Despair *potential trigger: abuse*

That's what I thought - hence my involuntary-voluntary comment. In other words they won't make you go if you agree to go - knowing if you don't they will make it involuntary anyway. Horrrendous. I can understand why you feel threatened, I would too under those circumstances - as would most people.

Thanks, my little one will be fine - mostly the school are pretty good, they usually listen which is a good start. Hope your girls are ok. Has your little one settled down a bit? Trying to read between the lines I gather the paedeatrician appointment on Wed was very difficult? Don't talk about it if it won't be helpful, though.

I hope you are back out swiftly this time, and it is not too bad. Take care of you.

Hope for someone working in the MHU who "gets it" endures...

Kindest regards,

Kristin

Dear Karen,

I understand your grief at experiencing your girls' distress. I am so heart-sore at this situation you have all been put into. Please don't carry this too - if you had left there is a possibility you may have got away, and there is also a significant possibility they would be left without you, and with him instead - which really doesn't bear thinking about. So please let's not go there.

Holding you and your beautiful girls in my thoughts and prayers. Hopefully you will be back out into the sunshine by the river very soon.

Hope for the river's mindful conversation endures...

Kindest regards,

Kristin

Hi Karen,

I hope that things are going as ok as they can tonight and that you are able to get some rest.

I understand the guilt and grief around wishing you had done something for your children but the guilt isnt going to help them or you to change anything. As Kristin says things could have ended much more tragically, so please try to be gentle and as kind to you as you are to us.

Thinking of you and hoping that you are going ok,

LJ

Dear Karen

I have been looking into things which might be of help in your voluntary-involuntary situation.

Are you aware of the Office of the Public Advocate? There's a video here which is about what they do. The last third of it is about visiting MHU's, I'm sure you could ask them if they can send two female advocates out to see you. If you feel able to call them their number is 1300 309 337, the MHU should enable you to call them. Or a friend, etc can call on your behalf if you'd prefer.

Thinking of you.

Hope for helful help endures...

Kindest regards,

Kristin

Hi Karen,

Hoping that tonight goes quickly and restfully for you. You're in my thoughts and still here beside you. Be gentle and nice to yourself right now.

LJ

Not sure if you are able to get these messages while you are in MHU but i'm sitting here with you. Snuggled up in my blankie. Big storm outside tonight, lots of wind and rain. Doubtful there'll be much sleep wiht all that going on!

Hugs if you want one

LJ

Dear Karen ( @hiddenite )

We are thinking of you and holding hope for you. If you are able to please let us know that you are okay.

The fire is going tonight, and the candle is lit every night regardless of the temperature. It's stormy at lisajane's & windy here. Thank goodness I managed to get some of the gutters cleaned today, as it's supposed to rain tonight. I found I was starting to get water coming into the ceiling in the toilet.

I wanted to let you know that I've recently had a tiny bit of a taste of what you have been going through - with the constant re-telling your story and finding it so triggering. I have engaged now with 7 new services/ threrapists since the beginning of last term; and even though I have what I'd say is a reasonable level of okay-ness with the trauma I suffered with the 2009 fires I am finding that having to go over it repeatedly has really brought a lot of the grief to the surface, and quite a lot of very triggering memories and intrusive thoughts as well from my childhood. I am feelng quite exhausted and either struggling to get to sleep or to stay asleep. I am very on edge and reacting much more than usual to my kids' foibles and especially with my 6yo.

I really don't know how you do what you do Karen. I think you are incredibly strong and determined. You are truly a survivor and a dedicated mum. Not perfect (no one is), but walking over hot coals repeatedly for your girls in spite of the cost to you. I know you struggle enormously in the midst of that, but to me that shows your courage. "Not the absence of fear or despair but the determination to persist in the face of them."

Take care of you my friend.

Hope for a meaningful and fulfilling life endures...

Kindest regards,

Kristin