April 25, 2014
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Pushed to the Edge
Pictured above are Robert Robinson and his mother Angie. Neither one of them is with us any longer.
Angie, pushed to the breaking point in taking care of her son, couldn't take it anymore. She and her son both apparently overdosed on medication.
I hear this story time and again, at least a few times a year. The warning signs are subtle, but they are visible.
Robert had Autism, and his Autism was very severe to the point of being very physical. From head butting, to fighting. He struggled. His mother, Angie was much smaller - and the services in her area were extremely lacking in helping them in their need.
Many people have shared their story on facebook, and some folks have commented that they could never harm their own child, or that it's completely selfish of her to do such an act.
But we weren't in her shoes. Many of these stories involve parents who have fought a good fight - but haven't set up a strong support network to actually help them take care of themselves. And without taking care of yourself first, how can you take care of others with a right mindset?
I've been contacted by parents on a regular basis, just not knowing what steps to take to get the support they need. Sometimes it can be as simple as putting them in touch with a website URL or a phone number or e-mail address of someone who's helped me out.
Getting into the right program, or just to have a network of friends that understand your child, so you can get some time away to relax...to get some respite.
People like Angie may not have all the tools, and they feel trapped. They feel as though no one else can take care of their child like they can. When dealing with a complex disorder like Autism, I can relate at times. After all, with each person - you can only talk about routines and what needs to be done but so much.
I can only encourage people in these situations to remember that they aren't alone. They should focus on creating a network to help them with their child - beyond the services that can be provided. This will help them take better care of themselves so they can make better choices.
No one in their right mind would do such a thing. But it does happen when some folks are pushed to the edge.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Robinson family, and to the community of Prince Rupert. Hopefully one day we will not hear of these stories and families that need the support will have it available to them.