A Meeting At Home

We had the Bishop come over last night. I had been wanting to talk with him for a while now and he was visiting a member in the next town over from us so he said he would call in to speak with us. I mostly wanted to speak with him about Brodie but we spoke about a lot of things. I think I really needed to hear what he had to say.

I don't know if I have mentioned all of the things Brodie has been up to of late. Taking off for hours at a time (but he has cut back on that a lot) which is why we got his phone activated. On most days we are walking on eggshells hoping and praying that he does not explode at us. His aggression and violence is becoming more frequent. Only the other day he got angry at Mark for speaking to him and threatening to take a knife to him. And as if on cue while the Bishop was here he got angry and swore and took off on us. Before Brodie took off outside (this was at 10 O'clock at night) he said we were lucky that the Bishop was here or it would've been much worse. In a small way I was glad that he 'exploded' a little in front of the Bishop so that he could see what Brodie could be like as he doesn't get to see that side of him at Church.

The Bishop doesn't know a lot about Aspergers Syndrome so I have let him borrow a book that I bought a while back so that he can find out more about it. I hadn't finished reading it all myself but I thought that the Bishop would be able to get something out of it that may help us that I hadn't thought of or something.

Bishop did say he wasn't sure what he could do for us as yet as he is no expert in this sort of thing. Mark and I both said that we understood that but at least he will be able to point us in the right direction. Especially in one where we have like minded people with the same ideals that will help us spiritually as well as in support for both Mark & I and the boys.

Bishop also asked about Angus. Wanting to know how he is feeling and coping. So we told him about how well Angus is doing at school ad the plans that we have made for him for next year when he starts High School. He too thought it was a good idea to have the boys going to separate schools. He was kind of surprised that Angus will be going into High School next year. I tell you what so am I (surprised that is) - he is growing up to fast!
It makes me feel that we are doing the right things for him especially with the decision about school and the fact that he is playing a sport that he loves. He is so keen to play again next year and this years season isn't even over yet.

So by the time the Bishop left we had a few ideas on what we could do to help ALL of us. Like making sure we read scriptures daily (it is so easy to fall into the habit of not doing it regularly), doing FHE each week - Bishop suggested that we do the seminary manual at least that way I wont have to nag Brodie to do it, we will all benefit from it and it will help Angus in the long run in preparation for when he has to start in a little over 2 years time. Hopefully soon we will be able to talk with LDS Social Services again and see what help they will be. I know that it will help its just a matter of when we get to see them.

I must admit I felt a whole lot better sharing everything with the Bishop. He is such a wonderful man to talk with and he listens to everything we have to say. He is just the best!

A Testing Time!!

Today it was just the boys and I at church. Mark was really sore and didn't feel up to going. The little dude was in such a mood that he didn't want to go to his primary class but that was a too bad because I had no intention of leaving early I needed to stay. I needed to be with the sisters and to get that spiritual top up that I knew I needed.

I tell you I am not happy with the big fella though. He can be so reverent when passing out the sacrament that it's almost like he is a different child but afterwards during Sunday school it was another story. He was so loud, obnoxious and he was talking about things that were just NOT appropriate at church or anywhere else for that matter. One of the Bishopric left our Sunday school class and had to talk to him. He was right outside the chapel where my class is held. When class was over I quickly & quietly went and told him that he was awfully loud and that I did not appreciate being in my lesson only to hear his voice booming over the teachers. He apologised but he still wasn't as quiet as he could be.

Then tonight during scriptures he gets up from the table, said something to Mark. I can't even remember what he said to him either. But he said he was running away. I thought he was just after some attention because any attention is better than none at all right? I said to him come on lets just finish reading scriptures and we can talk afterwards. He went off to his room anyway and packed his backpack. I tried to explain to him that it isn't a good idea to leave especially since he needs to take his meds on a regular basis and that if he didn't he would end up having seizures. He went outside and since we only had a couple of verses left we completed reading the scriptures. However on his way out he said you may as well call the police. It was like he was daring me to phone them. By the time I got outside to check on the big fella he was gone!! I had a look down the street and didn't see him. I got in the car and checked a few places where I thought he might go. I came back and checked with a neighbour and they said they saw him walking towards the shops. I get back into the car and continue looking for him this time taking the little dude with me because it was dark and I can't see a thing when I am driving at night. Well I can but I can't see as well as I would like!! We couldn't find him!! I was beginning to wonder if I did the right thing in just looking for him and not contacting the police. The little dude and I came home and I was looking for the phone number for the police station when the big fella walked through the door like nothing had happened. He said you came looking for me but didn't see me. It was dark and there are plenty of shadows for him to hide in!

I honestly still don't know what to do with this boy!! He is sorely testing me and I am failing miserably where he is concerned! I have fasted and prayed and I still am not any closer in know what I can do to make sure he does the right thing.

We have an appointment with GCAMHS in the morning. It was meant to be just for the big fella but I need to tell Cate that the big fella has been suspended from school, she doesn't know about this suspension for pushing the teacher. And I will have to tell her about tonight's escapade.

I know that life isn't meant to be easy but I didn't think it was meant to be this difficult either. I know that Heavenly Father wouldn't make me endure something that I couldn't handle but I honestly don't know if I can cope much longer.

Sorry to drop this all onto you but I need to share. I also need to let you know that Lesley (RS President) spoke to the Bishop for me about getting a referral for a Church Psychologist. She said that the Bishop is working on it. I do hope that we are able to arrange a meeting with him or her soon.

Oh and to top it off I had to re-install windows it wouldn't start up for Mark while I was at church and he tried to repair it before I got home without success. But YAY it's working now I just have to put everything back on it. I am so glad that I backed up some stuff. Too bad I didn't back ALL