This is a continuation of Dr. Steven Hall's open letter to Georgia Families about HCBS waivers and public education:

Georgia's new Home and Community Based Medicaid Waivers are prepared to support children and adults to live, work, and participate in full community life alongside other citizens who do not have developmental disabilities. "Places for them," day centers, sheltered workshops, and taxpayer dollars staying with the government to run institutions are being replaced and closed all around the United States, including Georgia.

Instead of facilities, buildings, and other "for the disabled only" programs, taxpayers... more

Blogger's Note: Normally, I wouldn't post something that only pertains to families in one state. But when this letter was posted on a local listserv it caught my eye for more than just the information about Georgia's Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers. Dr. Hall has painted a very optimistic future for adults with developmental disabilities. I found his letter encouraging and energizing. And I thought other parents of special kids might as well. I'm sorry for the length of the letter. Had it been posted on the internet somewhere, I would have just provided the link.

An Open Letter to Families who have School Children with Developmental Disabilities,... more

Probably the one best supplement we've added to LuLu's repertoire since starting biomedical interventions last November has been Magnesium Sulfate Cream. Our DAN! doctor prescribed it to help with meltdowns and rages, but for LuLu it is significant in other ways as well.

Magnesium is a trace mineral required by our bodies. American diets are notoriously deficient in magnesium. The best sources being nuts and seeds like sesame and sunflower seeds, as well as almonds, walnuts and cashews.

And even a slight deficiency can show up as sensitivity to noise, nervousness,... more

Our meeting with Cassie was a very interesting and unique experience. There were four triad members who met with Cassie, 3 birth moms, (including me) and one adoptee. We met at a designated spot one afternoon and parked our cars. Then we were whisked up to the Starting Over ("SO") house via their van.

Upon our arrival, we were taken to a side patio where they briefed us as to the taping, and told us what they hoped our meeting would accomplish for Cassie. Considering the fact that this was reality television, I was a tad skeptical at first.

However,... more

I’m back. I generally try to post at least once per day, but I slipped this week-end. Earlier I wrote a post about adoption and “getting fit” so I was making sure I actually lived up to my preaching. Yesterday, I did the six mile walk for the March of Dimes with my friend. It was quite an experience and a lot of fun. I’ve never done anything like that before. I generally give money and let other people do the walking part. That would be my lazy side talking.

My excuse for... more

An earlier blog talked about birth mom Cassie meeting her son on the reality t.v. show "Starting Over" ("SO"). I had been told that the reunion would take place on Friday, April 28, so I watched at lunch that day. No meeting between Cassie and son on that particular episode.

To add to the drama and build-up, the life coaches talked to Cassie to prepare her for reunion, but, the show ended on Friday with her about to walk into a hotel room to meet her son. I... more

Weather you are a foster parent, stepparent, or recently divorced, you know about the difficulties that come with dealing with custody and visitation issues. Not only can the holidays can be stressful and hard on the adults, but it can also be extremely stressful and tense for the child as well.

Divorce is emotionally draining, especially during the holidays and special occasions. Divorced parents must communicate with even more diplomacy, patience, mutual understanding, respect, and tolerance than married couples planning holiday travel, dinners, reunions and... more

This check list is helpful to those who are still just in the begining stages of stepparent adoption, as well as those who have already completed the process, and have found that their own marriage has gone sour. An adoptive stepparent has the same custody and visitation rights as a biological parent does, so if the adoptive parent finds him or herself in a position where they wish to get out of their marriage, they can be assured that they will still be able to have contact with their adopted stepchild.

Hire the right lawyer, with the right experience,... more

Hubby and I have been married twenty-five years on Tuesday. To each other. Twenty-five years.

I never expected it. Really. Oh I know I vowed to be married till death and all that, but, well, I sort of expected death before the twenty-five years came.

Of course I’m grateful that I’m actually still alive and healthy and doing well. That makes this our silver wedding anniversary! We are supposed to give each other silver I think, but never being the type to conform to traditions, we’ll ignore that custom. I think my parents will be sending... more

Unfortunately, many times in the midst of the excitement that surrounds an adoption some very important things and people can be forgotten. As adopting/adoptive parents it is imperative that we maintain a correct perspective about those who have made the decision to place their child with another family to raise. There is a wide range of emotions that come with a discussion about this.

Let me first say that in our situation, we never knew the birth parents of our daughter. It is not even known who they were. Mia was left outside of a small hospital in a remote region... more