JOURNAL

 

In the previous entry, I spoke about having an IEP on Friday the 16th.  I had put together some files to take into the meeting that consisted of my son's diagnosis from Dr. Sterling Clarren  of the University of Washington that was done in 1996 and also the testing that had been done by Dr. Ed Riley at the Center for Behavioral Teratology in 2001.  I highlighted some pertinent information that was written by both teams of doctors.  The presentation of the material went well and was well received by the School District and the other members of the team which were my son's teachers.  After all these years of trying to obtain a 1 on 1 aide for my son, I finally reached the goal.  I was very excited and pleased that they are finally taking me seriously.  I have tried so hard to get the schools that my son has attended to realize the nature of FAS to no avail.  It was nice to finally leave an IEP knowing that I had gained the respect that I deserved.

To the rest of the parents that struggle with this, I can tell you.....don't give up.  It took me 10 years + to get this but I finally got it.  We must always be diligent in our efforts to help our kids.  Even when it looks like all hope has faded away, continue to be persistent.  It will eventually pay off.

Also in the previous entry, I mentioned *G*.  He moved into the second part of his residential treatment center and has been there for 3 days now.  *J* went and helped him to move his things from the 30 days house to the new house.  She called me on Sunday to let me know that he is fine and they will be keeping him very busy.  He has classes from sometime in the morning until 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday.  He can leave the house and go to outside meetings and also visit family and friends.  He has been drug and alcohol free for a little over 30 days.  Yipppeee!  He also went to see his doctor about his other medications.  The anti depressant, the anti-anxiety pills and his pain meds.  The doctor felt that all he needed at this point was the anti depressant.  What I liked hearing even more was that *G* agreed with the doctor.  No more pain meds and anti anxiety pills.  All in all, it sounds like *G* is doing well.  I feel that *J* had some concerns about the house that he is in now and I tried to ease her mind but don't really know if I helped any.  It is one thing to sit and talk about a person hitting bottom but when the reality of it happens in front of you, it is quite another.  I'm glad that her and I talk about this.  It helps me and I can only hope that it helps her too.  She mentioned that she wanted to go to an AA Meeting.  I told her to look at the schedule and pick an open meeting that she and *G* could both go to.  She wants to learn.  I told her there is no better place to learn about alcoholism than in meetings.  She is very inquisitive and I'm sure this will be an eye opener for her.  I couldn't be more pleased to know that she wants to be a great support for her brother.  It will strengthen the bonds and also his chances for a solid recovery.  This is the kind of news I love telling people about.  =)

My son left for summer camp this morning.  He has been so very excited all weekend about going.  I didn't think we were going to make it to this morning.  I took him down to meet the bus and while waiting, we found out the bus had broken down.  He was upset and nervous and asked me to sing to him.  (I am tone deaf).  I did anyway and he laughed and it eased some of the frustration of waiting.  After 2 hours, the bus finally showed up and he was off.  He goes to summer camp every year but has never been away from his Grandma or myself for any other time.  It is hard for him.  I hope that he does well this year and has the time of his life.  He deserves to have fun and act like a kid for 5 days without the pressure of school and parents watching his every move.  My house seems empty without him.  I try to enjoy this time when he is away but it is hard for me too.  Oh well, I will just have to force myself to relax but it won't be easy. 

I will be leaving this week for a much needed vacation.  My mom will be staying behind to wait on my son's return and then they will join me up North.  I am looking forward to getting away.  Most times, I dread the thought of leaving and going anywhere but this time, I feel it is needed.  The drive just about kills me but I will make the best of it.  Leaving work is extremely difficult but I know it will be in good hands so I am going to try my hardest not to think about it.  I will do another entry about our trip when I return.

Vacation, here I come!

© 2004 Traci