Re: I couldn't believe my ears-Jen

[Guest guest]

Jen wrote:

> The thing is, my daughter has ODD(Oppositional Defiant Disorder), and

> for some reason, only hears what she wants to hear, and when she's

> done listening, she's done listening.

----------

I know what you are going through in this particular instance. My

oldest child is diagnosed with ODD (in addition to several other mental

illnesses) and I have faced the same battle with him. As in the case

with your daughter...my son was filled with mis-information and

malicious comments from another family member that cannot fathom what

living with chronic pain is like. I was livid at the things that came

out of my son's mouth, but I held my tongue until I worked through the

anger.

Once we had both calmed down, I had a heart-to-heart with him

and laid it all out. Granted, we have played out the same scenario

several times over as his willingness and/or ability to retain the

content of conversations is mediocre at best. But every time we have

had the conversation I remind him of the times when he has accompanied

me to the numerous doctors and each of them saying that it is amazing

that I can function on even a basic level at times.

I regret that any of us have to go through the pain, the frustration,

the depression, the stigma, and the insensitivity of those that are

fortunate enough to not have such struggles added to their existance.

Fortunately, for us, we have found that we are not alone and the voice

of compassion is as close as our computer screen in those times when we

are overwhelmed. My thoughts and well-wishes are with you.

Warmest Wishes,

Lynn