It is 13 years since Isaac's birth and my awakening. We have survived
something that most people won't even begin to understand. Together,
we take this journey into the unknown. Each day is different than the one
before it and no day will be the same after it. I live life clean and sober
and Isaac..........well, Isaac is Isaac and he lives.
When Isaac was 4, I
went to work and my mom started watching him. I got off of welfare
and became a productive member of society. Isaac struggled with a heart
condition and failure to thrive. I moved up in my position at work and
learned how to do a real job. I soaked up knowledge like a sponge. It
was like my life had been turned off for 20 years and I had to learn everything
for the first time. The workaholic in me had resurfaced and this time
it would be to our advantage.
I was able to take Isaac to see a specialist in the field of Fetal
Alcohol Syndrome. Dr. Sterling Clarren and Dr. Ann Streissguth both
of WA state. He was diagnosed with Full Blown FAS. I made it my business
to know of FAS and to be an advocate for my son. Isaac also went to see
another specialist in San Diego. Dr. Ed Riley and Dr. Sarah Mattson did
extensive testing on Isaac. His prognosis is not good.
Isaac attends a special needs school and I have gone on to open
my own small business. My mom has retired and now takes care of Isaac
after school and when I am at work. Together, the 3 of us take one
day at a time trying to make this thing work.
Many people have asked me, if I had it to do all over again, what
would I change? For me personally, I wouldn't change a thing. I am
here for a reason. Isaac is here for a reason. I don't know why and
I don't need to know why. I am one of the very few who went to hell and
then came back. To me, that's enough of a reason. Isaac is a miracle.
Plain and simple. My mother, who doesn't drink and take anything more
than an aspirin, has lived her whole life with alcoholism and/or drug
addiction in one form or another. We have come this far and will continue
on this journey that's called life.
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