Grand Traditions Gala – A Grand Success
On Friday October 1, 2010 ParentsCAN celebrated its 5th Grand Traditions Gala. There were more than 200 attendees to honor Parents of the Year 2010 Shari and Garen Staglin. The auction cards were held high for a great cause. ParentsCAN would like to thank all for their support and generosity. See photos from the event in our photo gallery on the right. >>
Where is Katie?
My husband Bob and I have two children of whom we are very proud. Like all parents, we have been concerned with what and who would bring them happiness. Our son Robb, an investment advisor, is now married to Angie, and they live in Napa. They are having their first child this month.
Our daughter Katie is referred to by the professionals in the field as “significantly multiply disabled.” Katie is known by her peers as the girl who doesn’t talk, walks very slowly, and sometimes falls down. She is known in her community for her watercolor artwork and her love of music, particularly rocking tunes (according to her brother) and enjoys going to church, concerts and movies that have music.
Katie does not have a clear diagnosis, though we know she had brain damage at birth which caused Cerebral Palsy, a seizure disorder, and sensory issues. She responded to us as though she had a serious case of autism – she displayed no eye contact, did not like to be touched, and preferred not to interact with others. I remember that first meeting with the pediatrician when he said “take her home and love her” to my tear-stained face. But that was long ago and far away. Over her lifetime of 29 years we have grown to understand who she is in spite of her disability. We know that she has many gifts and that her inner and outer beauty touches many lives.
As her mom, suffice it to say that I pushed and I pulled many strings wherever I could to get what I felt was best for her, not what was best for me. As she grew, I often made difficult decisions, like the last big transition to her own home and the life she currently enjoys. Letting her go was by far the hardest thing I have ever done.
But now Katie has a wonderful life. She rents a three bedroom home with another young woman, and they have staff that helps them with their daily needs. She has a group of friends that go out together at least one night a week to many different restaurants. She attends parties, dances, and movies, and at home helps with activities such as shopping and setting the table.
Katie sees her family a couple times a week, and that seems to suit her. Sometimes she may push her communication board to say “I want to go in the car” just about the time when she usually goes home to "Katie’s House.”
It is hard for me as mom to let her leave sometimes and I hate the “dropping her off” part. But it seems that she is content to leave me and move into the living room to watch TV or go to the patio to listen to music. She has what she needs there at her new home. People who care for her seem to love her sweet soul.
People who see Katie and me often know Katie, and I have to ask them how they know her. Many have known her through her school years, as bus drivers who picked her up at our home and delivered her to school. Some are volunteers at the church dinner she attends one time a month with her housemate. Katie is described as ecstatic with the singing they all do those Monday evenings. No, she cannot sing, but she claps and squeals at the tunes.
Tuesday and Sunday are family days, she stays the night and gets some very special private time with me and some with her dad. Sunday is church and breakfast, and time with brother Robb. She has what she needs, and daily I pray that Katie is safe, Katie is happy and Katie is healthy. She continues to be all three of those.
Awareness October 2010
Bullying
http://www.pacer.org/bullying/bpam/index.asp
Down Syndrome
http://www.ndss.org/index.php
Awareness November 2010
Prematurity Awareness Month
http://www.marchofdimes.com/aboutus/14458_17787.asp
Awareness December 2010
Sensory Processing Disorder http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-processing-disorder-checklist.html
Awareness January 2011
Birth Defects Awareness and Prevention
http://www.nbdpn.org/bdpm2011.php
Calendar
For a complete list of all ParentsCAN support groups
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