Parent Testimonials - Robin

As a high school guidance counselor, I realized how serious my daughter’s problems were. She was self-medicating with drugs and alcohol, stealing from her family, running away, skipping school and lying. She was also physically and verbally abusive to family members. The anti-depressants and counseling were not working for Shelby and our family was in turmoil. I knew Shelby was in deep depression and I was afraid she would harm herself.

What had happened to my daughter? She had great friends, a supportive family and did well in school. She was involved in sports, gymnastics, chorus, band and drama. She loved to ride horses and had a smile that would light up the room and a laugh that was contagious.

My husband and I realized that we needed to take drastic measures. I spent hours and hours researching residential treatment facilities and found Ironwood to be the best fit for Shelby. I spoke to several people at Ironwood and felt that they really did understand what I was going through and that they could help. They also understood the severity of the situation and the need to get her there as soon as possible.

I will never forget the morning that the transportation service came to take her to Ironwood. It was 5:30 a.m. Shelby awoke to find two strangers in her room telling her they were going to take her away to get some help. She screamed, yelled and threatened to hurt them. I remember calmly telling her I loved her and walking away into another room and crying so hard I didn’t think I would be able to breathe again.

After she left, my husband and I just held each other and tried to believe that things would get better. Loraine, from the transportation service, kept us informed throughout Shelby’s journey. I was so grateful that she was both compassionate and a professional.

Over the last several months while Shelby has been at Ironwood, I have seen a transformation in my daughter that I thought would not be possible. She has become a leader, a mentor, and she is happy! Not only am I proud of her, but more importantly, she is proud of herself. She understands that she has worked hard to get to where she is. I am confident that Ironwood has taught her the skills necessary for her to be successful.

I have had the support of the owners, Rod and Marion, who have created Ironwood to help adolescents like my daughter. The reason why they understand so well is because they have gone through a similar experience and want to help other families through these trying times. The caring and professional staff at Ironwood makes Ironwood what it is. I have each and every staff member to thank for my daughter’s success. They are very skilled and professional and each has been able to help Shelby in their own unique way.

In particular, I wish to thank Donna for all that she has done for my daughter and my family. She has been my lifeline to my daughter and is very knowledgeable, supportive and caring. She has been there to help our family through all of this and to encourage Shelby to be the best she can be.

I will close with a quote that I had written when Shelby was five-years-old.

“If I hadn’t had children, I probably would have had more money and material things. I probably would have gone more places, gotten more sleep and pampered myself more. As a result of being a parent, I have laughed harder and cried more often, but somehow, I’ve had more fun. My children are without a doubt the greatest happening in my life and I am forever thankful for each day I am able to share with them.”

I would like to thank each and every staff member at Ironwood for giving me my daughter back!

Written By: Robin
February 9, 2007