Very, very long story short: my sister is in the hospital for a drug overdose. This is my oldest sister, not my younger one. She is a drug addict and has schizophrenia. She has been in the hospital for about 10 days now. I'm not going to go into all the details but she has lived a very hard life, and drugs and alcohol have been a big part of it. I hadn't seen her in years but when she was in ICU I felt like I needed to visit her. She was in bad shape.
Joanne and I visited her yesterday and she was still pretty loopy--possible brain damage from the overdose. She kept asking for vodka and pot--obviously two things she isn't going to get. She was very agitated and kept talking about how she was going to "break out of this place." She is in no shape to do that--still has pneumonia, can't walk on her own, can't feed herself, etc. Apparently yesterday after we left she became combative and violent and had to be out in restraints. What a mess.
I have hesitated to write about this because it's such a complicated relationship and situation. But I will just pass it along just so that you can be in prayer for our family. As I am able I will write in more detail but it is a little too close to home at this point.
Toben
We will keep your sister and your family in our prayers, Toben.
Posted by: Bobbie Lutz | July 05, 2013 at 08:58 AM
Yes. Praying.
Posted by: Julie Powell | July 05, 2013 at 09:10 AM
Praying for your sister and your little familynToben. Hugs
Laura
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1470685926 | July 05, 2013 at 09:12 AM
i'm so sorry and yes, I'm praying...may Jesus tend to her like only He can...full of love and grace and truth. Praying for you all as you find your way down this path.
xo,
Fran
TN
Posted by: Fran | July 05, 2013 at 09:27 AM
You are not alone in this Toben. First, God is with you every step. And there are those of us that have walked this path in our own families. Sending hugs to you all.
Posted by: Maribeth | July 05, 2013 at 09:29 AM
Every family has complications. Praying for your sister.
Posted by: Mary | July 05, 2013 at 09:31 AM
Praying to the God of all comfort to comfort each and every one of you in the way only He can.
Posted by: Helen Washington | July 05, 2013 at 11:18 AM
Praying for healing and peace for your sister and the whole family
Posted by: Kristi | July 05, 2013 at 11:38 AM
Praying.
Posted by: Erica | July 05, 2013 at 11:54 AM
My mother was a schizophrenic; it is such a devastating disease. That is the main reason I'm a psychiatric nurse. Drug/alcohol abuse is so common in this population that I'm not surprised to hear that your sister has that problem too. I will keep her, and you, in my prayers.
Posted by: Marena Sheffield | July 05, 2013 at 12:54 PM
So sad, so hard. Praying for each of you as you have unique relationships with her and sort through things for yourself. Very difficult to see anyone in this kind of hell.
Posted by: Jan Maniatis | July 05, 2013 at 02:12 PM
Toben, thank you for sharing what is going on with your family. I love how transparent you are. I will be praying for peace for your sister and your family.
Posted by: Heather | July 05, 2013 at 07:17 PM
Prayers
Posted by: Jennifer | July 05, 2013 at 08:11 PM
Praying Jesus will intercede on your behalf
Posted by: Mona | July 05, 2013 at 09:04 PM
I'm glad you shared, Toben. It shows me how to pray. And don't worry. I think almost all of us have someone in our family who is similar to your sister. I know I do.
Posted by: Liz Reeves | July 05, 2013 at 09:35 PM
Praying for your family and your sister.
I come from a family of alcoholics and understand the pain, emotions and damage that is done.
Praying for peace and healing for you all . . .
Posted by: Maryellen | July 06, 2013 at 07:50 AM
Saying a prayer...Mental illness is every bit as worthy (and seems so much more complicated)than physical. Hard to know what is the will of the person and what is the will of the disease. At least in my experience. Bless you all.
Posted by: Gretchen | July 06, 2013 at 08:36 AM
I am so sorry. I am praying for your sister & you and your family!
I am bi-polar and we have mental illness in our family. Thank you for sharing this!
Posted by: Dona | July 06, 2013 at 09:31 AM
Oh Toben and Joanne- I will definitely pray for your sister, your parents, and you both.
Posted by: Missi | July 06, 2013 at 06:27 PM
Praying. Thank you for sharing with us.
Posted by: Sharon | July 06, 2013 at 07:59 PM
Toben and Joanne, I am so sorry hear this. I am sure this must hurt you a lot. Praying for your sister and you guys and your whole family during this time.
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Posted by: Child of God | July 06, 2013 at 09:10 PM
Oh Toben... Prayers, compassion and hugs. Thank you for sharing so we can hold you, your family and dear sister in ours prayers.
Posted by: Ginny | July 07, 2013 at 01:16 PM
Prayers for you Toben. We all have people who we aren't comfortable letting people know they are related to us. But blood is thicker than water and God knows we all love our loved ones no matter what!!
Posted by: Patty | July 07, 2013 at 03:53 PM
Praying.
Posted by: Missy | July 08, 2013 at 08:00 PM
I am sorry.
We'll be praying.
Posted by: kimberly | July 10, 2013 at 11:01 AM
Thanks for sharing. I will pray. Tough times for your sister. And that means tough times for the family. I think the best thing you can do is to keep showing her love, but honestly I am not sure what that " looks like."
Posted by: Carla | July 12, 2013 at 07:45 PM
I am sorry you are going through this. Addiction is a horrible thing. Addiction coupled with mental illness is not uncommon. The addiction complicates the mental illness, the metal illness make the desire for drugs ( and self medicating) incredibly strong.
The only thing you can do is let her know you love her, but you will always hold your bottom line.
Posted by: Lori | July 15, 2013 at 09:43 PM
I will pray for her. Been there, done that with family. It's hard. I saw God in that darkness, though -- most assuredly. Didn't expect to, and then just like that, I did. Much love to you and your family.
Posted by: Karen Booker Schelhaas | July 22, 2013 at 07:58 AM