Sunday, September 14, 2008

Who Am I?

The reason I mainly talk about RAD on this blog is because I know how hard it is to find support as a mother. It is hard to find people who understand. There are times when it gets lonely. I worry though, that those of you who have been reading for awhile might over estimate the amount of time I actually think about RAD. I have said little about myself outside of it. So today I am talking about who Brenda is.

I grew up in Kansas City in a lower middle class family. We grew up going to church and having our faith an integral part of our lives. It was not something we just did at Easter and Christmas but something we were taught to live day by day. It continues to be the center of who I am.

I met my husband at a church in Kansas City while I was teaching first grade at a Christian School. We were married in 1984. Yup. 25 years in February! You know we have 5 children ranging in age from 13 to 23. Our two daughters are our biological children. They are our affirmation during hard times that we really do know how to be parents.

I am easy going, spontaneous and a love to be around people. I work out almost every day at our local Y. I have lost 35 lb on Weight Watchers but struggle every day with emotional eating. I love going out for coffee with friends, reading, email, and eating lunch out with my husband every Monday. I hate sports on tv. I love to watch my kids sports.

I am working on a Master's Degree in Counseling. I was afraid of going back after so long but find that fact that I stay home during the day a huge help in keeping up with the work load. I hope to eventually become an Attachment Therapist.

I can also be quiet and reflective and tend to over think things. That is why my husband is a great balance for me because he is logical. I am a feeler.

I love sappy Chick Flicks, girly type restaurants and getting dressed up. My favorite vacation of all time was a Caribbean Cruise my husband and I went on 3 years ago.

If you are not bored out of your mind and stopped reading by now, that is me.

Notice anything missing? RAD is not part of who I am.....It is an illness my child has.

6 comments:

ali said...

and youre wonderful :)(even though you won't watch sports)

familygregg said...

This is so important.

RAD needs to find a place amongst all other aspects of our full and wonderful lives. If it becomes EVERYTHING....we are in trouble. It becomes an idol.

Denise said...

...and that is why we love YOU!!!

Torina said...

Nice to meet you, Brenda! As mom of several RAD kids myself, I can relate to how important it is to separate yourself from the disorder. It is quite intense and it does change your life, but I feel I am a better person for having to face it each day. And that is AWESOME that you are going back to school. I am doing the same thing after being inspired by RAD.

Brenda said...

Thanks for the support you guys.

Torina,

Nice to meet you too. I saw your profile photo. LOVE the pink hair but have you heard of Nair? I'll be checking out your blog.

Renee said...

Even football? You don't even like watching football on tv? That is the best stress reliever I have. To each their own, I guess. ;-D Go COLTS!