There’s a saying that goes, “You are only as happy as your saddest child.” Well, that quote speaks volumes and is the reason why I have not been able to post anything in over a year. When your child is in pain, you are in pain and you can’t focus on anything but helping them get through their difficulties. But recently, things have begun to change for the better and my daughter has asked me to share this with you. To say we are proud of our baby girl, does not even begin to describe our feelings. We love you Amanda!
My Facebook Post: Thursday, June 1, 2023 10:20pm
I don’t normally post personal things on social media, but the one thing Amanda said to me today was, “I want to post my story because if it helps just one person, then I’m glad I did it.” So, to commemorate her graduation from GenPsych, the mental health program she has been in for the past two months, I want to help her inspire others as well.
Words cannot describe how challenging these past 18 months have been. With Amanda being in and out of treatment and hospitals, I felt helpless as a mother. Watching your child struggle is not only painful, it is heartbreaking.
As a family, we all felt the immense torment she was going through, which led to many tiring days and sleepless nights due to worry and fear. It was a constant rollercoaster of emotions but through it all, our love and support never wavered. I wish I could say it was because we knew she would get through this, but at one point, we felt stuck. We felt like she wasn’t making any progress, we were constantly going from place to place, and we were worried we were going to lose our baby girl.
We were simply unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel. And yet, we never gave up. Looking back, we realized the light was always there but it wasn’t at the end, it was within us. In order for her to get out of the tunnel, we needed to be the light guiding her through.
After 18 months, I am glad to say that we got our little girl back! We know that this is not the end because mental illness is an ongoing battle, but we also know that she is so much stronger than she ever was and can get through anything. If she could survive these past 18 months, she can survive anything!
Amanda, we all love you so much and life would never be the same if you weren’t here with us. You are constantly making me laugh and teaching me new things. You are so unbelievably kind-hearted and never question putting someone else’s needs above your own. You have so much life left to live and I am so proud to call myself your mother! I love you so much, Amanda and I am so glad you didn’t let these 18 months destroy you!
I am so proud to share her post explaining her story and what she has learned throughout this battle.
Amanda’s Instagram/Facebook Post:
Dear Lisa and Amanda:
This is absolutely a breathtaking and inspiring post! Thank you both for your example and the hope it instills. And what a testimony to what can lie behind motherhood and daughterhood! Beautiful, but also tough as nails!
Thank you Leslie!
Lisa and Amanda. You have both been through such a long journey. As a psychologist who has worked with clients with eating disorders, I truly understand how hard it is. Amanda, congratulations on your progress. You should be proud. And Lisa, thank you for sharing your daughter’s amazing story. I with you both continued success.
Thank you Pat! We are so proud of her. Her strength amazes us every day!
Thank you for sharing this. It is very true, you never know what someone else is going through. Amanda, you are an amazing person!! Sending love to you and your family. ❤️
Thanks Anne!