Nonstop Dad

Category: Ariel

  • I’m running away

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    John
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    So we had to deal with our first real “I’m running away” scenario. We have heard it before but usually it doesn’t continue. This one did. So I helped her pack by giving her the biggest suite case we have and adding anything that was heavy including her 30lb weighted blanket. For her part she…

  • no matter what

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    John
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    So i’m at the Refresh confrence in Redmond WA and the kids are at home. For several months i have been battleing minor depression and after 2 days away i’m feeling chill and somewhat relaxed. One of the downsides of being depressed is your creativity is stifled so to counter act that, a poem. no…

  • Please read this post written by Marisa

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    John
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    Ariel’s Story

  • Different but not unique

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    John
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    So our family dynamic is different form a “normal” family but not unique amongst families with difficult kids. In fact we are somewhere in the middle of that group. If you have a normal family dynamic you may not understand so I hope this helps. If you have a different family dynamic you are not…

  • Family of 4

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    John
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    We are officially a family of 4. My wife did a great job recounting the day so read her post here http://marisaala.wordpress.com/2013/07/14/ariel-hanna-ala-adopted-july-12-2013/ I am so happy to have a daughter and that my daughter is Ariel is a blessing.

  • Out of town

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    John
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    So last Friday, Saturday and half of Sunday Marisa was out of town and now I am in Nashville for 4 days while Marisa is at home with the kids. We had her mom come out from CA to help and it was a good thing. Ariel has really been rough to deal with. Her…

  • Broken

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    John
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    Ariel is broken; and my heart breaks every day when I see the grief and sorrow in her little body. Sorrow digs a well in my soul that will one day be filled with joy.

  • Trauma calendar is a must

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    John
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    So Ariel is having a particularly difficult day. There didn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason until Marisa remembered that we are on or near a trauma anniversary. Which reminded me we were going to go through Ariel’s case file and make a calendar noting all the transition and trauma days that are documented. That…

  • Statement Of Understanding

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    John
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    Her world was not loving, kind, gentle, caring, or nurturing She was not allowed to become what God designed She was drugged before birth, abandoned, neglected, abused, and rejected…

  • Statement of conviction

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    John
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    We have consecrated our family to follow His plan and that plan includes Ariel.