Our Family Is Forever Changed From Our Experience at Fulshear

Our family is forever changed from our experience at Fulshear. Our journey began on a hot, sunny day, 16 months ago, when we dropped Jenny off at the ranch. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done; however, what I didn’t realize at the time was that it would be the best thing for Jenny and our family. For the first time in Jenny’s life, I was unable to fix the problem. Jenny and I had come to a point where our relationship was more strained than ever. I was in such a dark place; the constant worry and fear had taken its toll, leaving me feeling helpless, hopeless, and totally alone.

Jenny and I contacted Fulshear for the first time in early July 2014. Thinking back, I almost didn’t call! The thought now makes me want to laugh, but also sends shivers up my spine. Houston just seemed too close to Austin; was this enough distance for Jenny? After about a week of constant back-and-forth in my head, I picked up the phone and called. Helaine was the first person I talked to. She was amazing; we immediately hit it off and talked for almost two hours. For the first time in a long time, I felt like someone really understood our family and what we were going through. I felt a tiny bit of hope. I will never forget you or the kindness you showed me that day.

In late July, Jenny and I went to Fulshear for a visit to decide if this was something Jenny felt she could do. Jenny was apprehensive, as was I. We turned into the driveway and Jenny said, “Wow, this place is beautiful, Mom. I could see myself living here.” We walked in and met Helaine, who was so kind and welcoming. Jenny decided she wanted to meet the girls and have lunch with them. As I watched, I couldn’t believe how confident she seemed. It was so surreal, watching this unfold before me.

Then, we met Kevin.

I was sitting at the end of the table watching Kevin make this beautiful connection with Jenny. It was amazing to experience and something I will never forget. It was as if the heavens opened up and I could see a light. A possibility … Thank you, Kevin, for believing in Jenny and believing in our family, and for the countless hours you have worked with her, Art, and me. You will never know the depth of gratitude I have for you and for everything you have done these last 16 months for our family. We are so grateful for your constant kindness, patience, and loving support.

Art and I dropped Jenny off August 11th. This was the first time in Jenny’s life that she’d been away from us; I was overcome with sadness, but also an alarming sense of relief. I had a peace wash over me that I hardly recognized.

Family therapy weekend was one of the hardest, most enlightening experiences. The tools I learned from these programs really changed the way I live, interact, and absorb information. Through the one-on-ones with Kevin, we began to find each other again and build on making our relationship’s stronger. It was so great to learn from the other parents and their daughters. I learned that I had rescued Jenny for most of her life, and by doing this, I was communicating to her that she was incapable; something that I never intended to do. Through all of this, I learned that I am a good Mom, something I had forgotten, and I found my faith again, something I had lost. I learned from this experience how much stronger Jenny was than I gave her credit for. Jenny also learned how strong she was, which was invaluable.

The equine therapy was amazing. Learning how to read body language and regulate her emotions through a horse was incredible. Our family therapy phone sessions with Kevin was another positive element of this experience. Kevin, you made it easy to be honest with each other about our feelings, while also working together to become close again. You created a level of trust between Jenny and me, allowing us to talk about things again especially things that were so painful and that she had carried around for such a long time. It feels so good to not have secrets anymore, so again, thank you, Kevin.

Jenny also went to Ecuador with Nikki; what a fantastic learning experience! From the time they left, Nikki was my rock. She was consistently supportive, always reassuring me that everything would be okay. It was as if I had known Nikki my whole life. Your personality is both daring and bubbly. It seems like there isn’t anything you can’t take on. Thank you, Nikki, for this wonderful experience you shared with Jenny and our family.

Once she left the ranch and moved to the apartments, she was so ready to find a job, go back to school, and volunteer. She was able to move from a very structured life at the ranch to a less structured environment, all whilst living independently with the other Fulshear women.

Jenny: Know that you have all the tools, skills, and confidence to make this transition back to Austin. You can do this; you are so strong! Jenny, I am so incredibly proud of you and all that you have accomplished. The ups and downs, you persevered through it all and have come out on the other side strong and confident. I love you with all my heart!

Monique: Thank you for all of the tireless hours you and Jenny have worked to develop her life skills. You have truly become a second Mom to her and I am so grateful for your’s and Jenny’s relationship! All the budgeting, shopping, cooking, cleaning, and learning are skills you’ve instilled in our Jenny, and I’m so grateful. Thank you also for being my friend. You have always been there for me when I needed you but also being tough on me when I needed that too. I love you always!

Shawn: From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all of your help. Your wisdom, advice, and direction have put Jenny on a positive path, giving her the tools and knowledge to become the best person she can be. I appreciate you more than you know.

Amanda: Thank you for everything you did to help Jenny find her way, and for helping me to find my way too. Your love and concern whenever it seemed things were falling apart gave me the strength to go on and the courage to face another day because I knew you were always there for Jenny in good times and bad. You’re amazing!

Allyson: Thank you for talking me off the ledge when I was going to leave Austin at 8:30 at night to drive to Houston when Jenny was in the ER. Your calmness and caring helped me to stand down and let you and Nikki take care of things if the need arose.

Kevin, Monique, Nikki, Helaine, Allyson, Amanda, and the entire staff at Fulshear, you will always be like family to us. To go through this experience, to be able to have the level of trust to go to the hard places and know that we are still loved and accepted, never ever feeling like we were being judged. I love and adore all of you and please know you have been a blessing to us and we are forever grateful for your guidance, love and support. I will miss you all terribly! God Bless you!!