Picture Day

Today was picture day at school. It doesn't take much to set Abby into a tizzy about going to school. She wore the new sweater from Grandma Hickman. Abby was going to walk with Fanney, but changed her mind because she was so upset about picture day. We went to tell Fanney and Abby took the stairs home and Lilly and I the elevator. When we got back Abby wasn't in the apartment. I thought maybe she had gone on to the lobby, but she wasn't there and the guard hadn't seen her. I went back to look in the apartment again and still couldn't find her. Then I heard voices and went back up stairs to see if Abby had gone back to Fanney's. She was in the hallway with the mother of
Katie's friend. She had gone there for help when she couldn't find me. I guess we just kept crossing paths. The stress of being lost on top of the stress of picture day was about to much. We went on to school and were now tardy. I checked Abby in and when I tried to leave she stood in the office crying hysterically. No one was doing anything and she was just standing there cryign so I went back to her. I first asked where the social worker was and when no one knew I asked if I could walk her up to her room. I ended up leaving Abby laying o nthe hallway floor with her stuff around her crying, face red, tears running down her face. The teacher came out and was trying to calm her down. Abby was yelling for me as I walked away. What a day! I wish things would get better. I know she has lots of people praying for her. I don't know what to do to help her. We thought that Abby would settle in better than anyone and she ended up having the most trouble. Grandma Faye suggested talking to her and seeing why she is so scared to leave me. This crying and fight to get to school each morning is really starting to take its toll on my emotions and I am sure on Abby's mental health as well. She is so adament about not leaving the apartment that we thought school would be a good excuse to get out and be around other kids. There are some girls at school who are friendly to her, but Abby is so upset that she often doesn't accept their offers of help and friendship.