Paradise: More than just the beaches

Don't get me wrong, the beaches are nice too.

For over two years now I've tried to be an advocate for my child. I failed. I was a horrible advocate. I couldn't get anyone to listen to me. I watched my kids struggle and suffer, both mentally and physically and no one would listen. I tried. I really did. At some point I gave up. I was obviously wrong and didn't know what I was doing. Inside I was screaming. Red flags were going up everywhere. I was dismissed, ignored, laughed at. It was probably the most painful experience of my life. I watched my kids slipping with nothing that I could do.

I've been in Paradise for a month now and have asked for nothing from doctors and educators. Nothing. Instead they've brought it to me.

"Why is your oldest son taking less of the same medication than your son two years younger?"
"I don't know. I tried to get them to adjust it but they said I was wrong."

"Why is your daughter taking a medication that is going to lead to antibiotic resistance?"
"I don't know. I asked and they said it was necessary."

"Why didn't they refer your son for a cardiologist when he began clutching his chest while playing soccer?"
"I don't know. They just shrugged their shoulders."

"Why did no one follow up with this?"
"I don't know. I asked and no one would do anything."

"Your son is really struggling academically. Do you have any suggestions?"
"No. The school never made a plan for him. They implied that we should be more patient."

"We'll schedule a meeting the first week of school to discuss the academic plan for your daughter."
"A meeting? I get a meeting?"

"Are you familiar with EMDR?"
<Sobs of joy.>

This is only a few of the conversations I've had since we've been here. I don't mean to disparage the education system and the medical community in Idaho. I know there are fabulous people everywhere, I simply just never found the assistance when we lived there. That might be my fault. I don't know. That doesn't matter. What matters is we're getting what we need now.

For the first time since I've entered the world of older child adoption I feel like I have professionals on my side have tremendous experience and understanding. I don't have to fight anymore. I can trust the people that care for my child. I can be a mother. I've found paradise.