Heard from Auburn

I received a call from Jennifer Sellers yesterday. She is the contact person for the Autism Center in Auburn. We discussed various issues. She said that the Auburn city school system would be the one to determine whether or not Calen needs the center's services. This will be accomplished through an IEP meeting. She stated that I will have to fight to get him in there. She said she can attend the meeting to help me present my case if I invite her. If it is deemed necessary to send Calen to the center, then the school system will pay for it. I was a bit disappointed. I wasn't expecting them to be tied in with the school system, but it makes sense to me now. The part that I'm disappointed in is the fact that I will have to FIGHT. If a need is obvious, then what's to fight about? She also informed me that she can come to Calen's schools and show the teachers how to do ABA and workstations...basically the same services that Brandy Worthy is offering.

Moving is still up in the air because I haven't heard from Mrs. Highfield. If my son is refused the ABA services offered by Brandy Worthy, then I will be leaving. I truly hate to leave because all of my family is here. Plus, the only people I trust to babysit my children are here. I won't have that support if I leave. At least Huntsville is only an hour away. Auburn would be a major move, but if it means help for Calen, then I will have to do it. I called Mrs. Highfield again to let her know about Mrs. Sellers and her services. Of course, I didn't get an answer so I left a message on her voicemail. I don't know if she's on vacation or maybe she had to attend meetings that were held out of town. It's a little frustrating.

I've finally made a decision about my college education. I've chosen University of Alabama. I will be working toward a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Human Science (General Studies). I have to get with an advisor to steer my educational goals. I'm still pretty undecided. I want to do something in the health field. I'm also interested in doing something with Autistic children. I don't know just yet. If I do something with children, I want to be able to be a better mom because of what I learn. I don't want something that will take me away from my children. In other words, I don't want something where I will be on call, or have a job where I work lots of hours. My babies only grow up once. I REFUSE to miss out on things like school plays and recitals and games my babies may participate in. I plan on being there to cheer them on with whatever they plan to do. I'm sure I'll be calling Mr. T very soon (be ready! LOL).

I faxed an application to the Madison Co. Commission a couple of weeks ago. It's for a Probate Clerk II position. I have the qualifications. God will point me in the right direction. I will only walk through the doors that are opened to me. I won't try to force one to open. If it is His will for us to relocate, then the opportunity will present itself. If not then I will stay here and fight. As long as there is options, then there is hope.

I share an office at work with a lady named Alicia. She has got to be the sweetest person I've ever met. When someone is going through something, she goes through it with them. Not to share all of her personal business, but the strength she has is amazing. She's lost her mom, and she shares custody of her daughter with her ex-husband. She doesn't get to see her daughter as much as she wants. Yet everyday, she comes to work and she smiles and laughs. She brings smiles to other people. She cracks jokes and makes people laugh. She showed me a picture of her mom. What a pretty lady she was! Alicia looks just like her. I told her that she honors her mom everyday with the goodness in her heart. The reason I'm talking about her is because when I'm feeling a little down, unsure of myself, depressed...this woman inspires me to carry on. She is such a great person and a true friend. I pray that everything will work out for her and her daughter. Alicia is a great mom and she loves her baby girl! She reminds me a lot of me when it comes to being a mom. She does the best she can. If she can do it, then I know I can do it, too. She makes me want to be a better person.