Laura Reppenhagen made a difficult choice 17 years ago. She adopted her niece's daughter, Mickayla when she was 4 months old, and chose to raise her as her own. What Laura did not know was that Mickayla would grow up with mental health issues, diagnosed on the bi-polar spectrum at age 9. Though challenging at times, Laura's love for Mickayla has never been stronger. She says she wouldn't change anything for the world.
Laura lives in a three generation household. Her mother lives upstairs, while Laura lives downstairs with her husband Dennis, their biological daughter Allison, age 13, and Mickayla.
Mickayla is diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder on the bi-polar spectrum. This results in intense mood swings, anger, anxiety, and depression. Though she's never been physical, Mickayla describes that side of herself as "mean."
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