Topic : 08/02 "I Love Myself!"

Parents not taking any accountablity or responsiblity or offering any sort of rational help for thier children.  I am sorry Shannon.  You are a strong soul and will make it!!    

Speaking from experience, the strongest is the excuse for others own lack of self worth.  Understand you need help to control your issues but you are not the reason that they say or do what they do.  THEY ARE THIER OWN WORST ENEMY.  

You do not need this.   

And stepmother - you know munipulation for one reason only, you have mastered in it!    

This is Shannon from the show that you are talking about.  I just wanted you all to know that I am here and I am  trying to read all the responses and comments you have all left, BUT so many people are leaving comments that I am getting lost and not having a chance to.  I am overwhelmed by the amount of support and all the people that care.  I want you all to know that I am living with Jennifer, the lady on the show that defended me.  She is an awesome lady and reminds me a lot of my biological mom.  Jennifer and her husband have taken me into their home and treat me and love me like their own.  I have a TON of friends...who are now my only FAMILY!!!  I am truly touched and almost moved to tears by how many responses there are.  I appreciate all your care and concern.  I had no idea first of all of how many people have watched the show and then how many have left comments.  I am blown away by it all.  You have no idea how loved you have all made me feel.  The fact that you will take the time and watch the show and then take the time to leave a comment some very long and in depth is AMAZING.  I am slowly beginning to realize that I am a good person and I can do this and be OK.  I have a good job and I am working on getting my life together and being separate from those people.  I am 20 years old for any of you that were wondering.  I will eventually live on my own and be OK.  I know that.  I know in my heart that I am good and I will do everything to make my mom proud of me...as I know she all ready is.  Thanks for EVERYTHING!!!! 

I truly understand the parents.  I sincerely believe the father meant he wished the "bad Shannon" would die.  If you've never had to live with an Oppositional Defiant Disorder teen, you have no idea what it's like.  It's true they love themselves & they are going to be the center of attention no matter what.  They have no feelings, no emotions & can hurt you like putting salt on a wound.    

We have an adopted granddaughter that just turned 17 3 days ago & has "acted out" for the last 7 1/2 years.  She has been in 3 Behavioral Hospitals, a children's center, a juvenile detention center for shoplifting to "join a click," & couseling for @ least 6 1/2 years.  She was diagnosed as Oppositional Defiant Disorder when she was 10. We are in our late 60's.  We've had her since she was 6 days old & adopted her when she was 6 months old.  Both parents were on drugs & she was born a "crack" baby.    

We love her as much & feel that we love her more than our biological 2 children because of her special needs, but she doesn't know how to love.  She has no feelings or emotions.  Each facility that she has been in, the people think we are liars because she doesn't act out there, yet she couldn't get along @ school in academics or sports & we finally took her out & placed her in Adult Ed to obtain a GED.  The school knows how she disrespects authority & they know us well because we have had 2 children go through this school system without any problems.  The majority of the staff @ the schools know us & know that we have always been hard-working, good parents that have tried to raise our children right, work in the schools, community & church & be law-abiding citizens.  

The step-mother may be @ fault for some things, but if you've never had to live with a person where there is no medicine for a cure & unless or until they want to change, it disrupts the whole family life.  You avoid trips, church & any other activity because you know she's going to act out.  I had to threaten her before my mother's funeral that if she acted out, she would be placed in juvenile detention for 6 months.  I had her probation officer for back-up.  She's just that defiant.