Enormously grateful.

@Amanda84 thank you so much! This forum has given me an anonymous avenue to share the possibilities that regardless of your age, undiagnosed ADHD, can be successfully managed and those who are, like me, can expel these ‘hot tempered’ demons, regain some normalcy to our lives and answer that oh so important question. “Why can’t I be genuinely happy any more and why am I living in doubt of myself, my confidence, my ability to share and laugh freely and much more”?  

@sabeyesofblue3535  It’s so tragic, but the wonderful news is my children will not have to fight these demons and labels of ‘hot headed’, loud, angry old man, and so much more. My first marriage was an impulsive decision and I stayed for 2 beautiful sons but ended after 18 strenuous years. Sadly, one son has been estranged for 15 years and only now am I finding the courage to not only apologize and explain ADHD but encourage assessment for ADHD himself. I prayed for him to come back for over 15 years. So far, the good Lord has given me four beautiful kids, two wonderful grandchildren and one estranged son who I am continually trying to establish our lost father/son relationship that was so close, we talked over 5 hours a week, shared his favorite meals and enjoyed each other immensely.

i am sad I lost so much and having directly worked along mental health providers, I am just so disappointed. All the psychiatrists and psychologists did was load me up on alprazolam (up to 2.0 mg/day). 

I will dedicate my time to other adults like me. Even explaining to my second wife of 24 years has left her doubtful and just skeptical but also confused. I now try to tell her much if my unacceptable behavior could have been prevented. She isn’t buying it. But, with our son and daughter responding so well immediately, she is beginning to understand the reality of ADHD and how it can be successfully managed. Until now, I think she placed this disorder somewhere way below ‘gluten sensitive’  Up to now, she didn’t believe the horrors wuth undiagnosed ADHD  But, let me be clear, since I was at least 12, I can recall so many signals and incidents, there are too many to count  

Well, thanks for listening. I can’t really share my story for fear of being seen as wanting sympathy, which I want nothing of the sort. What I do want is for my children and others to never ever go through 50 years of undiagnosed ADHD. NOT ALL OF THEM WILL HAVE ACCEPTABLE ENDS. God Bless you and your family! Nice to get this off my chest.