As a nurse surreptitiously videoed Jenny's room we tiptoed to her doorway, until she caught sight of us . . . Jenny was in utter shock! Enough to hide under the covers, probably thinking we were ghosts! It would have taken wild horses to hold us back, especially Alyson and Denise, from bee-lining it to Jenny, embracing her, stroking her hair, her face, her hands. To meet her in person, experiencing the elements of touch, sight, sound and reality, was overwhelming for all of us . . .many tears were shed, and no words will ever be able to convey the magic in the room that night!
And to make this visit complete, much to Jenny's dismay, a meal was in order! We went to the cafeteria together. How could we not? After months of Skyped meal support, It was time for the real deal--macaroni and cheese, french fries and a smoothie. We ate, we laughed, we loved on Jenny!
All too soon, our visit came to an end. Our goodbyes were quick. But the afterglow and the impact of that visit lingers till now, and for what will be a lifetime. A day that forever bonded three PITA Moms and their PITA daughter, that, in a sense, completed a journey from cyberspace to reality. Nothing can ever take the place of reality . . .a real touch, hug, an eye-to-eye gaze. We hold those moments close to our hearts as we move back into our lives and realities.
We rejoice that our goal of treatment for Jenny was accomplished, knowing that it took the full efforts of 13 dedicated, fearless and tireless women and all they brought with them, including supportive spouses and families. However, we all agree that this is just the beginning of something way bigger than our original singular goal . . . there really is a method to the PITA madness. And madness it was at times, but the madness worked and it can work for others suffering from an eating disorder who are unable to access treatment in a conventional manner. So with Jenny tucked in safely in treatment and PITA moms recovering from caring for her, we are working towards our long-term goals and mission(s).
One thing we know for certain . . . life will never be the same for any of us again! We are forever the original PITA Moms!
It just got a little dusty in here. But the good kind. XOXO
Posted by: lanes | March 17, 2014 at 05:39 AM
Loved this line..."Nothing can ever take the place of reality . . .a real touch, hug, an eye-to-eye gaze". I'm sure those hugs and touches meant the world to Jenny! I am still in awe of all of you.
Posted by: Jen | March 17, 2014 at 06:59 PM
It's raining outside right now... and there might be a cloudburst in my living room, too.
Posted by: Karen (formerly kcinnova) | March 19, 2014 at 08:42 PM
I LOVE THIS!!!!!!
XOXO
Posted by: Busy Bee Suz | March 21, 2014 at 12:10 PM