Merrill and Roberta Simon and Family

My Mama passed away so many years ago, in 1986 to be exact. I have been missing her a lot lately. As I have gotten older, I understand the life she lived more than ever. I have a deeper understanding of what she really went through and who she really was. To be totally honest, she was just beyond amazing. You see, all my life I have been told that I am just like my daddy, but I know I am not. I am just like my mama, misunderstood on so many levels. My mama had a strong sense of right and wrong. She always believed in the underdog and would help others without question. She was very intelligent and way ahead of her time. She was successful in the work force in a day and age when women were still at home. When people hurt, she hurt. She was tough as nails and yet tender at the same time. She stood up for what she believed even when people did not agree with her. She was proud and I do not think that is wrong. She had an unstoppable work ethic and cared about the people that worked f...

The past few weeks have been one heck of an emotional roller coaster ride. Joey has been in  residential treatment since August. It has been so hard on him as it is his third go around. Mental health issues in children are just devastating for all involved. My heart breaks for him more than most will ever know. Well, as part of his plan, he was to go into a step down type of program this time. This is to help to insure his chance at being successful coming home. We had waited, we had planned, we had it all worked out. Then there was no bed. So his "team" decided he was just going to once again discharge to home. Really!!! So what in their wildest dreams made them think he was going to find success this go around? How was it to be any different than the other two times?? Why were they playing with a child's life?? Thank goodness for people who have traveled this road before us. Thank goodness for the parents who refuse against all who have an opinion, to give up...