You made me cry :)

[Guest guest]

I thank each of you that answered my post " struggling with questions. " I

cried as I read each reply because was so happy to hear that I am not alone.

Thank you so much. I can see that I have alot to learn, but knowing that I

have a place to turn makes the journey seem bearable.

Allow me to introduce myself OFFICIALLY. My name is Ginger. I live in the

Piney Woods of East Texas, about 1 1/2 hours from Houston. I have been

married 18 years and we have a son 12, and a daughter 10. I go to school at

night, working toward my B.S. degree, and I am the president of our small

homeschool group, homeschooling my 2 during the day. We've been

homeschooling about 5 years. For those of you in a big city, let me say

that the schools here leave alot to be desired. You can see that our

decision to homeschool came long before I ever heard of a thing called OCD.

However, looking back (and being ashamed of it) I can remember when he was 2

and 3. He always flapped his hands when he talked. When we would hold his

hands he couldn't speak! We were amazed! What a neat trick!

My son will have his OCD diagnosed once we find a psychiatrist. (now I know

what questions to ask!) I think I intimadated the psychologist because I

insisted on an OCD doc that specializes in child. (learned that from reading

the posts) Of course, he knew the one he had in mind wouldn't met my

standards and he suggested I make some calls myself. I am sure that Houston

has some of the best doctors, I just need to track them down.

We began this journey almost 1 year ago. (after the Columbine school

shootings) My son came to me, terrified that he was going to kill us all.

I was flabbergasted! He said he didn't want to kill us and certainly hoped

he didn't. I agreed....and made an appointment the next morning!! This

revelation lead to more little secrets, although none as shocking. I

learned that he wasn't selfish, but couldn't share his food because it would

be " uneven. " He wasn't ignoring me, but couldn't answere because he was

waiting until his tongue finished its " game. " I have learned so much these

past 12 months, but understand so little. However, I am a teacher and I am

a student. I am determined to understand what I can, change what I can, and

let the inexplicable lie as it may.

Thanks again for all your words and suggestions. I have printed each

response and have started keeping a binder for reference. I felt like Sally

Fields tonight, crying.... " you (are) like me, you (are) really like me!! "

[Guest guest]

Ginger,

I don't know you, but I have so pride for you. You are so dedicated to find

answers! I too have started a binder and am gathering all the information I

can. You have a lot of work in your day with homeschooling and all! I get away

from home to my job. My head never clears though! This list has given me so

much hope for my daughter (16 yrs). She was diagnosed about 8 months ago. We

are on our 3rd medicine. Right now school is our biggest obstacle! We must all

pray for each other and think of all of us that are going through this!!!

Nice to meet you and continue the good fight.

Lori-California