tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post7539800581246411844..comments2023-05-21T05:02:14.379-04:00Comments on Three Little Bees!: Time and Love Are Not Always EnoughSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08935757091952994294noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-11932867948558304382013-05-28T15:45:33.925-04:002013-05-28T15:45:33.925-04:00I have been following your blog for awhile now and...I have been following your blog for awhile now and absolutely have fallen in love :) Your family is beautiful!I found the blog when Anna Robinson linked to your site. I actually went to school with Anna and church with her family :) <br /><br />I am also dealing with a child with pretty severe anxiety. I have no idea really where to start...if you get a free second...would you mind emailing me some of the stuff you tried first before the meds? And maybe what meds you ended up using? I really want to help my son feel better and happier in life...thanks so much! therankfive@yahoo.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-34616532026510924922013-05-27T14:49:32.032-04:002013-05-27T14:49:32.032-04:00Hi, I have been a follower of your blog for a long...Hi, I have been a follower of your blog for a long time, and have been so blessed by it! I just want to affirm you in your well-considered decision to try medication to help Zoya. I was a child who, from the age of 12, suffered from severe depression. Not until 15 years later and after several nightmarish episodes of anxiety-ridden major depression was I willing to consider taking medication. By then I had two small children to think of. My doctor, a believer, had to reason with me. "If you were diabetic, would you take insulin? If you had high blood pressure, would you take something to treat that? Your body doesn't make enough of this stuff, and this medication can provide it." I still remember the day the medication "kicked in", and I experienced "normal" for the first time in years. It literally saved my life. God made our bodies to function chemically, but we live on a broken, fallen planet. Whether through genetics or early trauma, sometimes our bodies can't provide what we need to regulate our minds and emotions. The fact that psychotropic meds are overprescribed does NOT negate the fact that for those who truly need them, they can be life-saving! We now have six children, and the family genetic load has shown up in two so far. I was so glad to be able to save them the anguish I experienced as a teen and young adult by getting them the treatment they needed. The same God who enabled us to discover penicillin and digitalis Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-40245525397125262402013-05-27T14:48:46.734-04:002013-05-27T14:48:46.734-04:00Hi, I have been a follower of your blog for a long...Hi, I have been a follower of your blog for a long time, and have been so blessed by it! I just want to affirm you in your well-considered decision to try medication to help Zoya. I was a child who, from the age of 12, suffered from severe depression. Not until 15 years later and after several nightmarish episodes of anxiety-ridden major depression was I willing to consider taking medication. By then I had two small children to think of. My doctor, a believer, had to reason with me. "If you were diabetic, would you take insulin? If you had high blood pressure, would you take something to treat that? Your body doesn't make enough of this stuff, and this medication can provide it." I still remember the day the medication "kicked in", and I experienced "normal" for the first time in years. It literally saved my life. God made our bodies to function chemically, but we live on a broken, fallen planet. Whether through genetics or early trauma, sometimes our bodies can't provide what we need to regulate our minds and emotions. The fact that psychotropic meds are overprescribed does NOT negate the fact that for those who truly need them, they can be life-saving! We now have six children, and the family genetic load has shown up in two so far. I was so glad to be able to save them the anguish I experienced as a teen and young adult by getting them the treatment they needed. The same God who enabled us to discover penicillin and digitalis Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-70365661883954389992013-05-27T14:47:11.655-04:002013-05-27T14:47:11.655-04:00Hi, I have been a follower of your blog for a long...Hi, I have been a follower of your blog for a long time, and have been so blessed by it! I just want to affirm you in your well-considered decision to try medication to help Zoya. I was a child who, from the age of 12, suffered from severe depression. Not until 15 years later and after several nightmarish episodes of anxiety-ridden major depression was I willing to consider taking medication. By then I had two small children to think of. My doctor, a believer, had to reason with me. "If you were diabetic, would you take insulin? If you had high blood pressure, would you take something to treat that? Your body doesn't make enough of this stuff, and this medication can provide it." I still remember the day the medication "kicked in", and I experienced "normal" for the first time in years. It literally saved my life. God made our bodies to function chemically, but we live on a broken, fallen planet. Whether through genetics or early trauma, sometimes our bodies can't provide what we need to regulate our minds and emotions. The fact that psychotropic meds are overprescribed does NOT negate the fact that for those who truly need them, they can be life-saving! We now have six children, and the family genetic load has shown up in two so far. I was so glad to be able to save them the anguish I experienced as a teen and young adult by getting them the treatment they needed. The same God who enabled us to discover penicillin and digitalis Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-6016517109356337092013-05-24T21:25:56.732-04:002013-05-24T21:25:56.732-04:00Sarah, from day one you have devoted your life to ...Sarah, from day one you have devoted your life to helping that sweet angel and what you are doing now is NO different! Only you and Shawn know what is happening to your little girl on a daily basis and because I know you I know that you are doing the very best for Zoya! Keep going. Eleven and Heavenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12328695501052954179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-47464577265067119682013-05-24T13:05:21.392-04:002013-05-24T13:05:21.392-04:00I have followed your blog for a long time, with jo...I have followed your blog for a long time, with joy. I want to applaud you now for doing what is necessary to help Zoya. I was a child who, from the age of 12, suffered with severe depression, but being a child I just thought it was normal, I guess. It worsened in my early twenties when my new husband and I were doing short-term mission work in Great Britain. I had three major episodes of hellish depression before I discovered, through a Christian counselor, that my depression was treatable. I still remember the day that the medication "kicked in", and I experienced "normal" for the first time in years. Did it solve all my problems? Of course not. What it did do was restore my ability to function without paralyzing despair. Had I not experienced this myself, I probably would have been one of the loudest voices saying that a Christian shouldn't need medication to function. My doctor had to remind me, early on, that as Christians we don't deny insulin to the diabetic, or blood pressure medication to those with hypertension. God created our bodies to function through chemical processes, but we live on a fallen planet, and many things in our bodies can malfunction and be passed on through the generations (or be set off by early trauma). I thank God that he has enabled men to discover ways to treat not only physical abnormalities, but also emotional and mental ones. I am a mom of six, and the family genetic load has manifested in a couple of our children. How glad I was that I could spare them the years of untreated misery that I had experienced by treating their depression early! The fact that psychotropic medications are overused in our society does NOT negate the fact that they can be life-saving for those who truly need them. As one who has "been there", I support your decision and pray that God will continue to give you wisdom as you parent Zoya and her two sweet sisters.Shelleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10050793891298306183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-40172642412797357152013-05-24T13:04:09.428-04:002013-05-24T13:04:09.428-04:00I have followed your blog for a long time, with jo...I have followed your blog for a long time, with joy. I want to applaud you now for doing what is necessary to help Zoya. I was a child who, from the age of 12, suffered with severe depression, but being a child I just thought it was normal, I guess. It worsened in my early twenties when my new husband and I were doing short-term mission work in Great Britain. I had three major episodes of hellish depression before I discovered, through a Christian counselor, that my depression was treatable. I still remember the day that the medication "kicked in", and I experienced "normal" for the first time in years. Did it solve all my problems? Of course not. What it did do was restore my ability to function without paralyzing despair. Had I not experienced this myself, I probably would have been one of the loudest voices saying that a Christian shouldn't need medication to function. My doctor had to remind me, early on, that as Christians we don't deny insulin to the diabetic, or blood pressure medication to those with hypertension. God created our bodies to function through chemical processes, but we live on a fallen planet, and many things in our bodies can malfunction and be passed on through the generations (or be set off by early trauma). I thank God that he has enabled men to discover ways to treat not only physical abnormalities, but also emotional and mental ones. I am a mom of six, and the family genetic load has manifested in a couple of our children. How glad I was that I could spare them the years of untreated misery that I had experienced by treating their depression early! The fact that psychotropic medications are overused in our society does NOT negate the fact that they can be life-saving for those who truly need them. As one who has "been there", I support your decision and pray that God will continue to give you wisdom as you parent Zoya and her two sweet sisters.Shelleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10050793891298306183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-83526164974181424302013-05-23T22:30:00.885-04:002013-05-23T22:30:00.885-04:00I have suffered anxiety since my 20s. It is a dif...I have suffered anxiety since my 20s. It is a difficult path. No one knows how horrible it is until they go through it. I too am on a small dose of medication. I still have to do other things to work on it too, but the medication allows me to function. I have raised a beautiful family, tutored many children and been happy for the most part. Zoya is a beautiful little girl and if the medication allows her to live more fully, God bless her. You are amazing parents. Lisa L.https://www.blogger.com/profile/02597465904895958385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-77116393299405255232013-05-23T21:33:08.978-04:002013-05-23T21:33:08.978-04:00Thank you for this post. I struggled with starting...Thank you for this post. I struggled with starting my son on seizure medication- still do. I'm thankful for the med that benefits him, but still worried about the long term effects. That's when we really have to give them to God, again and again. Thank you for your blog. Love it.brokenvesselhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12816610360826945545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-38525556400149051472013-05-23T17:10:07.809-04:002013-05-23T17:10:07.809-04:00I guess I'm a blog stalker- I've been read...I guess I'm a blog stalker- I've been reading your blog for a while and find inspiration in the love you have for your girls, the care you take with them, and the joy you find in them. I have two of my own who I adore- but they also make me crazy some days! You have bravely talked about issues of adoption, DS, nutrition- and now this. I absolutely think that as Zoya's parents you know what is best for her- and you're already seeing the wonderful difference in making the hard choice of putting her on meds. While I understand your desire not to medicate your kids unnecessarily- it sounds like this choice is letting your daughter's personality and her enjoyment of life blossom- so it's the right choice for her in this momment. Thank you for sharing your family- the challenges and the blessings. Prayers for you and your family- and hugs to your beautiful and lively girls.Lindsayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312240304160737260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-42123733515810951872013-05-23T16:26:26.634-04:002013-05-23T16:26:26.634-04:00Zoya is so very lucky to have such wonderful paren...Zoya is so very lucky to have such wonderful parents to advocate for her! So happy that you have been able to help Zoya begin to enjoy life with less anxiety:) You are all so very blessed to have each other............<br /><br />Susan from BostonSusanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01680435831956681078noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-2664146693881326742013-05-23T12:34:08.091-04:002013-05-23T12:34:08.091-04:00I continue to praise God for sending just the righ...I continue to praise God for sending just the right parents for all of your girls! He knows you will always choose what is best for them! (((HUGS)))Anne B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/10565271132152762843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-15093730092287746192013-05-23T10:38:54.482-04:002013-05-23T10:38:54.482-04:00Congratulations on this next step you have found i...Congratulations on this next step you have found in order to help Zoya be all that she can be! From having read your words and seen the pictures of her on this journey, there is no doubt that you have explored every avenue out there before adding medication. Poor Zoya, makes my heart break to think of what she must have endured and how hard she has worked to overcome her anxiety issues since being home. Praying that this new path will be the next step for Zoya to continue to blossom into the awesome little girl that I see here on this blog.jmckemiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00576895435843000102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-7063288403571261582013-05-23T09:15:16.878-04:002013-05-23T09:15:16.878-04:00Sarah,
Your family is amazing! Thanks for sharing...Sarah,<br />Your family is amazing! Thanks for sharing the realities of life with children who were formerly institutionalized. My daughter Nina has been home 2.5 years from India, and like you, I knew her behaviors were not "typical". I have two older kids, 11 and 15, and while they too were adopted internationally, I never felt that same level of concern before adopting my youngest. We have just begun a trial of medication for ADD and it has made a world of difference in her life. You know your child best and will do what is best for her. I do love reading about your girls, they are adorable.<br />Carole Carolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16573297254410306335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-62851847804655293752013-05-23T08:09:07.853-04:002013-05-23T08:09:07.853-04:00I am so proud of you, Sarah! You are the best momm...I am so proud of you, Sarah! You are the best mommy and I am blessed to know you. Good job doing what's best for your babies.Katiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06807222294499642948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-11300711100673643422013-05-23T03:04:24.497-04:002013-05-23T03:04:24.497-04:00Aw, Sarah, I can hear your pain on behalf of sweet...Aw, Sarah, I can hear your pain on behalf of sweet Zoya in your words. I can imagine how hard it must be to see your child so distressed and anxious over things that to most of us, are no big deal. <br />It breaks my heart to read what you guys witnessed in the orphanage and I know it was only with God's help that you were able to hand Zoya over to them at the end of each visit!<br />I have said before in my comments how Zoya just touches my heart and makes me smile every time. There is just something about her and her precious spirit! <br />As her parents, you guys know what is best. Please continue to trust your good instincts because they have served all of your girls well!<br />And for what it's worth, I think you did what is best. If things change for her down the road and you all feel it's no longer needed, that's great but if not, let that be okay too! LoriLorihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06964592276498169295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-20945936310579947932013-05-23T01:32:55.398-04:002013-05-23T01:32:55.398-04:00I have read your blog since before you brought Zoy...I have read your blog since before you brought Zoya home. She is just precious and I am so glad that the medication has made her life better! Love reading about your girls and seeing the pictures. I prayed as you brought each one home and prayed for Mila during her surgeries. Love your blog!Denisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17405974293331899227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-55223586800289353442013-05-23T00:35:04.304-04:002013-05-23T00:35:04.304-04:00I'm so happy for you and your beautiful zoya t...I'm so happy for you and your beautiful zoya that you were able to find something to "take the edge off". Anxiety really can be debilitating. How wonderful that your sweet girl can now take a deep breath and just let go a little bit at a time.Jaimiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03813757609656165402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-2565888584573921192013-05-22T23:26:53.345-04:002013-05-22T23:26:53.345-04:00Well done, Mama - for recognizing the strength of ...Well done, Mama - for recognizing the strength of the problem, for trying whatever you could, and for admitting that it was beyond your capacity to heal. There are times when medication makes the difference - and for Zoya, as well as for the whole family, this seems to be the answer. Well Done.Ian & Rubyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02172198678278619934noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-64878290389793091942013-05-22T22:48:48.015-04:002013-05-22T22:48:48.015-04:00God bless you and Shawn as you work with therapist...God bless you and Shawn as you work with therapists and psychiatrist's to help your Zoya.<br />You wanted her to enjoy life and overcome her fears and you got help for her. I pray the day will come when this will all be behind you. Your 3 are beautiful girls. I love seeing their pictures and seeing them together. How sad that so many are left behind and will never know the love of family. You have 3 who know family, love and that there is a God who loves them. Keep up what you are doing and may God richly bless your family.dottiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00154198697379178065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-2936468373629904312013-05-22T22:32:24.600-04:002013-05-22T22:32:24.600-04:00I think you have done everything right as far as Z...I think you have done everything right as far as Zoya is concerned. No critic here. Precious girl dealt with so many things seen and unseen, and as you said, who knows what was already hard wired in her DNA from her birth family. It sounds as if you exhausted every avenue prior to turning to meds, and even if you hadn't, I would not be criticizing. Helping Zoya live her life without intense and paralyzing anxiety is exactly the right thing to do. Meds, no meds. There are some people who really just need the medicine intervention. If it means her life is more peaceful and happy, then God bless you for seeing that and doing what was necessary. Sorry. I am repeating myself over and over, but I just want to say Have Peace Momma. You have taken the best care of Zoya.Elissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16820054666138725935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-36726628047839384532013-05-22T22:27:31.211-04:002013-05-22T22:27:31.211-04:00Sarah and Shawn... you rock. Really you do. I kn...Sarah and Shawn... you rock. Really you do. I know exactly how you have felt and feel. I've been there and still am dealing with Harry's anxiety. But to see Zoya come alive and be able to live and function is so much better than letting her suffer through the anxiety.<br /><br />I can't even let my mind go there with what you have stated about the orphanage. :-(<br /><br />Everybody has their opinions, and remember that's all they are. You know your child. Be strong in your decisions knowing that you are doing everything possible for YOUR child. Bravo to you. <br /><br />Hugs<br />Wendy Wendy Talley, Portsmouth, VAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09148668809097558718noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-57095234221379223062013-05-22T22:15:11.698-04:002013-05-22T22:15:11.698-04:00I never comment on blogs, but I just wanted to say...I never comment on blogs, but I just wanted to say that I think it is great you found something that is helping! Anxiety medication has changed my life. I know from my own personal experience that it is not easy going on medication. I do not have children but I can imagine it is especially hard giving medication to your child. I hope you do not get any critcism on here, because you know Zoya best, she is your child, and you are doing what is right for her. Love the pictures, keep dancing Zoya xoxo Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08803706219512429960noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-35490393254973818782013-05-22T21:26:02.322-04:002013-05-22T21:26:02.322-04:00Good for you! If someone wants to put you down for...Good for you! If someone wants to put you down for helping Zoya then you should just delete the message! This is Zoya's story and in that story random blog readers are not the ones that can tell you what to do and what is best for her. <br />Im so happy for Zoya and for you. Im glad you decided that she could benefit from medication and that you have seen a positive outcome <br />littlelolahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05583748586353964302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691280826512919640.post-69286836182874975872013-05-22T20:53:53.681-04:002013-05-22T20:53:53.681-04:00I am so proud of the parenting you and Shawn have ...I am so proud of the parenting you and Shawn have done with all of your daughters. They are quite possibly the Most Loved Little Girls in the world! I congratulate you on stepping out of your comfort zone and trying a medication that has helped your Sweetie! I look forward to seeing her grow into a relaxed little girl. Hugs ~ JoJo's Cornerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07598582453797668103noreply@blogger.com