Emily's decision

[Jackie]

Well...after much angst...many late nite phone calls to her sisters....Emily presented me with one of her infamous....lists...."lits" ....where she spells out her top ten reasons for wanting to move to Austin. All of them had merit and really now I can't fault her reasons and decision to move there.

As her mom I still have reservations about her weight....but I cant stew about this forever and put her life on hold because of it. We will just have to explore more ways to help her come to terms with her diet herself.


Anyhow....we just now have to figure out how to get her enrolled here in the Texas Home Living program which provides monies thru her "authority" to hire contract "providers" to help with supported employment and job coaching and provides up to $1000 a year of free dental care at the dentist of her choice. Its portable money and will move with her to Austin but not sure yet how long she must remain here for it to transfer down there. We go enroll on Thursday.

Right now she is looking thru the Comfort Store Catalog for a solid red comforter for her room there.

Emily also told me she plans to be Katie's Nanny until she finds a job. She says she thinks she would like a job stocking CDs and Videos.

So...guess we will just go with all this for now and see how it works. Katie would like to come and get her after the NDSC when she plans a visit here anyway with the kids. Its a long ole drive and Katie says it would be nice to have Em along on the drive back.

Jackie mom to Emily 25


p.s. This whole decision process has been amazing. I am blown away about how mature she has been about the way she has approached this. She has assumed I am distressed that she wants to move away again ( and I am ...a little.....) so has tried to protect my feelings in talking about this decision. It is apparent that spending a year away in the company of people who work with SELF DETERMINATION projects has rubbed off on her.

[rickismom]

Gee, Jackie, I know that it must be tough on you. But I really applaud you for taking it so well! Remember, she's not rejecting you, she is just grabbing LIFE!!!

[ValerieC]

What a great way of saying it "Rickismom"!

[Chris]

Jackie,

You are an inspiration to me. I hope to raise Sarah to be as independent as Emily. I am sure it is difficult to see her spread her wings but you also must be extremely proud of her accomplishments. Congratulations to you and Emily!

Chris

[Jackie]

Thank you ...I am very proud of her.

Jackie PROUD mom to Emily 25

[Emilysmom]

Sounds like a great decision she has made! She seems to be SO good with kids, so a job as Katie's nanny is ideal! She'll have her hands full with her niece and nephew and all the neighbor children........and I'm guessing she'll love it!

Susan

[Chester]

I know as a Mom, it's gotta eat ya up a little that one of your babies is moving away.....but from my view point.....WHOOOHOOOO Emily! (Sorry Jackie, but most typical adults aren't able to put together a list of "pros" or "cons")

[Jackie]

Emily LOVES lists......her spelling is always "creative" and gives us some choice chuckles....but she seems to conduct her life with them.

She always makes her own packing lists before a trip...sometimes checks it out with me but more often than not doesn't share.

My favorite are her party lists ....or "praty lits" as they often are headed. She not only lists the supplies needed...but what she anticipates the activities of the evening will be. Does this too for trips to places like NYC and Vegas!!!!! I think from talking with Marnie...that Marn suggested to Em that she write down talking points for convincing me that Austin was her best next new home....and thats just what she did.

Jackie mom to Emily 25

[Valerie]

Jackie, this is wonderful!! I know it's sad to see your child move away...I dread that with my older son!

But...this is what we all hope for with ALL our children! That they grow up to be responsible adults, be able to weigh pros and cons of a situation, make an informed decision, and live independently! Emily is doing great! Congratulations!! ;D ;D

[Debbie]

Hey Jackie,

You never stop being a Mom you know. Life can be so unpredictable too. You never know what will happen. There are many curves along the bend. I have been there, I know. It is always good to have a mom around for the "unpredictable" parts in life. She just wants to be independent as we all do. Besides, you have your cell phone. If I know you, you will be keeping tabs! ;D

I used to make list's all the time. I still do but not like I used to when I was younger. I think that comes down to see what you want to do and realizing your goals in print to see.

[ashliesmomheidi]

Wow, Jackie!

How hard on you as a MOm but yet how rewarding to know you raised such an Independent, Smart Girl!!
Gosh I really do look up to you and hope Ashlie can be like Emily when she grows up!

Hugs
Heidi

[Cbean]

Hugs to you...it's tough being left behind. But go Emily! I find it all amazing and fabulous. Let her fly and pat yourself on the back for a job well done!

[Jessie]

As a Project Manager in my non-Uno life, that's what we do - make lists for a project and put a timeframe to it. So . . . if Emily ever needs a job, just let me know!



Jessie

[poojamom]

Wow! Jackie

Emily is such an inspiration to all of us.I especially loved her list part.I regret not meeting you all on your las Vegas trip 2 years ago, even though I was visiting there too.My friend Cindy was also there with you all. Anyways you must be so proud of her.
Rajitha

[Jackie]

Debbie...maybe YOU need to move to Austin WITH Emily....how great would that be...you all could be roommates! Seriously...think about it sometime down the line.

Jackie