Greetings From Gov. Sarah Palin's Office!

My husband waved the envelope postmarked, "Wasilla" around in the air. "You'll never get mail from a governor from out of state like this again!" The welcome note was written by Sarah Palin's dad, Chuck Heath, who says, "Thanks so much for your book for Sarah. As soon as I read "Journey With Jeff" I'll give it to her. I'm helping her out with her mail as she is receiving literally hundreds of pieces weekly." ~~~ I am so pleased to know that "Journey With Jeff: Inspiration for Caregivers of People with Special Needs"has been received into the right hands!! (Sarah Palin's youngest child, Trig, is living with Down syndrome.) Trig's grandfather is a caregiver as well, and I pray he, too, will be able to absorb the encouragement I've written into the book. ~~~ I am so very glad I sent Sarah Palin a copy of "Journey!"

Happy Thanksgiving!

Although this photo was taken years ago while spending Thanksgiving with family in Pennsylvania, the company today serving Thanksgiving dinner at the Loaf and Ladle at an Episcopal Church was equally inspiring. A number of people (5) talked to me about "Journey With Jeff." One man had put the newspaper announcement of my appearance at the August Barnes & Noble book signing up on the church bulletin board. A woman I've known many years because of her involvement with Jeff at LAI reminded me that quite a few lives have been affected because Jeff has left this living legacy. A couple of people wondered where they could get the book. (If only I'd remembered I had a couple of copies out in the car!)~~~A year ago I wrote in my Journal, "Where is MY book about Jeff? Advent means waiting. O Lord, help me wait without complaining!" The next day the proof was in my hands! About a week later I held the first real copy of "Journey" in my hands, asking the Lord to help me get that book where those 120 copies needed to go! After spending $5500 on publishing this inspirational memoir, I have recouped the initial expense, praise God.!! Now I am working on catching up with costs of book purchases, envelopes and postage. Having sold about 425 books, I'm stretching toward 500! I still envision having at least 1000 copies out there making a difference in caregiver's lives! Lord, may it be so!!!

Bouquets From Anna, a Long-ago College Pal

Dear Sybil, When our mutual friend, Lynne told me about your book I wanted one also -- mostly because I remember you from OSTC, but also because my daughter who lives in Michigan is bringing up a handicapped son. He has been diagnosed as autistic.
I visited her when he was about two and he seemed perfectly normal to me, but soon after he had his DPT shots he seemed to change. I have heard autism is hard to find and doesn't show up much before they are two. She has special people working with him and an assistant teacher helping him in school. He is on medication and a very special diet which eliminates sugar, gluten, milk and milk products. He does well academically, but socialization and safety rules are a problem. He's 11 now and as tall as I am, but can't be trusted to look before crossing a street or a parking lot. ~~~I am convinced that the Lord sends special children to special people and you are definitely one of those. Being a caregiver all those years required tremendous stamina. We may not always understand why the Lord works the way He does, but we must never doubt Him. Anna ends this kind letter with a poem by D. De Haan:"Lord may we see in those we meet the imprint of Your image fair, and may their special dignity grow stronger from our love and care."

Australia: No Residency for Boy with Down Syndrome

A friend sent this Associated Press news article in the mail: ~~~"Sydney, Australia -- Thirteen- year-old
Lukas Moeller has Down syndrome. His father is a doctor who came to Australia from Germany to help fill a
shortage of physicians in rural communities. But now Australia has rejected Dr. Bernhard Moeller's application for residency, saying Lukas does not meet the 'health requirement' and would pose a burden on taxpayers for his medical care, education and other services. The case has provoked an out-cry in the rural region of south-eastern Victoria state, where Moeller is the only internal medicine specialist for a community of 54,000 people. Moeller vowed to fight the immagration department ruling. 'We like to live here, we have settled in well, we are welcomed by the community here and we don't want to give up just because the federal government doesn't welcome my son,' he told reporters. The doctor has powerful supporters. Victoria Premier John Brumby has pledged to support the family's appeal, and federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon said Friday she would speak to the immigration minister about the case. Moeller moved to Australia two years ago with his wife, Isabella, their daughter, Sarah, 21, and sons Lukas, and Felix, 17, to help fill a critical need for doctors in rural areas. They settled in Horsham, a town of 20,000 about 100 miles northwest of Melbourne. Moeller's temporary work visa is valid until 2010, but his application for permanent residence was rejected this week. In its decision, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship cited Lukas' 'existing medical condition,' saying it was 'likely to result in a significant and on-going cost to the Australian community," according to a statement on Thursday." My opinion is that these people in the Department of Immigration and Citizenship need an education!!! (Photo --Picture a traveling doctor...)

Amazing Events!

Jeff loved going to the Special Olympics events, and came home with ribbons each time. (See Photo.) When it
began, in the early 70's, everyone who participated received a ribbon, even if it was simply for taking part. Now, there are events all around the state, weekend after weekend. Amazing!! ~~~ Did you watch the 2008 Paralympics in Bejing on TV this past weekend? When the Olympics torch is lit I always cheer - and cry - at the same time. At the Paralympics a man in a wheelchair pulled himself up, hand over hand, finally to arrive at the ceiling of the Olympic "Bird's Nest" to light the torch! Whooooeeee! Amazing! One day this summer, my new friend, Randy, invited me into his house to see all his Special Olympic awards. On a long bulletin board in his bedroom there hung so many I lost count! My greatest disappointment was calling to volunteer to help at the Spring Event, and being told they already had enough volunteers. But I will keep on trying. It's great fun to be a "hugger" when the athlete completes his or her turn!! Amazing rewards - for all involved!!

A Book Review In The Works

When "Journey With Jeff" was newly published I asked an associate professor at a Center on Developmental
Disabilities if it would be a good resource for their Medical school. He told me that a mom who works at their
national headquarters had been asked to review it. Last week he wrote that the Review's not here yet, but this is what she said,: "Bill, I have read the book, and was deeply touched by it. The context for raising a child into young adulthood has changed some since she wrote the book...but then again, some things are the same. People still age out of the system when they leave public school, and we still have not figured out how to invest as a community in the supports they need to be employed and contributing as they could. So I will let those kinds of thoughts settle out before offering a review."~~~I am hoping that that mom sees the value of the thoughts and feelings and hope expressed in "Journey With Jeff," and the important message that caregivers of people with special needs do NOT need to feel ALONE! Gracious God, direct and bless her settling thoughts. Thank You!