[JustLovelyJenn]

No one on the outside can really understand what its like in my house. Yes, its usually cluttered. Yes, we yell sometimes. Yes, there are things that we just let go... because its not worth the fight. BUT... every day we manage an 8 year old boy who doesn't understand social expectation, limitations, or reasoning. He doesn't adjust to change, he can't grasp the concepts that most children in his class have had mastered for years. This same child, is smarter then most of those children will ever be. He looks normal, he sounds normal and to all outside eyes... I'm sure it looks like his problems are in how things happen in our house. In reality... the way things happen in our house, is the only reason he functions in society at all. EVERY, and when I say every I mean more then 5, professional we have talked to agrees that we (my mother and I) are doing all that we possibly can to advocate and support this amazing and challenging child. This includes allowing my 10 year old daughter move out of my home and in with her father.

SO today whats on my mind is how frustrating it is that his fathers fiance still thinks that somehow I am not doing what is needed in my home. I have sacrificed my entire life to raise this child. Lost every friend and had to start from scratch. Given custody of my other child to THEM... do you really think I would be giving away my child if I had any other choice? THIS, is what I do for a living. I work with children with severe disabilities. My specialty is behavioral disabilities, and I am very good at my job. I have put all of my professional knowledge, as well as that of the other education professionals i know to work in trying to find a program that will work for my son.

I am sorry if you don't understand what it means to be on guard 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Sometimes, I have to give in. No child should be in trouble all the time... and every parent needs a break.