Mom dealing with child's disorders
This mother works in the restaurant business, but is unable to put in more than 25 hours a week.
Because one of her young children suffers from several mental disorders, she is continually taking time off to bring him to doctor's appointments and counseling sessions.
"My boss is really great," she said. "I can really only work the midday shift - those are the hours my child's in school - and for the most part I have to be off when school's out.
"I can't leave him in daycare because people don't understand the complexity of the way his brain functions. It takes a lot of energy and a lot of patience."
It can be a difficult situation to handle since her child's disorders often involve behaviors that are challenging. The child is also on medication for mood problems, which have been intensified by the recent departure of his father.
"We've just moved into low-income housing and it's been kind of trial and error as far as my child's coping skills have gone," she said.
"It has been very hard living paycheck to paycheck and it's difficult to accept the fact that I don't have the money to spend on gifts. When I was a child, I know my mom didn't have much, but she always somehow made it work. It's hard for me to swallow my pride and admit that I can't do it myself."
Adult life has rarely been easy for this mom. Several years ago she lost a child to SIDS.
"I've struggled a lot. Before my child's disorders, I worked all the time. As my children have gotten older, they both have needs that have to be met and I have to make sure everyone gets what they need.
"What I want to see more than anything is the excitement of Christmas Day in my children's eyes. They deserve that because they're only going to be children once."
With our readers' assistance, Press Christmas for All works to brighten the holidays for people like this - the jobless, homeless, those who are barely making ends meet, individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Many are alone this holiday season.
Each year, our generous readers' donations allow us to assist thousands of Kootenai County families in need. Each day until Christmas, we will share the stories of those whose holiday memories will be a little happier because of Press Christmas for All.
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