
ReplyDelete