- and now I know there is a CHARGE family

May 28, 2005

To all of you (but a very special cyber hug for Pam, Michele W., Sharon

from W. Oz [i'll always love that!], Ellen, Bonnie, and Kim, to whom I

promise a personal note:

We got home so late last night that I doubt that went to sleep

before 1 a.m., and I know that Andy and I were up for over an hour after

that. Boston weather/plane flights can be the pits. We've talked

throughout the day about how we won't miss that!

I am goofy, but I'll post nevertheless. Our leave taking was something.

I've never seen the way she was at her party --- the kid who had

trouble at " circle " time a few years ago worked her way around a large

room to greet people. It was truly an eye opener for her parents --- and I'll

always be glad that we spent the extra days in Watertown just to see such

things. The love, respect, and caring from ALL staff were palpable. It's

what we all dream for our children. For this child (Andy would sock me for

calling her that) to be able to handle a room full of people, even people

she knows, is something I never imagined.

It's not sufficient to say that we hate leaving Perkins. At the same time,

part of both of us is exhausted by the travel month after month, and I at

least long to make things work long-term for Miss K. closer to home. I just

don't want any more legal battles.

I worry so about the difficulties (i.e., hell) of transition FOR KATIE. Andy

and I have made it thus far, and we can do more. However, this precious

child (oh, Andy would swear at me, but she IS a child), has to come to

understand what's happening, and I fear no one is up to the task of

explaining this adequately for her.

I'm in my early 50's. My father died when I was quite young. My mother

died 5 years ago. The latter break reminds me somehow of what I fear

is facing. She has come to have two much loved homes: ours and

Perkins. I just don't see how she can understand the loss of Perkins

without much pain.

Oh, I'm sorry for my rambling. I just couldn't help myself. During all of

's years at P, I've kept notes to share with staff when she's been

home with us. Suddenly, there's no one to share whether she slept, had

a bm, used new signs. This is a new world. Right now, I don't like it.

We'll adjust, but now, it ain't a bit of fun.

Thank you all for being there.

Martha

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