My daughter

My youngest child, my daughter Elisa (L- eesa), was diagnosed with bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder when she was 16 and in high school. Today she is 25 and over the years has adapted her life because of this condition. From a young child she grew up being bright, clever, full of life, inquisitive, animated,  talented and appreciative of her life. After the diagnosis over 8 years ago she went on to finish high school, started higher learning at Nyack College in New York and completed her BA at Kutztown University where she graduated last December. The road has not always been smooth and she had very trying times in the past. Yet she continued to grow, learn and improve. Her last hospital stay was back in Aug. 2006 and she feel deeper than she had ever fallen before. Highly manic, highly depressed. She recovered and went on to do well for these last two years. Gaining more coping skills, managing her meds and staying true to therapy and medical follow up. She recently began working as a para professional for our local high school working with autistic students. She really finds the work rewarding. 

My daughter is a joy, some of you have met her and know how much she appreciates this WLS family of mine/ours'. Elisa donated a piece of art at our Spring PA Pilgrimage this past May. It was a before/after depiction of a woman that really represents all of us.

This past Monday Elisa had another hard time and it's brought her back to the depths. I spent many hours with her last night at a local hospital and watched as they transported her late last night to another facility for inpatient care. A facility that can help her regain her stability. I went to that facility very late last night but of course they would not divulge her presence or status to me.
I was allowed to leave a note.

I love my daughter and I want each of you to love her too. Please think of my Elisa today as she struggles to find her way back.     

Dennis

Dennis,

This post broke my heart, as I know yours is breaking too.  Know that I love you and love your daughter.  I have not met her, but have heard you on the phone w/ her on multiple occassions and your bond is very obvious.

With the right help and the support I know she receives from you and the family, I have no doubt that this too will pass.

Please let me know if you need anything, and you know you can call anytime for any reason.  My cell is among the missing right now....but home is 732-495-3969 and if you need an ear in the middle of the night I will be working tonight, thurs, and fri night 11p-7a and my work phone is 732-739-5924 just ask for me. 

Pam

Dennis,thought s,hugs &prayers to Elisa & your family.My husband suffers from severe depression also.It's  a tough world for them.Your daughter is blessed to have such a kindloving man for her dad.Best wishes to you both

Dennis,
I know how it hurts a parent when a child is not well - either physically or mentally. It is a 
tough world out there and she has done some amazing things already. Will pray that she can
get through this tough time also and keep moving forward.
Will pray for Elisa and your family.
Tammy

Dennis - you, your daughter and your family are in my heart and prayers today.  Your post has brought me to tears.  I work at an inpatient facility every other weekend and see families torn apart, at-witts-end and in despair because of mental illnesses shared by other family members.  Please know, you are on my mind, as is Elisa and the staff of doctors and nurses who are caring for your daughter.

Dennis,

 

I know it is heartbreaking to be part of this downward spiral in your daughters life.  Please cherish the moments you have with her regardless of happy or sad.  She will always remember the support you showed and gave during these trying times.  My thoughts are with both of you and if she is anything like you, she will find her way back quickly and with a good footing.

Dennis she will learn something from each set back to help her along and to help her stay on track longer next time. I am so sorry but I am glad she is in care. I will think of her and you.

Dennis - many, many thoughts and prayers coming your way for you and your family...

Kathy

Dennis, it goes without saying that your daughter and your entire family are in the prayers of many!

Stay strong and focus on the light at the end of the tunel, because Lord knows it's always there.

Oh my goodness!  What a sweet post.  Thank you so much for sharing this (and her) with us.  She sounds amazing.  She also is fortunate to have YOU :)  God Bless.  I'll be thinking of her and her family.