Yesterday I posted a picture of my lovely daughter. Of course being her mother I think she is stunning beautiful, but what you don't know is her struggle.
When she was just 10 years old we lost my mom, her grandmother. She was very close to her and it was a real blow. This caused depression and anxiety which prompted an OCD called Trichotillomania. This is a type of OCD that causes the person to pull out their hair. It can be eyelashes, eyebrows, body hair and hair.
In addition she had ADD. I am not one to relay on this label so I made sure that the diagnosis of ADD was real and not just a fall back excuse for bad grades. The treatment for ADD prompted her to pull even more and by the end of 5th grade she was bald accept for a small patch on the back of her head and no eyelashes. My sweet little girl was suffering.
She didn't let it get her down and still made a few friends, but many pulled away from her. She was left out many times by the kids at school. We wrapped her with love at home, and made it safe for her.
What made it worse was she had to enter into Jr High School wearing a scarf every day. You all know how hard girls are in Jr. High. They are looking for someone to pick on. I told her to stand tall and be strong and she did.
Soon they made a non-stimulant pill for ADD and her hair pulling started to ease. Soon little sprouts of hair started to grow and her eyelashes came back long and lush. Her hair was soon long and she had survived Jr High.
By the end of Jr. High she was like any other normal girl. She had tons of friends and a smart wit. She blossomed into the beautiful girl she is.
But one thing was different. She had a strength and understanding of others. She could see someones pain and was compassionate. She still struggles with this when she is under pressure, but she is controlling it.
I think so many times we see people and think we know their story. Not so. Many others have stories similar to my daughters. But those stories are what makes us who we are. They shape how we view ourselves and others. It forms who we are and how we treat others.
We all should treat others with care, and compassion, because really, you don't know what their story might be.
She's a beautiful girl. And thank you for giving her the loving care she needed. While no parent wants their child to struggle, the things she endured have only made her stronger.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your daughter's story with us. Yes the medication may have helped on a physical level, but it sounds to me like it was the encouragement and unconditional family love that has made her the beautiful person she is today. xo
ReplyDeleteShe's beautiful Libby, and so are you!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear of her struggles, but it sounds like she came through the other end stronger than most people. Congrats to her and to you, as her mom, keeping her safe and strong.
ReplyDeleteLibby, thank you for sharing the story of your daughter's struggles - I am happy to hear that she is such a strong person today after having enduring so much. You are a wonderful Mom! Happy belated b-day to your daughter!!
ReplyDeleteFirst, your daughter is gorgeous! And secondly, I'm so happy to read her story -- will email you.
ReplyDeleteI hopped over to catch up on Bead Soup exchanges and saw this post. What a moving story about strength and survival. Your daughter is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteShe is gorgeous! As a middle school resource teacher who deals with many problems like you have described, your daughter's story gave me chills and hope for those who suffer so as young teens. What a special girl you have :o)
ReplyDeleteMaryAnn