it begins...

      I grew up in a small town where there wasn't a  lot of kids with special needs because there wasn't the resources they needed in the area, I don't have anyone in my family with special needs, or in my husbands family. I have never known a person with Down syndrome so bringing a precious boy in the world with Downs is very scary because I'm uneducated in this area. So I thought it was time to educate myself  I  read several books on kids with downs, their rights,  raising a child with special needs, other parents stories, I also talked to several other parents who have babies with Down syndrome (which was more for my support so I didn't think I was crazy and alone.) I quickly found that support was a priority because people who don't walk in my shoes  on a daily basis can shrug my feelings off, tell me they know how I feel (they couldn't possibly) and down right judgemental. 

      After doing my research I learned what Mason needed and what the military would provide. I got a phone call that I will be forever grateful. It was from caregiver, shes the one who decides all the care Mason needs and gets a team together basically shes the one with the answers to my questions and she takes care of business.Before she contacted me I made several calls, was given the run around, not getting answers and was feeling defeated.

       The day she first came to my house I filled out paper work, she asked me what I was most worried about. INSTANT tears, I held Mason close to my body and said "we moved here 3 months ago and I haven't been able to get answers, He hasn't started any therapy I'm upset, angry and worried"  She got up, got my a Kleenex, calmed me down by saying she can see that he is in good hands also just by  looking at him she could tell I have worked with him a lot and he is doing quite well. She promised me she would get everything going ASAP and god bless her she meant it. Before I knew it I had an occupational therapist, home nurse, physical therapist, speech therapist, care taker,developmental therapist in my house for weekly visits. I instantly felt a sense of relief and a HUGE appreciation to Masons caregiver.