October 2010 Update

Hi all,

We hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween tomorrow!

We're enjoying a fun Halloween weekend as a family. Dinner last night and a football game, Halloween/scary movies tonight and tomorrow, of course, trick-or-treating for Isabella. Nick, of course, declared he was "too old" for trick-or-treating back in Jr. High. Bella is going to be a candy-corn (good) witch this year and our family is coming over too. The kids want a special dinner of Philly steak sandwiches and creamy squash soup tomorrow and I'm going to attempt these "chocolate-orange" Halloween cupcakes I saw on Food Network. I am NOT a master chef by any means, but I can follow a recipe. My food never "looks" beautiful, because I don't have the patience to make it "perfect" but it still tastes good enough for my family:) We're getting over bouts of strep throat and other viruses and I think everyone is pretty healthy for the moment.

The major update is that Nick starts wrestling at school this coming week. For anyone who doesn't know, he did this for the first time last year and it was a great experience overall for him. We have a lot of blog posts, newspaper articles, etc. from this time last year telling all about it.

Also, FINALLY, Nick is starting the driving portion of his drivers ed training. He took the classroom portion and aced it in the summer but we had to go through all kinds of "hoops" and extra steps to get this part arranged, starting with getting approval from the State of Ohio which required an evaluation and doctor's signature. The doctor, who has known Nick for 17 years was "hesitant" to sign it even though he's been doing great driving and has had a special evaluation with an OT, etc. She finally did sign it after some time passed and the State approved it. We contracted with a special driving instructor from St. Mary's, Ohio who will actually come to our home fore the instruction starting this Monday and several days after. He is bringing a vehicle with hand controls, etc. This is all VERY expensive and we were able to get some assistance from the State for the cost for once, thanks to the Bridges to Transition Program. (thank you!) Once this is all completed, Nick has to be evaluated AGAIN before the doctor will sign AGAIN and the State will allow him to take the test to get his license. (we got a letter from the State this week telling us this!) Then we have to figure out how to get Nick a vehicle (easiest thing would be a van) with a lift and all of the modifications he'll need, hand-controls, a special turn signal, and the lift is the most expensive thing. All together, about $12000 worth of modifications we priced. When we found that out, we just put that task aside given the time we had to put into getting the driving, and the time we're putting now into college planning. I guess we'll deal with that later when we have to! One (or two) things at a time:)

I have to say, the past 17 years have been a roller coaster of emotions for us and we've been doing pretty well for awhile now. I admit that I just push the emotions aside to live our daily lives and this has worked well for me I guess. With this driving situation and all of the extra steps we have to take for college visits and disability services at college ,this has left Greg and I feeling VERY frustrated. To add to that, I just feel like I could cry and I get angry about these things with Nick lately. It's not helpful, I know, but I haven't been able to control it well and I know it won't change the situation. It's not like we didn't know Nick's situation before all of this. It's just that it is hitting us again, with all of the stuff going on this year. Anger, frustration, envy of others not in our situation ( I hate that one especially!), and sadness on one side. Pride, happiness (for Nick), excitement (for Nick) on the other side. Bittersweet is a word I use often and it describes this range of emotions we're feeling perfectly.

We are so happy on one hand that we are HERE, Nick's senior year, getting ready for graduation, etc. WOW, that's emotional thinking back when we were told, asked, etc. by school professionals even in Jr. High if this would be possible. Then, the part I hate to talk about..........because I am ashamed of this, it is VERY hard for us (mostly me) to see our friends and family who have kids Nick's age and they are starting to drive, apply for colleges, etc. and it seems so simple, they just "do it", no extra steps, and I'm so happy for them, but it is hard when I think about how hard it has been for Nick. Like Greg said, he wonders how many parents take their kid into the BMV to get their license and are told they can't do it without a doctor's approval, even though they got their temps, etc. How many parents have to pay thousands of dollars to make that happen? Of course, we don't want any of our friends and families to have to experience this! It's NOT really about them. It's about us realizing, once again, the reality of the situation and I don't know why it still hurts so much! People keep asking Nick at school if he's applied, etc. for college. We are thinking, of course, of the fact that just to visit, we are making arrangements with the disability services departments to see if they can provide the accommodations Nick needs and are all of the buildings wheelchair accessible, the cost of these accommodations, ETC. Everything just seems to take Nick/us longer because of these extra steps. I always tell Nick not to compare himself with others and this is not a race, but I get so upset when people ask us if we've done this or that yet. I know it seems like I'm overly sensitive. Maybe I am, but this is what we're feeling and of course, we'll get through it together. We always do. We just feel as sad sometimes lately as we did when Nick was younger. We didn't expect that at all!
By the way, we don't want our friends and family NOT to share their great news with us, we love it. As I said, it is not about you! It's about us and Nick and our own grief, which apparently can pop up for years, as we're finding out.

One final note, Bella got all A's and Nick got all A's and a B+ on their grade cards this week. Needless to say, we're very proud of them:) Nick's GPA is 3.72 so far. We think that is amazing and shows how hard he's worked with all of the extra challenges he's had to overcome. Yeah Bella and Nick!:)

Blessings:)
Amy

Monica and David (HBO) and UCPs Newsletter

Hi all,

http://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=2a0f8e7077be7d116c18c3273&id=850096678c#Award%20Winning%20Documentary,%20MONICA%20&%20DAVID,%20World%20Broadcast%20Premiere%20is%20Thursday,%20October%2014%20on%20HBO

The above link is to UCP's (United Cerebral Palsy) Newsletter for October 2010. You can sign up on their site to receive the newsletter monthly via e-mail. www.ucp.org. Anyhow, there is an article/notice about a new HBO documentary called Monica and David (premiered October 14, 2010). It's about a couple with Downs Syndrome who get married. I'm watching it as I write and it's GREAT! It's relevant to any parent or family member of an older or adult child with any disability who is preparing for adulthood and life after high school (as we are!). I recommend watching it if you have access to HBO. Also, sign up for UCPs newsletter. You get a lot of great information!

Blessings:)
Amy

"Each of Us Remember...Parents of Children with Cerebral Palsy Answer Your Questions"

Hi all,

I found this great article/guide at www.ucp.org.


"Each of Us Remember...Parents of Children with Cerebral Palsy Answer Your Questions"

Blessings:)
Amy

A Grandmother's Love | Exceptional Family TV

Hi all,

Here is another great post from a grandmother's blog on Exceptional Family TV. For those of you who have not checked out this web-based TV show and their website, I highly recommend it for individuals with disabilities, their families (extended too) and friends, and professionals as well. It's at www.exceptionalfamilytv.com. I know I've mentioned it a few times, but I continue to find great information and blog posts on here! If you know any grandparents of an child or adult with disabilities, please pass this on to them! Thank you! Here's the link to the post:

A Grandmother's Love Exceptional Family TV

Blessings:)
Amy

Call Out to Grandmother’s Everywhere | Exceptional Family TV

Hi all,

Here's the link to a GREAT blog on Exceptional Family TV (www.exceptionalfamilytv.com) written by a grandmother of a child with a disability (athetoid cerebral palsy like Nick).


Call Out to Grandmother’s Everywhere Exceptional Family TV

Blessings:)
Amy

Christopher Reeve Quote

‎"When we have hope, we discover powers within ourselves we may have never known-the power to make sacrifices, to endure, to heal and to love. Once we choose hope, everything is possible." ~Christopher Reeve

This was originally posted on Exceptional Family's FB page.

Blessings:) Amy

Inclusion? | Exceptional Family TV

Inclusion? Exceptional Family TV

A great blog post on Exceptional Family TV-caught my eye. I, of course, have a lot to say on this topic, which I will write about another time. Anyhow, this is a good post to read!

Blessings:)
Amy

Great Article-Must Read

Hi all,

A friend gave me this article, which was written in the late 1980s. The terminology is a little dated but I can say that the issues are as relevant today as they ever were. I feel like this article describes Nick's experiences and my feelings about it VERY WELL! Here it is:

Carolyn Daniel Speaks Out for Her Son

Burlington, Kentucky-Some moms and dads fight like Tigers to get their children with severe disabilities into their own neighborhood schools, rather than have them bused to faraway segregated schools every day. And once their sons or daughters get into local schools, those parents fight just as fiercely so that their children can occupy seats in regular instead of special classes. Even then, some parents like the writer of the following article, feel there is more to fight for:

Wanted: Just One Friend

How many times have I said, “If my son could just make one friend at school, everything would be fine!”
Of course, everything would not be fine. There would always be problems. My son is handicapped, you see. Dealing with OT, PT, IEPs, LREs and the dozen other acronyms we parents face will always be a problem. But we deal with them, and with the help of “experts”, we will hopefully fix what can be fixed.
The social problems our children face are truly heartbreaking. We as parents (who are supposed to be able to “fix” everything) are helpless. Can and should we “buy” them friends? Can a real friend be bought?
My son has cerebral palsy, attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, and is learning disabled. He is in the fourth grade at our neighborhood school, and the only special ed classes he receives is an LD (learning disabled) resource room for math. He does average (or better) school work, dresses in the latest styles (demanding “hi-top” Reeboks even though Velcro had meant independence), loves MTV and Garbage Pail Kids, is well liked by his teachers and office staff, and…doesn’t have one friend at school. No one to “spend the night”, eat lunch with, or even walk down the hall with.
We have tried engineering friendships with swim parties, overnights, movies, and McDonald’s, only to have him waiting by the phone for that call that never comes-the invitation to their house.
This isolation takes its toll in many ways. Parents feel helpless and heartbroken. The child begins to lose interest in bringing home the good grades he is capable of. Who cares, anyway? Everyone else at school is talking about “so and so’s” party last week and he wasn’t invited or worse, was invited and ignored. It causes emotionally immature LD and hyperactive adolescents to “act out” behaviors that usually result in attracting only the principal’s attention. It causes a myriad of problems, but mostly a sad, lonely child.
My son is not mistreated by his classmates. On the contrary, they “mother” him. When I expressed concern to the school personnel, I’ve been told: “The other children love him-they help him all the time!” I hate to sound ungrateful, but helping and liking are vastly different things!
Public Law 94-142 (the U.S. government law calling for a full-service education for all children regardless of disability) gave our children the right to attend their neighborhood schools and receive an appropriate education. It has been enormously successful. But a far greater battle lies ahead-true acceptance of our handicapped children into their schools.
I sincerely wish this had a happy ending. That he found that “best friend” we all remember from our school days. That one special friend that shared our innermost secrets, that laughed with us, cried with us, and always was there to play with us. Maybe someday my son will find that person who will see beyond his disabilities and take the time to get to know what a bright and funny little guy he is.
If I thought it would work, I would run this ad:


WANTED: JUST ONE FRIEND.
MUST LOVE: MUSIC, DOGS, SWIMMING, BIKING, MUD, BUGS, THE FLINTSTONES, COSBY, GARFIELD AND PEANUTS SPECIALS. APPROX. 11 YEARS OF AGE. FOR LIFE.

Daniel, Carolyn. “Wanted: Just One Friend.” Parent to Parent, April 1987 (Tri-State Organized Coalition for Persons with Disabilities).

*I was originally given a copy of this article by a friend. It is also featured in a book called “Circle of Friends: People with Disabilities and Their Friends Enrich the Lives of One Another” by Robert and Martha Perske, 1988.

“When I first read this article, in the late 1990s when my son, Nick, was only about 6 years old, I felt as if the author was speaking directly to me, as if she knew my son and his (our) situation! I couldn’t believe how relevant and heartbreaking it was to me. The article was written in the late 1980s, so the terminology is different, but I can say that the social issues this mother writes about are true and relevant even today with kids (and adults) with disabilities.”
Amy Hyndman, October 2010

Blessings:)
Amy

Shay Day

Hi all,

A friend gave this to me and I thought it was really inspiring. Given all of the news lately highlighting the very real problem of bullying, this story was a refreshing and hopeful reminder of how others can be kind. Kindness goes as long way. I hope my children grow up to be kind and good to others above everything else they accomplish in their lives.

Anyhow, here it is:

SHAY DAY

I do not know where this story originated or if it is factual, but it touched my heart and is worth taking the time to read.

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning disabled children, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:

" When not interfered with outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection. Yet my son Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?"

The audience was stilled by the query.The father continued. "I believe, that when a child like Shay, physically and mentally handicapped comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and comes, in the way other people treat that child."

Then he told the following story:
Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they'll let me play?" Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked if Shay could play, not expecting much. The boy looked around for guidance and said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning, I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him to bat in the ninth inning." Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked if Shay could play, not expecting much. The boy looked around for guidance and said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning, I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him to bat in the ninth inning."Shay struggled over to the team's bench, put on a team shirt with a broad smile and his Father had a small tear in his eye and warmth in his heart. The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted. In the bottom of the eighth ining, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing the other team putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least be able to make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsiland missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.The game would now be over, but the pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the head of the first baseman, out of the reach of all the teammates. Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling,"Shay, run to first!" Never in his life had Shay ever ran that far but made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!" Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to second base. By this time Shay rounded towards second base. The right fielder had the ball. The smallest guy on their team had a chance to be the hero for his team for the first time in his life. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions and he too intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home. All were screaming, "Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay"Shay reached third base, the opposing shortstop ran to help him and turned him the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third! Shay, run to third". As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams and those watching were on their feet screaming, "Shay, run home! Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and cheered as the hero who hit the "grand slam" and won the game for his team.

That day, said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, "the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world". Shay didn't make it another summer and died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making his Father so happy and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

May your day be a Shay Day, sunny today, tomorrow, and always! - from a friend

Blessings:) Amy

4th Annual 31 for 21 Blog Challenge

Grab This Button

It's that time of year again...the 31 for 21 Blog Challenge to Raise Awareness of Down Syndrome!


Though I know I am barely even getting the word out in time, I am hoping some of you (Hello? Is there anybody out there? *crickets chirping*) will join me.

Here are the rules:

1. Sign up using the Mister Linky form below.

2. Commit to blogging in your blog everyday for the month of October (which is Down syndrome Awareness Month).

3. And then...um...blog in your blog everyday for the month of October!

You can choose to write about life with DS or...not. It's up to you. But if you at least mention the challenge and start writing EVERYDAY it's bound to go NOTICED. Personally, I find that I go back and forth, sometimes I write about DS because hey, it's a part of our life, and sometimes I don't, because hey, guess what? It's just a part of our life!

Here's step 4: Grab the button (by clicking the link that says "Grab this Button above") designed by the lovely RK so people will recognize that we're doing something here! Power in numbers, baby! The button''ll link back to this post and hopefully more people will sign up to participate in the challenge!

See you in October! If you're anything like me, it's a busy month and we'll have PLENTY to blog about!

Happy Blogging and Blessings:)
Amy

Thankful For Friends/Family and The Cost of Education/Inclusion

Hi all,

I just want to start by saying "Thank you God" for my friend Marion Wallace. Marion happens to be a neighbor but she is really a great friend to me and my family. We met when Isabella and her granddaughter, Taylor, were in preschool together and we've been friends ever since. Even if we don't see or talk to each other in awhile, we pick right up where we left off. She's always there for us, in a lot of ways over the years, and just a true friend. I'm SO thankful for her!

That leads me to the gratitude we have for our friends and family. Many families who have kids with disabilities have reported to me over the years that their circle of friends change for a variety of reasons once they have a child with a disability. For us, we found that some people who were our friends, stopped coming around or contacting us after we had Nick. We only have a few friends that have been with us throughout our journey. Whether they felt uncomfortable and didn't know what to say to us, couldn't relate, or we were just too busy and were in a constant crisis for years, it was hurtful. The upside though is that we have met so many good people since we've had Nick that we probably would not have met otherwise, and made some great, lifelong friends along the way. For that, we are so thankful!

It can be hurtful too when family members aren't there for you either. Greg's parents used to have garage sales for us to raise money to buy special equipment for Nick. For instance, his first wheelchair was a stroller wheelchair, because he couldn't hold his head up or sit up in any regular stroller and needed more support. It was $1700 (in 1993) and insurance did not cover it. This is one example of many. Anyhow, we actually had family members who said, "well, we are struggling and need a garage sale too!" (with their healthy kids) I've heard countless stories from friends, some with supportive family like most of our family is, and some with family who felt uncomfortable around their kids, wouldn't help out, etc. and it was hurtful to them. We are thankful for our parents and my sister who helped us out a lot over the years with Nick and our family is very supportive to this day. Sometimes people can be thoughtless and mean-spirited but we are lucky that for the most part, we've had good experiences.

On another note, this week I am ordering graduation announcements for Nick and his cap and gown. As I sat in bed one night reading through the packet of materials featuring all of the things you can order (shirts, key-rings, etc.), and for just one small moment, I thought, "this is expensive!" I stopped myself and felt thankful that we (Nick) have gotten to this moment. I remembered the times we were told this would not happen when Nick was younger. Then I thought how grateful I was to pay any price for this "stuff". People always talk about the "cost" of including/educating kids with disabilities in public schools. We know the cost, literally, as we educated ourselves. We also know the cost we've paid in hours of meetings, hours of extra help with Nick physically and literally with homework, etc. (writing for him, etc.), emotionally (teasing, etc.), and by the way, we pay our taxes, vote for school levies, and pay for all of the "extras"/"stuff" just like everyone else does! We know the cost of inclusion/education for Nick very well. College will be even more with personal attendants and disability supports on top of the tuition, etc. We can honestly say, we're GLAD and thankful to pay this price to see Nick where he is today and where he will be in the future!:)

Blessings:)
Amy

Easter Seals

Easter Seals

Nick's Homecoming 2010

Hi all,

For those of you that read my blog yesterday about what happened to Greg BEFORE the homecoming dance, it turns out that Nick had a GREAT time at the dance!

Nick told us that it was the "best dance ever" and his date, Kinnis, was adorable. They danced "the entire time minus a 10 min. break" according to Nick. We were SO happy for him. He has a great time at his last homecoming dance, his senior year! What more can you ask for?

Blessings:)
Amy

PS- we didn't get a lot of pictures this year because Nick said he just wanted to "get to the dance!" :)

Job Accommodation Network

Hi all,


www.askjan.org - This is by far one of the most useful/best web sites for job accommodations for individuals with disabilities AS WELL AS great ideas for accommodations for students (even younger students up to adults). You can look up accommodations by disability. It's just a great resource altogether. I've used it for my son at IEPs, as well as for families I've worked with and people I know with disabilities.

I had mentioned this resource once before but their website address has since changed and this is the new one. This is really one of the most useful, helpful websites and it is worth checking out.

I love to share good resources!

Blessings:)
Amy

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

Hi all,

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. (NDEAM)
www.dol.gov/odep/faqs/ndeam.htm

A World In Which People With Disabilities Have Unlimited Employment Opportunities

What is National Disability Employment Awareness Month?
Congress designated each October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The Office of Disability Employment Policy has the lead in planning NDEAM activities and materials to increase the public's awareness of the contributions and skills of American workers with disabilities. Various programs carried out throughout the month also highlight the specific employment barriers that still need to be addressed and removed.

This effort to educate the American public about issues related to disability and employment actually began in 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to "National Disability Employment Awareness Month."

For more information, a GREAT website is:

www.dol.gov/odep

Blessings:)
Amy

Ask A Stupid Question, Get A Stupid Answer

Hi all,

When you have a disability or a family member with a disability, you have tons of "stories" like the one I'm about to tell you. I feel like we have so many, I could write a book. The problem is, I remember some of them, but I really need to write them down because there are SO many! Here is one thing that happened just tonight.

Greg was dropping Nick off at a party tonight with his date to the homecoming dance, before the dance. There were some other parents dropping kids off too and leaving this home. Greg took Nick in, took a couple of pictures, got Nick settled and left. As he was leaving, another parent was also leaving after dropping off her son or daughter. She has a younger child with her. She yells out to Greg, "Is your son handicapped?" Greg kind of smiles and laughs to himself because of course, the word "handicapped", along with the boldness of that out of the blue question kind of caught him off guard. He said, "yes, he has cerebral palsy". She replied, "are you just going to leave him here like that?" Greg of course was a combination of shocked, maybe a little offended as she doesn't even know us or Nick, her ignorance, boldness, and a dozen other things.....and he said (with the INTENTION of being a smart-a__ and rightfully so!), "yeah, I'm going to leave him and just let them (the people in the house) deal with him!" and he got in the car. He said she just kind of looked at him with a look of disbelief. If you ask a STUPID question, expect a STUPID answer! What was this lady thinking? It never ceases to amaze us how ignorant people are about disability. (and in general in this case) As I'm writing this, Greg had gotten a call that Nick and his date are ready to go to the dance after this party, so he is now picking them up in our van, as Nick is using a wheelchair of course, to take them to the dance. Of course, he could have just let them walk or hitch a ride, but we don't roll like that ;) Enough said. (deep breath!)

Blessings:)
Amy

Mom surprises son on 17th birthday

October 2, 2010 update

Hi all,

Tonight is Nick's Homecoming dance, his senior year! We're excited for him and hope he has a great time. You'll have to check out our post from last year, dated October 11, 2009, Nick's first homecoming dance or dance in general. I'd say it was a "family affair" and we're much more "relaxed" this year;) So, we'll post pictures soon.

Nick's enjoying his senior year so far! He has a great schedule and is taking a few classes that he REALLY likes, one is Sports Management and one is Sociology. He's doing VERY well and getting ready for the upcoming wrestling season to start. So far he's just been conditioning/lifting weights for wrestling. Also, I'll post later about this in detail but we're getting ready for some college visits and contacts as applications need to be completed soon. Also, Nick will be completing his driving portion of his driving school soon and I'll post about that. We have a wonderful person from the Bridges to Transition Program who is helping us with getting Nick connected to and ready for work, college, driving, etc. We're so grateful for the help. We knew this would be a busy year and we're trying to enjoy it!

We also received an order form this week for Nick's cap and gown and graduation announcements, which made it VERY REAL and I had quite an evening of reaction and reflection which I'll write about more later.

Isabella is enjoying her dance classes and has started taking the violin, which she is really enjoying. Plus, she is loving the 5th grade. We can see so many changes in her, as we do with both of the kids every year. I think that is really one of the best parts of being a parent. The thing I find most enjoyable being a parent is watching them become these "people" they are becoming, the constant changes and maturing, their personalities developing along the way. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm most definitely feeling that time is going by very fast, too fast, and I realize how important it is to enjoy it and take it all in.

Blessings:)
Amy

Josh Blue

Hi all,

This past Thursday night, September 30, 2010, Greg, Nick, Isabella, and I, along with both sets or our parents, attended the Woodlane/Community Employment Services (www.woodlane.us/adultServices.php ) 25th anniversary celebration at Fat Fish Blue/Levis Commons (Perrysburg, OH.). They put on a wonderful celebration, great food, and featured comedians BT and Josh Blue. They were both so funny. We had a GREAT time!

For those of you who don't know, Josh Blue is a man with cerebral palsy, a comedian who won NBC's Last Comic Standing Season Four, a husband and father who lives in Denver, Colorado, and a Paralympic athlete. His web site is www.joshblue.com. He uses his sense of humor to defy stereotypes and encourage others to overcome their preconceived notions of individuals living with disabilities. He is SO funny! His sarcasm and "smart-a__" sense of humor reminds me of Nick's sense of humor. Nick also uses that to deal with his disability, teach others, deal with life in general, and well, it just IS who he is!

Thanks to Woodlane/CES and Josh Blue for a wonderful evening!

Blessings:)

Amy