Re: Books of Interest

[Guest guest]

You know I like the idea of sharing books that we have read. I think that is

a great idea. I have made a note of a couple of your books to follow up on.

I myself am an avid reader. I have just joined a book club (my very first

meeting is Aug. 20th) but the book for this month is " Confessions of a

Shop-a-holic " . Well, I HATE shopping and was not impressed to see that book

but I have to say, if anyone is looking to read a funny, light and engaging

book..........that is the one. I am actually onto the 3rd one of the series

now. I like it that much. Just something totally different than what I

normally read. In the past 2 months I have read some Tom Clancy books and of

course all the Dan Brown books (Da Vinci code, and the others that are on

the best seller list). They were awesome.

Anyway, we should start recommending books to each other. It's a neat idea.

And it doesn't HAVE TO be about the kids!!!!!!!!

Debby

[Guest guest]

,

I am going to order Changed by a Child. That sounds just like what

I need to read and would like to share with others. My RSS " child "

is not little anymore, but he has changed our lives in so many

ways. And, you know, I have to say that for all of what we have

been through with him, all the emotions, all the money, all the

extreme worrying, I think I have come out better for it! I have

become stronger, more vocal, more able to go for what I want. Of

course,I had to go through hell to get there.

There is another stage of our lives coming up that is scary and I

don't know where to find help or support: what Max will do after

high school. Right now he is in a sort of cocoon, with teachers who

look out for him, peers who know him and appreciate him. When high

school ends, I just don't know what will happen. We have two years

yet. And we have a GREAT case manager who is also a psychologist

and he sees a wonderful psychologist. I'm hoping that with their

help we will be able to get Max set up on his own a bit.

Truthfully, I don't know if he will be able to be totally on his

own, but time will tell. This is one of those things that I try not

to delve into too deeply because I get anxious and upset.

For now I will dwell on the good things and how far he has come.

After all the changes in the past year, who knows what lies ahead?

Jodi Z

And, , thank you for opening this discussion. I've needed to

put this into words for a long time and did not know how. You freed

me up today. I am so grateful!

[Guest guest]

Uh oh - sounds like a book my husband would like me to read. he he

he. My girlfriend is trying to get me to read that French diet

book? I can't remember the name. Have you heard of it?

Wasn't the DaVinci Code fantastic? Didn't the author just release

another book?

Keep me (us) posted on your book club. Sounds like fun.

- H

>

>

> You know I like the idea of sharing books that we have read. I

think that is

> a great idea. I have made a note of a couple of your books to

follow up on.

> I myself am an avid reader. I have just joined a book club (my

very first

> meeting is Aug. 20th) but the book for this month is " Confessions

of a

> Shop-a-holic " . Well, I HATE shopping and was not impressed to see

that book

> but I have to say, if anyone is looking to read a funny, light and

engaging

> book..........that is the one. I am actually onto the 3rd one of

the series

> now. I like it that much. Just something totally different than

what I

> normally read. In the past 2 months I have read some Tom Clancy

books and of

> course all the Dan Brown books (Da Vinci code, and the others that

are on

> the best seller list). They were awesome.

>

> Anyway, we should start recommending books to each other. It's a

neat idea.

> And it doesn't HAVE TO be about the kids!!!!!!!!

>

> Debby

[Guest guest]

Actually, I have an extra copy. I was impatient and couldn't wait

for my mom to send me hers and bought one of my own. Low and

behold - hers came the next day! If you'd like, I'd be happy to

give it to you and then you can decide if you want to pass it on.

Let me know.

I'm glad you were able to find your thoughts and " offer them up " to

all of us. I've read many of your posts and you definately come

across as intelligent, positive and supportive to many. Those are

wonderful traits. You have endured alot and it sounds as if you

have done the best for your child. Soon, he will not be a " child " .

Of course, he will be your child - but, he will be embarking a new

journey. Because of your continued strength, caring attitude and

wisdom, he will always have you by your side during his journey to

adulthood. I think he will transition very well despite your

concerns. Do we give our children the credit they deserve? Atleast

Max will always feel safe with you - and that's more than any person

can give. He will adjust, you will follow him closely (without him

knowing it <grin>) and he will do fabulous.

I'd be happy to chat " off-line " if you ever want to discuss

further. I can actually be a good listener too.

By the way - for any of those reading and I'll try to remember to

use it always - since there are other s - I will use " H " as

my sign-off. Everyone can also address me as " H " . That way there

will be less confusion. If not for anyone else but for ME!

-H

> ,

>

> I am going to order Changed by a Child. That sounds just like

what

> I need to read and would like to share with others. My

RSS " child "

> is not little anymore, but he has changed our lives in so many

> ways. And, you know, I have to say that for all of what we have

> been through with him, all the emotions, all the money, all the

> extreme worrying, I think I have come out better for it! I have

> become stronger, more vocal, more able to go for what I want. Of

> course,I had to go through hell to get there.

>

> There is another stage of our lives coming up that is scary and I

> don't know where to find help or support: what Max will do after

> high school. Right now he is in a sort of cocoon, with teachers

who

> look out for him, peers who know him and appreciate him. When

high

> school ends, I just don't know what will happen. We have two

years

> yet. And we have a GREAT case manager who is also a psychologist

> and he sees a wonderful psychologist. I'm hoping that with their

> help we will be able to get Max set up on his own a bit.

> Truthfully, I don't know if he will be able to be totally on his

> own, but time will tell. This is one of those things that I try

not

> to delve into too deeply because I get anxious and upset.

>

> For now I will dwell on the good things and how far he has come.

> After all the changes in the past year, who knows what lies ahead?

>

> Jodi Z

> And, , thank you for opening this discussion. I've needed

to

> put this into words for a long time and did not know how. You

freed

> me up today. I am so grateful!

[Guest guest]

,

That book sounds great - I've got to get one too! Thanks so much for sharing the

info.

Jodi Z.,

Max has come so far - it is just amazing to me! Your family is such an

inspiration, and I am thankful for your sharing honestly with many people - your

wisdom is so valuable. Just wanted to send some encouragement to you about the

next stage in life for Max. Charissa is in a *wonderful* transitioning program

here, provided through the school district. The students can remain in the

program until they turn 22 years old, and if that is during a school year they

can finish the school year. It is not a " workshop " type setting, like is so

often available for more severely affected students, it is geared towards

helping these young people achieve as much independence as possible, and helping

connect them with appropriate services and assistance. When we saw Dr. H. (way

back in 2000) she was asking me about what type of things like this were

available here, she knew of several different ones there.....Oh, but maybe that

is only in NY and not NJ?

Right now I am dealing with getting Charissa approved for services through the

state. She won't need alot, but she will need the Medicare, and probably some

type of loosely supervised apartment. Her application was just

rejected....again....(2nd time). We spent 2+ years with appointments with

specialists, counselors & psychologists to document her behaviors & difficulties

before we started the application process, and they aren't even looking at half

the info we are giving them. I am mad this time, because they look at her

low/average I.Q., and the fact that she was able to graduate from High School,

and pass the state Exit exam, and they deem her as not needing services. (Of

course the paperwork doesn't show that all her high school classes were designed

for her success.....or all the one-on-one she received at school and at home

that enabled her to pass!) So now we will be appealing AGAIN, and when it is

finally passed, we will start all over with Social Security disability.

It is hard enough that it has taken so long to document her issues, but with

her abnormal MRI and chromosome deletion (both finally discovered 3 years ago)

it shouldn't be this difficult! If it comes to having a hearing, the school

will testify and fight until it is approved (did I tell you they are

wonderful?!?)

O.K., when did my encouraging note turn into venting?!? <grin> I am glad that

you have such wonderful people there to work with. I am sure they will help you

find just the right services, if Max needs anything. But you might want to start

checking now......

in Alaska

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Message: 21

Date: Mon, 08 Aug 2005 21:52:33 -0000

From: " Jodi Zwain "

Subject: Re: Books of Interest

,

I am going to order Changed by a Child. That sounds just like what

I need to read and would like to share with others. My RSS " child "

is not little anymore, but he has changed our lives in so many

ways. And, you know, I have to say that for all of what we have

been through with him, all the emotions, all the money, all the

extreme worrying, I think I have come out better for it! I have

become stronger, more vocal, more able to go for what I want. Of

course,I had to go through hell to get there.

There is another stage of our lives coming up that is scary and I

don't know where to find help or support: what Max will do after

high school. Right now he is in a sort of cocoon, with teachers who

look out for him, peers who know him and appreciate him. When high

school ends, I just don't know what will happen. We have two years

yet. And we have a GREAT case manager who is also a psychologist

and he sees a wonderful psychologist. I'm hoping that with their

help we will be able to get Max set up on his own a bit.

Truthfully, I don't know if he will be able to be totally on his

own, but time will tell. This is one of those things that I try not

to delve into too deeply because I get anxious and upset.

For now I will dwell on the good things and how far he has come.

After all the changes in the past year, who knows what lies ahead?

Jodi Z

And, , thank you for opening this discussion. I've needed to

put this into words for a long time and did not know how. You freed

me up today. I am so grateful!

---------------------------------

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