Thank you so much for all of the wonderfully caring and supportive comments and emails, it really does lift my spirits to read them.
Although there has been no change in Toby's extreme behaviour I am feeling a little more hopeful that we are moving towards some changes to help both him and us cope. Tomorrow we are having a visit from social services who are coming to assess what of the available respite options might help our situation. On thursday Toby's teacher and speech therapist are coming for a home visit to observe and suggest ideas to help him manage his increased anxiety and, thanks to the school, we have been able to step into a cancelled appointment to see the paediatrician next tuesday.
So, it feels like things are moving in the right direction and that people are understanding the extreme nature of Toby's increased distress and it's impact on Amy and us. I am daring to hope that these meetings result in some practical help for our little family as it feels like life is on hold for us at the moment.
A friend sent me a quote yesterday which resonated for me and I share it now in the hope of helping anyone else out there enduring difficult times, because we all have them don't we?
"You don't know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice that you have" (source unknown)
If things are hard in your life at the moment, I wish you strength and the blossoming of a little hope for you too.
