Hope

[mjgillard]

So I'm not sure on what authority I post this message...I've just managed to safely navigate adolescence myself as I'm about to turn 23 yrs old. I work at an outdoor therapeutic program for adolescent girls and have worked here for 14+ months. Most of our girls are diagnosed with ODD, some CD, many depression, ADHD, etc. These girls, aged 13-19 years of age, have spent the last one to three years of their short lives spiraling into a web of self destruction. Most struggle with drug dependencies, poor school attendance, encounters with the law, poor family relations. Many have been kicked out of multiple schools, deemed "unsaveable" by our public schools. Here at our residential facility something magical happens. They daily amaze me with their courage and persistance. Their stories of abuse, social rejection, loss of hope, these stories break my heart. But despite the multiple times they've been knocked to the ground, given another chance, they try again. Above all else, the thing that each girl regrets the most is the pain she has inflicted on her family. Despite the angry words, the physical altercations, these girls love their parents more than they love themselves on many occasions. So I encourage you to be patient, be persistent, and love your children with all of your heart. And as Dr. Bradley states in his book, they surprisingly do understand how much they need structure in their lives. While they may never tell you, I've had many a resident secretly express to me how proud she was the first time her parents held her accountable. I guess I just wish to encourage each of you to keep up the good fight.
Melissa Gillard