Panic Attacks

The last two foster homes our children were in, they had to leave quickly without having opportunity to say good-bye  This was due to allegations of abuse to the children by the foster families.   For Amber the result ended up being panic attacks.

2009

The first time we packed suitcases so we could go on a road trip, Amber sat hugging her knees, rocking back and forth, and crying.  She was difficult to console.  We noticed a pattern of these episodes whenever we tried to go somewhere.

Another struggle was when we had unknown people stop by our house, especially social workers.  Amber would either cling to my leg and hide behind me, or she would go hide in her bedroom.  I found her in the corner under her bed one time.

We realized that she had a lot of fear during times when she was unsure of what was going on.  Panic attacks were triggered, and she coped as best she could.  It helped to tell her ahead of time over and over where we were going, what we were doing, or who was coming over.

Time is a healer.  After the first year, the panic attacks only occurred  a few times the next year.  It's been five years since Amber became a part of our family.  Her last episode was over a year and a half ago at Thanksgiving time.  We were preparing to leave for grandma's, and she suddenly came running into the kitchen where I was.  She literally climbed up my body, wrapped her arms around my neck, and was shaking like a leaf.  When I asked her what was wrong, she said she had a bad thought.  I asked her what it was.  She said, "I was scared you weren't here anymore."

We are thankful to God that our little girl is here with us.  We are so grateful that today she is such a healthy, happy child.  We give continued thanks for his healing in her life.  God is good.