Shalom, Twigggie and thank you for asking.
What a year it has been.
After a high-intensity outpatient counseling regimen, Camille is slowly learning how best to deal with stress and the unwarranted opprobrium of members of her peer group, that bearing the pain silently, then refusing food, is hurting her severely. Perhaps more importantly, she is learning how much her family loves her and is here for her through all her trials, thanks be to God. She still sees both a nutritionist and a family therapist- her eating disorder will be with her indefinitely but we are all learning how best to confront it when restrictive periods inevitably arise.
We have a special challenge as well. While out clothes shopping one day, Camille was ‘discovered’ by a NYC high-fashion photographer who had relocated to our area and was looking for new ‘talent’. Through research, we learned he was legit- the photos he’s since taken of her have been passed around, and now she’s the one girl with whom everyone wants to work. Coming from someone else this might sound boastful, but suffice to say this is extremely frightening for my wife and me. Mind you, Camille’s goal for many years was to be in high fashion, and I think most people are aware of what that industry does to girls and young women. For pity’s sake, she did it to herself! While we have been trying to get her to a healthy nutrition regimen and a normal weight, they will, once this Fall rolls around and she is of an age to go on shoots, be singularly concerned with keeping her abnormally underweight if they can. So perhaps you see our biggest dilemma- reconciling her goals with our parental responsibilities. So your continued prayers are appreciated.
Thanks to all and to our Blessed Mother for her intercession with my precious young saint in the making.