Update

I thought I might give an update on Jesse, for those who are following the situation!

I called the insurance company a few weeks ago, after being pre-approved for one hour of testing (out of the 15 hours that were requested).  What we figured out was that the testing the psychologist that we were working with requested was a very specific and thorough test, probably a lot more than we needed.  So, I got the names of a few other psychologists in network and thought I would try a different route.  I called a name that came recommended and he picked up the phone right away.  He told me that the testing he did was more of the standard testing and that start to finish would only cost $400, compared to the $3000 the other testing would cost.  And he just so happened to have an opening, the next day.  Jesse and I went for the initial visit and I am so glad that he was with me.  I don't think that the psychologist needed to do any formal testing after sitting in an office with Jesse for an hour (ADHD in the flesh!) and after I read off my two page sheet of concerns.  But we left with a bunch of questionnaires to fill out and for his teacher to fill out as well.  I turned them into him yesterday and we meet again on Monday to discuss the results an his recommendations.  Phew!  I feel like we are in good hands and that things are moving forward (and it looks like insurance will pay for most, if not all of the testing). 

Thanks you to everyone who has been praying for us.  I am even more convinced of God's goodness and care for us through this whole ordeal, even when it seemed like doors were closing.  I will keep the updates coming!

Tuesday's Truth

The truth of the matter is, if you want to get an insurance company to do something for you, throw the "lawyer" word around (whether you have one or not). 
Since the end of January we have been awaiting approval of ADHD testing for Jesse and have not heard anything from the insurance company. 
After a month I started calling every week.  I got passed around, put on hold, promised it would be flagged a priority. 
After another month I started calling every day.
And then they started asking for faxes of the form.  After the psychologist faxed it about eight times, I took over.  Five faxes later and they still claimed to have not received the form.
So, I bypassed the behavioral health department and went to the top. 
I filed a complaint and told them I had a lawyer on stand by (it wasn't a complete lie, my brother in law is a real estate lawyer and was ready to write a nasty letter with his letterhead). 
That was on Friday afternoon. 
On Monday morning I got a call from some guy who sounded like he was in charge of a lot.  Since then I keep getting calls from this one lady who is now handling the case.  She called me twice today to tell me what the status is. 
It sounds like things are finally moving forward.  Hopefully.
But in the meantime, while I am battling the insurance company, I have also been fighting some personal battles. 
I am finding it hard to talk about Jesse and our moving forward with testing for him, especially in Christian circles. 
I have to be careful who I tell because several times now I have gotten that eyebrow raise, the one that says, "Really?  ADHD?  That kid just needs a good spank" or "Your son is just a sinner, ADHD is just excusing his behavior."  I was also told this weekend that, "Everyone has a little ADHD/Asperbergers in them."  Like I haven't agonized, prayed and waited over this next step?  Like I don't KNOW my son?  Like this is just something everyone struggles with?
And then there are the assumptions from other people that I just don't know how to parent, that I let my son give up too easy when I take him out of basketball when it was totally overstimulating him to the point where I didn't recognize him. 
So, I am being more careful who I share details with.  And I realize that as I write this I am sharing with A LOT of people who might cruise my blog. 
But, it's not like me to not be real. 
So I feel caught.  And frustrated. 
I am trying to keep my eyes on my perfect Savior, my complete righteousness, the one who knows me and my son better than anyone. 
I am so grateful that I can hope in Him and not my parenting abilities or the opinions of others. 
There is peace there. 
It's hard, but there's peace.
And I am finding there is a lot to take joy in.  As I walked down the hallway with Jesse last night at his school for Author's Night, we passed the other first grade class.  Almost every student in the class smiled and said hi to Jesse as he walked by, they actually looked like they were excited to see him. 
It brought joy to my heart to know that he has come so far this year. 
So I see how faithful God as been, even when others have not been, even when I have doubted his goodness.
And I can look foward to the next part of the journey, to the joy waiting there.