hello again

[Guest guest]

I just wanted to introduce myself again; I've only posted a few

times, and it's been a while ago. I'm the third of 8 kids, my

youngest brother is 18 and has DS. Our beloved Mom passed

away this spring after 61 strong years and a one-year battle with

lymphoma. We miss her so much.

Mom & Dad & I petitioned for guardianship of Tim when he turned 18

last January. That's how I got on this list - looking for

information to help us with that process, as well as some advice

about dealing with the school. I have been primarily responsible for

educational 'accountability,' shall we say, since last fall, and I

cannot thank you enough for all the great info I've gotten from this

list, just reading through the digest as it comes each day. I've

had more time to read them lately, and I have really, really been

blessed by the cool montages you have made of your children. At

least one of my kids is usually standing over my shoulder as I play

one, and I know it blesses them, too! I'm so glad to be in the

company of others who feel 'lucky' to have one of these amazing

people in their lives.

Well, I don't really have anything to add, other than to say thanks

again for helping me without knowing it! Tim is doing great,

still living with our Dad, and going to an awesome area Vo-Tech

program this year, with a super teacher and incredibly nice

resources to work with. We made him a life book (saw the idea

here!) last month which has been a real help, and was so fun to do.

My sister made a great 'Mom Page' so he could show off the love of

his life - he is still understandably struggling to deal with his

loss, but is a trooper, as always. I found an advocate in the area

who has helped me with IEP's, and I also found so much more

confidence in dealing with do-nothings at the school just by sharing

in your experiences and successes. Thank you for sharing them -

hope to find time to share some of ours in the future. A fellow

traveller -

from OK