Drug and alcohol addiction and abuse. Recognition. Prevention. Treatment
20/20 Parenting. Recognizing and mitigating early vulnerabilities and risk factors.
Letters to Kerry
Stories of Victory, Struggle, Tragedy, & Workplace Concerns
May 20, 2007:
More wonderful news from "a very concerned Auntie". For the full story see:
Sept. 6, 2006: Auntie tells heart-breaking story
Sept. 24, 2006: Pregnant and on crystal meth
Jan. 21, 2007: Pregnant niece miraculously in treatment
Hi Kerry,
Linda gave birth to [a baby girl], May 12 - by C-section. She was 9lb 6oz. She's a really sweet little angel. Very bright, nursing well, gaining weight.
It was necessary for Linda to move from the first recovery house before delivery, as they had no accommodations for the baby. By God's grace, a house was provided free of rent....Then, the director of another recovery house agreed to take on running this new one, where Linda is. It's a small house, with a housemother, Linda & [baby] and one other young woman with her baby as well. Staff come in from 8-4 providing a variety of services such as 1:1 & group step work, parenting programs, doula and - 12 step meetings every night. After 5-6 months on extended leave - the Dr. & caseworker met again - and decided to renew the extended leave status. I am so grateful for the information and help you gave us around this Kerry - it truly has been invaluable. Linda was not happy about the decision to 'extend' the extended leave, but it does seem to have a significant impact in this 'situation'.
Right now, Linda's mom is staying at the house and helping out for a few weeks. Relationships within our family that were all but destroyed are starting to show signs of healing... Of course, we don't know what the future holds - the road ahead doesn't look easy, but there are possibilities.... it has been such a blessing to be given this time with Linda and the baby... The program at this recovery house is 6 months - but Linda can stay there up to 2 years. Some friends from my church, my sister and I are trying to learn about fundraising - as the recovery home is a charitable organization.
So... that's all the news I have for now!!!
Less very concerned Auntie!
