Yesterday was filled with Miracles of the Stubborn Mama variety. After several weeks of playing phone and computer tag, I finally got in touch with the director of a very special program which provides *invisible social support* to people just exactly like my Daughter. As a result, we are leaving today for a College Visit. A real four year University, with the degree program she is interested in, has invited HER to come and see if she likes it. Could I be any happier? I think NOT. This is the child, by the way, who was never going to be able to go to Regular School or ask a question or have an ordinary social interaction. Never Say NEVER. I have been determined to assist my children in reaching their fullest potentials as human beings, and NOW, 20 years later, I am finally seeing the fruits of the stubborn seeds I planted in Preschool. It has not been easy, and Lord knows, I've fallen flat on my face more than a couple of times...but yesterday I took stock. My son is working at a productive job he LOVES and living as independently as his medical needs allow. He's Happy, has Friends, and gathers around the dinner table with Guys Like Him in a house he has helped clean, and does the dishes after dinner before retiring to his room. My daughter graduated from a regular high school with honors, completed three semesters of a local community college, without any special ed support whatsoever, made the President's list every semester and accompanied me on a five week train trip across the country. She was the single most delightful travelling companion I have ever had the pleasure of being with. She wants to try and transfer to a four year college and someday get her Masters degree in Library Science. Today we begin that process. They have both worked really really hard to overcome insurmountable odds and LOTS of professional Naysayers.
Saturday we will be at MSWF. I'll be the Proud Mama, grinning from ear to ear. I can't wait to give each and every one of you a Huge HUG!
There Probably won't be any blog updates until Tuesday or so, as I am NOT lugging the laptop on this trip. If I get lucky and find a Public Library or an Internet cafe, I'll try to sneak in a quick post.
Blessings to You and Yours, this day as ALWAYS!
Best of luck to you and your daughter. My eyes filled with tears just reading your post. You have done a great job as their mother. Now is the time for you to enjoy the wonderful people they have become. Congrats to you and your two children!
Have a great trip up to Maryland. Give everybody a hug from me.
Posted by: annie | April 29, 2004 at 08:23 AM
enjoy maryland, and the daughter!
Posted by: Stephanie | April 29, 2004 at 08:32 AM
Be proud of your kids, and I'll see you at the Sheep & Wool Festival! Yay!
Posted by: Christina | April 29, 2004 at 10:20 AM
Fabulous Greta. That is so wonderful to hear. Congratulations Daughter Bird and Son Bird on your many many accomplishments. On a side note, it is so wonderful to hear this. I future trip about all of my kids but Owen most of all. Naysayers are still out there...telling us what our children can't do or where they will have to be. I love proving them wrong. :)
Posted by: Kathleen | April 29, 2004 at 10:25 AM
Proof yet again of the amazing, talented, present, patient, determined, loving, open, strong, marvelous woman that you are.. You embrace life's challenges and reap the rewards of your hard work with such joy. I'm in awe of you, Greta.
Posted by: Nathania | April 29, 2004 at 11:20 AM
Girl + Danger = Everything is possible.
Hope you're having some wooly fun.
:-)
Posted by: Pioneer Melissa | April 29, 2004 at 11:56 AM
I am just soooooo happy for you and your family. I'll miss you! Have a safe and wonderful trip. Give Bird Girl a big hug for me.
Posted by: Cathy | April 29, 2004 at 12:27 PM
Greta you must have such a feeling of contentment right now...I have three kids who fit into the special education mold for various reasons and no matter where their needs fall it has always a struggle to have their needs met and addressed by the public education system
(all three are intellectualy gifted but have other special needs as well).
Isn't it marvelous to be able to prove the "educrats" wrong!
Debbie in very balmy (72F) southern Ontario, Canada
Posted by: deborah klement | April 29, 2004 at 12:48 PM
I am available to head up the Professional Yaysayers, Northwest Division!! That is beyond fantastic!
Posted by: Ann | April 29, 2004 at 12:50 PM
Greta you make me proud to be a Mom. What an example of beating the odds with love and strength and tenacity. I only know a tiny bit about your kids from what I've read recently but I think you shine today more than ever. Savour this trip with your daughter. I look forward to reading about it.
Posted by: Lisa | April 29, 2004 at 12:51 PM
3 Huzzaaaas to Danger Girl and her side kick, Ultra Mom!
Posted by: Carrie | April 29, 2004 at 09:12 PM
That is just awesome... all of it! I am so happy that you have been able to "prove the naysayers wrong" maybe they will think twice before nay-saying to the next mom. :)
Posted by: Chelsea | April 29, 2004 at 10:59 PM
Let's hear it for you and those great kids! What fantastic news! Have a wonderful time at MSWF--travel safely. You and your kiddos remain in my prayers. xxoo
Posted by: Kim | April 30, 2004 at 08:13 AM
This is just wonderful — kudos to your kids for their strength, perseverance and independence, and the same to their mom for helping them fulfill their potential. Enjoy the trip, enjoy your family!
Posted by: Mindy | April 30, 2004 at 10:14 AM
I can't wait to meet you, Proud Mama! Actually, by the time you get this I will have met you. So I'll just say I'm glad we had so much fun!
Posted by: Bethany | May 01, 2004 at 08:31 AM