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."

Lifetime Assistance Inc. Celebrates 30 Years!

What a wonderful party! 700 people were there for dinner, and to hear our host Don Alhardt (Channel 13 TV) introduce the people behind LAI's success, and then ready to Rock and Roll to 50's music. (See photo on the right ~~ Jeff would have been loving this!) ~~~ The highlight of guests was J Mac, the Athena High School athlete with autism who made national news when he scored 20 points in a basketball game, and when he met President and Mrs. Bush. He gave autographs and posed for pictures with several people after dinner. There was a slideshow of people and activities down through the years - and Jeff was up there! But the many clients who attended were anxious to get to the dancing, and the M.C. known as Bowser, played rock 'n roll music and hoola hoop contests, and dance contests, so several people ended up with "Bowser" tee shirts. ~~~ The best part of the evening for me came with the people who said they had read "Journey With Jeff," and thanked me for it. One of the training staff was surprised when I told her she was a Caregiver, too. She had never thought of her job that way -- her "eye-opener" from the book was the way we as parents coped with having a child with special needs. We had a long, warm conversation. My husband and I sat at a table close to the stage, with long-time friends, and new friends. It was an awesome celebration!