It’s been five months since we learned about Allison’s eating disorder. And in that short period of time, I feel like our family has gone through the many stages of a crisis. Our life is now back to a “new normal”.Allison is doing well. We celebrated her graduation from high school with such joy! I remember at one of my bleakest moments when she was first admitted to the in-house facility, just praying she would be well enough to graduate with her class. And that she did…

Allison works everyday at her recovery process and I have such respect for what it takes her to stay focused and maintain as she has been able. And she has had her challenges. It takes hard work and such a strong commitment on her part, something that would test anyone. We’re all learning the value of taking one day at a time in terms of supporting her. It has been through our family therapy sessions where I have learned the most. We are blessed to have found two amazing therapists who specialize in this disorder AND who so powerfully moves each of us through the process of recovery, which both have clearly explained we are all in TOGETHER. In our case, family therapy has provided such value and support. (I am indebted to our current therapists, LHP and ST).

In my first paragraph I described a “new normal”. And what I mean by that is I know logically life is a roller coaster of events, of which crisis is a part of the ride. But honestly before this experience I had not gone through something of this magnitude. We’ll never be able to go back to our “old normal”. But this experience has given our family the opportunity to grow in ways we could not have before. I believe it has made us stronger and more resilient.

Going through life crises are wake-up calls; reminders that force us to re-evaluate what and who are most important to us. It helps us to stop long enough to ask if we are living our life as authentically and purposefully as we hope to. My life feels fuller than it ever has. I am humbled by the experience and mindfully aware of all I am grateful for. I will appreciate and assimilate into my “new normal” until the next crisis presents itself.

7/25/07 – Susan L Reid of Alkamae Blog
A new normal–I like that. It speaks of courage to face the day, strength of conviction, and the sureness of change.

New normals happen every day, if we are honest with ourselves. Each day is a new normal day requiring a full taking in and integration of what has gone on before.

I like the idea of waking each morning and saying to myself, “this is my new normal day!”

9/12/07 – Moschel
Hi Carol:
You are so brave and thank you for sharing your experiences. As you know, I’ve just sent my three off to school, and reading your posts made me think of the past 18-year-roller coaster ride we’ve all been on together. It’s great to have your support through all of this!
Take care, Moschel

10/13/07 – Hick
I was referred to you by Coach Cassandra. I have a 17 year old daughter that was diagnosed with anorexia about 2 years ago. Every day is a new day and it can sometimes be a rollercoaster. Thank you for your honesty and frankness in your blog. I agree 100% with your comment about this disease giving the whole family a chance to grow. With God’s grace we deal with this issue every day.

Again, thank you.