Ecstasy Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 This morning I thought I'd throw a heartwarming item out there. Today is our son, Brian's, 18th birthday! That in itself is nice but this is a very emotional day for John and me. When we got Brian at 2 yo we were told he'd never survive to age five, then we were told that he be so retarded he'd be little more than a vegetable by age 7, then we were told he'd never progress beyond early grade school skills for the rest of his life... Today he is none of those things! As he prepares to go this weekend to coach his school's Special Olympics team and as we get the report card from his therapeutic school with straight As and Bs we see a young man who has defied the odds. Only time and effort will tell us how much further he'll be able to progress but the fact that he's here with us today AT ALL is a miracle in itself!!! Just thought you all might like to hear a piece of good news in your day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missm Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 Thanks for sharing, Ecstacy!! That kind of news brings happy tears to my eyes!! I am glad that you and John did not give in to the pessimistic forecast you were given for Brian's future! To one person the glass is half empty, but to another the glass is overflowing. Seems to me that you are "overflowing" people! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Fresh Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 That was truly an inspirational story and one you and your son should be very proud of.It all comes down to expectations and attitudes.If people are willing and able to put forth the time,effort,fortitude,and tenacity to see ones dreams become reality...the forces will align and get behind you.Thanks for sharing and God bless you all. Rob. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TOMMY TUNES Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 Ecstasy,That's wonderful. I am happy for you and your family. To quote one of my favorite posters around here: "Booyah!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angelina Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 Thanks for sharing that heartwarming story Ecstacy. Each day we're given a chance to live up to our God-given abilities and to impact, in a positive manner, those around us. It's rare enough that we accomplish that endeavor. Your son has totally exceeded that goal....each and every day. You should be very, very proud of him....and also realize that you and John had quite a lot to do with it yourselves.Booyah Indeed!Johnthanks Tunesy...right back at ya! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecstasy Posted June 11, 2009 Author Share Posted June 11, 2009 Thank you all! Indeed, we did decide that each time a professional told us it was 'impossible' that just meant we had something to prove. I've got incredibly strong instincts and I could just feel that we shouldn't just accept the diagnoses and sit back and trust the professionals implicitely as most parents do. We had to fight for what we believed in and it was always the unpopular road. <smile> There are a couple of things we're really proud of regarding Brian: 1) we fought to find doctors who weren't afraid of his kidney condition and would take the risks to work on him (they performed numerous surgeries that saved his life), 2) we homeschooled him when everyone told us that was inappropriate and now we're continuously told he's the most highly functioning Fetal Alcohol Syndrom patient they've ever seen (his IQ is very low, the only thing that shows up is what we put in him according to the diagnostician who's worked with him for years), and 3) most people don't even know he's special needs upon meeting and talking with him. He presents amazingly well. The next phase in life isn't going to be easy, either, though. We now need to see if we can get him into an assisted living facility to help him with adult life. He'll never be able to live alone but he can be fairly self-sufficient and independant with guidance. The problem is (as I poured out to Beth <Bessieboo> on the phone on Monday) getting qualified! He's too high-functioning for this, he's not high enough functioning for that, this paperwork is unacceptable, we still need documentation from so-and-so... <sigh> And with the economy and health care cutbacks, getting services is virtually undeard of (now THAT'S what's impossible!!!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelley Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 Congratulations Kathy Lee..just goes to show you how a loving home, hard work and determination can pay off in a childs life..you didn't give up on him, I hope he has much success in the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HT from Mo Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 Congratulations Kathy!You and your husband deserve a HUGE HUG from me for a job well done! You don't find too many adoptive parents that would...1) bring a special needs child into their home with open arms2) go against the diagnosis and believe in your hearts that the child will be better than that!Congratulations to Brian as well! I hope that he will continue to progress through life and enjoy all it has to offer!Beth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hollies65 Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 I give lots of credit to parents with special needs children...It's alot of work...kudos Kathy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Cartmill Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 Way to go Brian and WAY TO GO KATHY LEE...The girl who just loves a good challenge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecstasy Posted June 11, 2009 Author Share Posted June 11, 2009 Thanks, Steve! If I were to be arrogant <smile> enough to give one piece of advice to ANY parent it would be to be a rebel and do things on your own terms for your child. I told Brian that everyone expected him to be retarded but it was up to him to decide whether he was or not. (He is borderline/low normal so there was still room to maneuver on this issue as opposed to a child who is Downs or whatever in which I would NEVER issue a challenge like that!) I taught each of the kids to defy their disabilities and do things their own way. Thank God they had it within themselves to raise the bar! A parent can only go so far. We're proud that we have gutsy kids who decided to be more no matter what the odds --- that's their success and they've earned it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecstasy Posted June 11, 2009 Author Share Posted June 11, 2009 Tony, you really are on to something. I'm very aggressive and stubborn by nature so I was a natural for this. LOL I really LOVE a challenge and when someone tells me I can't, well... (Poor John is a lot more passive and got stuck with me!) The funny thing is it's not only served me well but it's taught my kids to be tough and advocate for themselves and not to back down in the face of rejection. We still have a long way to go and I'm still beating myself up for the things we haven't accomplished yet but John balances me and reminds me to focus on the positives and help the kids do the same. Sometimes he's a pretty bright guy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecstasy Posted June 12, 2009 Author Share Posted June 12, 2009 http://s253.photobucket.com/albums/hh69/...Birthday034.jpghttp://s253.photobucket.com/albums/hh69/...Birthday036.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy-Ann Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 Kathy Lee!Congrats! This is sooooooooooooooooo wonderful. Thanks for sharing your photos. I LOVE to see photos. It really puts into place who everyone is.Keep up the great work. The planet needs more people like you on it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Lion Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 Totally awesome success for Brian and family.Congratulations to you all.Enjoy the olympics! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna L Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 ;)Great Story Kathie Lee....... God bless you and your son.....Donna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danmichel Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 This thread is a pleasant surprise...I'm glad i clicked on it...Congratulations on a great family victory! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheScentLady Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 This thread is a pleasant surprise...Amen! Kathy Lee, I looked at your photos & it looks like there's a lot of love in your house. Enjoy this special event. May you & your family continue to celebrate many happy occasions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadianchick Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 Wonderful pictures, Kathy Lee...Now that looks like a party I would have loved to have been at...Congrats to all of you... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 Awesome! PTL!!!!Thank you so much for sharing this! Blessings,Julie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherberries Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 What a heart warming story! Kudos to you Kathie Lee and your family for your love and perserverance! Great pictures, they all look so happy!Sherry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecstasy Posted June 15, 2009 Author Share Posted June 15, 2009 Thank you all for your kind words! I just thought I'd drop a quick note to let you know that two of the kids from Brian's school placed second in State competition at the Special Olympics. He stayed downstate for the weekend and came home yesterday. I asked Brian what age group he was working with and he said he was with the younger kids. (This didn't surprise me as he works as a classroom aide with the younger grades during the school year.) William (11), one of the second placers, was one of the kids he was working with so he came home feeling really great about having helped his school. And congratulations to the kids who have the courage to get in there and compete to do their best!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackhawkpat Posted June 15, 2009 Share Posted June 15, 2009 Kathy Lee and John are both amazing people and I'm happy to be able to call them both friends. That's an awesome story and thanks for sharing it with your internet family here! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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