I can see all obstacles in my way
Today I received two e-mails documenting Molly's progress in the program she's currently at, half written by her and half written by the staff. It was really great to see her handwriting and the little cows and hearts drawn in the margins. She's learning so many valuable skills like communication, emotion management, and holding herself accountable, as well as surfing and taking care of horses. I think she has really made some genuine progress, not just external progress that will be enough to get her out of treatment. This time she truly wants to be there and the changes are sticking.
The program she's in right now is seven weeks long, and once she's done with that we're sending her to a boarding school associated with the program where the learning will be largely individual and still therapeutic. My parents will probably be paying off that loan longer than they would like to admit, but I honestly feel that getting my sister back is worth it.
Molly invited Hannah and me to the final family session at the end of her treatment, and I really hope I get to go. I want to give her a big hug and tell her how proud I am of her! I have never been so close to believing that she will be fully functional person one day.
It's always been up to her, but in two years she'll be eighteen, and at that point, our options, and hers, are considerably slimmer. Here's hoping this program will help her build enough skills, self confidence, and strength to be able to make a good life for herself down the road.