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Reunion
Jun 12, 2009 9:31:20 GMT -5
Post by Jackie on Jun 12, 2009 9:31:20 GMT -5
Oh I wish YOU could too...LOL. We have raised Emily more or less as if she was non disabled. It has been easy with three older SIBS. It just seemed natural for her to follow all their footsteps and for the most part it has been easy and made Emily's life richer. But every now and then the old "disability issue" raises its head like in this instance. If Em had kept in touch with ANY of these people I might feel different.
I am probably worrying way too much. I wish Elvis had graduated in her class but he stayed on until he turned 22 (Em graduated at age 19). I suppose he could still go with her but he sometimes is ready to leave parties way earlier than most...and I am not sure he would have any fun. And even though he has driven safely for almost 12 yrs I still get nervous when he takes off with her in his convertible. This party is way the heck out in the country somewhere, too. I am reasonably sure that most of the sped students in her class would not go...not even sure who they were as Emily was totally out in the mainstream thru most of her years in HS. It turns out that in calling around ,the few girls I know who knew here are not going because of marriage plans, having babies at that time..etc. I am going to try that approach of no one she knows going to see if I can help her deal with the possibility of not going herself. I feel guilty about manipulating things like this.
Of course she will be home for several weeks next month and her best friend will be talking big about this. I am not sure she would go if Emily didn't...and I know she wants to. And YES I have thought about taking both girls for make overs, hair dos, etc...in order to spiff up her friend a bit...but not sure her friend would buy into that. Sigh...this is one of those..."I will think about this tomorrow" situations...LOL.
Jackie
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Reunion
Jun 11, 2009 16:01:25 GMT -5
Post by Jackie on Jun 11, 2009 16:01:25 GMT -5
Yes..this is mostly the MOM in me kicking in. I do worry however about things like the open bar too. Em does like to "belly up" and can down a lot of beer in a short time...but ...usually when she is drinking there is someone there who monitors her consumption and reminds her enough is enough. Her friend doesn't drink so doubt she would be that much help. If I could somehow establish one reliable source of support for her there I would not probably worry.
Jackie
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Reunion
Jun 10, 2009 9:06:47 GMT -5
Post by Jackie on Jun 10, 2009 9:06:47 GMT -5
Ok...need help here. Emily has been getting emails about her 10th HS reunion and she REALLY wants to go. "Why not" you might say....well.....
I think we can all remember the first HS reunion ...our 10th and how the was a lot of one upmanship and I remember catty and tacky people as well.
Emily is from a large HS class...over 700...and it's not like people went out of their way to include her and clap for her accomplishments along the way. She simply melted in and probably seemed to many like a misfit, or quiet recluse...we all remember those kids growing up. I pretty much lost contact with the moms of kids who had befriended her in the early years so don't know how it really was for her. I like to think she was never singled out for teasing because she never reported any...but who knows. I prefer to think she fit in and was maybe not noticed very much. She seemed to have enjoyed HS very much so I just didn't worry. There were attempts to include her but she didn't enjoy those as much as just palling around with her best friend who was learning disabled.
But because of this I wonder if showing up at her reunion...about 80 lbs heavier than before and no contact with anyone there thru the past 10 years would be a good thing. I am sure her best friend is urging her to go with her. Her friend is really NOT someone I think she should go with. She is a woman who works, doesn't drive and lives at home and is basically a good person...but would stand out like a sore thumb because she does not pay any attention to grooming...etc. I have never really interferred in this friendship because I think everyone needs a good friend.
I have toyed with all sorts of ideas. The main event is a dance/dinner at a ranch setting outside of town. I know a couple of the girls in her class and have thought about contacting them and sounding them out on the issue. I know one who would include Em in the evening but I hate to really ask her cuz she is getting married in Oct and I am sure will want to be showing off her fiance who is not from here. I hate to rain on HER parade. I even thought about importing Marnie and contacting the chm of the reunion to see if Marnie could come in the guise of helping with the party. Marnie taught drama to many of these kids in childrens theatre years ago.
It is in September and frankly we had planned something already for the weekend so really creating problems. But if she wants to go that badly I hate to stand in the way. Ohhhhhh...just when it was supposed to be easier...LOL.
Jackie
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Post by Jackie on Jun 10, 2009 8:43:45 GMT -5
I don't know if you all read this or not but its a good piece in general about learning difficulties.
[i]Mencap spokesperson says singer with a learning disability could be an international superstar with the right support [/i]
Singer Susan Boyle, who has a learning disability, has rarely been out of the media since her first appearance on TV show ‘Britain’s Got Talent’. After coming second in the final on Saturday, she has been taken to The Priory Clinic in London to be treated for exhaustion.
Here, Ciara Evans, a Mencap spokesperson, gives her views on Susan’s treatment by the media and the show:
“As someone with a learning disability myself, it's been great to see Susan Boyle getting so far on a talent show. You rarely see people with a learning disability in the media, and in the last few weeks Susan Boyle has rarely been out of it.
“But, like anyone who is put in the media spotlight, she has found it hard to deal with her new fame and growing media attention.
“The main problem is that the general public don't understand what a learning disability is and how it affects a person's life. And that includes the producers of ‘Britain's Got Talent’.”
Invisible disability
“Learning disability is an 'invisible' disability. It's something that people don't understand because they can't see it. A learning disability is caused by the way the brain develops. In Susan Boyle's case she was starved of oxygen at birth resulting in her learning disability. Having a learning disability doesn't mean you have mental health problems or dyslexia.
“As someone with a learning disability I find it harder to communicate and learn new things. I might need support making sure I've understood something right and help when I'm in new situations. This support has enabled me to get a job at Mencap and have a successful career – an opportunity that so few people with a learning disability are given.
“Susan has found it difficult dealing with criticism from the judges and the media. But having been bullied when she was younger, it must be difficult to hear again the playground taunts of 'simple susan' and 'hairy angel'. Support with coping with these emotions might have helped her with her 'erratic' behaviour on and off-stage.
“Some people have suggested that people like Susan Boyle who have a learning disability should be stopped from going on ‘Britain's Got Talent’. This would mean denying 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK the chance to take part and have the same opportunities as everyone else. This makes no sense and is discriminatory. Shows like ‘Britain's Got Talent’ are great because they are accessible for everyone”
The right support
“What is clear is that the ‘Britain's Got Talent’ team at ITV need to provide support for all their contestants based on their individual needs. You only have to compare 10-year-old Hollie's inability to cope on stage with Shazeem's confident performances, to see that the needs and abilities of each individual are different – irrespective of age and talent.
“Clearly the fact that Susan Boyle has a learning disability means that she needs more support. And she is obviously in need of a break before she takes her career forward.
“But we must not forget why we all fell in love with Susan Boyle in the first place. She is a very talented singer. And when compared to some of our other superstars – who throw a wobbly because their changing room flowers are the wrong colour or who trash their hotel rooms – Susan's behaviour has been far from 'eccentric'.
“Susan Boyle has the potential to be an international superstar. She just needs the right support to get there.”[/color]
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Post by Jackie on Jun 10, 2009 7:49:10 GMT -5
now thats a real bummer Char...I have no idea myself how to handle intrusions or any problems at all on my PC...I wish I did but can't figure out how to teach myself more. It is just to easy to cry for HELP...LOL.
Jackie
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Post by Jackie on Jun 10, 2009 7:46:50 GMT -5
Happy Birthday Connie...LOL...just as I post this TV is playing FOREVER YOUNG!!!!!! Guess that about says it all
Jackie
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Post by Jackie on Jun 9, 2009 10:54:58 GMT -5
yes Bob...the ARC is an excellent source and each state has one.
Our lawyer here got in touch with the ARC/TX special needs trust lawyer and found out how to go about it all.
But rules change so you need to update from time to time.
Jackie
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Post by Jackie on Jun 8, 2009 17:29:26 GMT -5
May I make a suggestion. If you are holding a reservation for the hotels for NDSC consider calling up and cancelling if you are not going. It is my understanding they will be put back into the block but time is short to do this.
I am on a waiting list for the Hyatt but do have room at the Sheraton. So if you know anyone else holding on and not going suggest it to them too.
thanks Jackie
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ndsc
Jun 8, 2009 15:01:56 GMT -5
Post by Jackie on Jun 8, 2009 15:01:56 GMT -5
I am still trying to fix that for ya...LOL
Em and I will be there ...at the Sheraton at this point...from July 29-Aug 3. I am trying to switch to the Hyatt because thats where the Youth and Adult programs are and it would must be easier for Em...but have heard the two hotels are sort of back to back so probably not a big problem.
Jackie
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Post by Jackie on Jun 8, 2009 14:54:59 GMT -5
golly he has grown...looks like it was fun
Jackie
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ndsc
Jun 7, 2009 13:08:02 GMT -5
Post by Jackie on Jun 7, 2009 13:08:02 GMT -5
Rent a car??? LOL...if my family read this they would die of laughter. We all have our little failings...and one of mine is that I hate to drive. Actually it sort of scares me. If I won the lottery I would immediately hire a driver! I think its my vision which is pretty bad that gives me some perceptual probs.
I have a Dodge Durango and it is over 10 yrs old and only has 60 000 miles on it...LOL and most of those were put on in the early years when we used it for travel. We figure I now put about 300 miles a year on it.
I avoid the interstate...merging is next to impossible for me...and have to say it does make for some limitations in my life.
I am lucky that I live about a half mile from my studio and its a straight shoot down a side street from my house.
I am an eager traveller with friends and they know I will always provide lively conversation and pay for the gas if they do all the driving... ;D
So ...sorry...no...not renting a car.
Jackie
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ndsc
Jun 7, 2009 11:32:23 GMT -5
Post by Jackie on Jun 7, 2009 11:32:23 GMT -5
Making my flite reservations now ...looks like we h ave to get there on Wed in order to use our free SWA tickets...so long time for Em and me in CA! Anyone know what to do in Sacramento?
Also have to wait until Monday to see if we can get conv rates for extra day at the hotel...might have to spend the nite somewhere else first.
Still dont know very many going.
Jackie
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Post by Jackie on Jun 7, 2009 8:27:34 GMT -5
Wonderful post! and now we need pics...
Jackie
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Post by Jackie on Jun 6, 2009 16:22:27 GMT -5
she IS so pretty...and she looks sooo grown up in those pics too
Jackie
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Post by Jackie on Jun 5, 2009 15:35:08 GMT -5
Thanks...I kinda needed this today....Jackie
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