Monica and David: A Must See Documentary

 Monica & David is the love story of two adults with Down syndrome, and the family who strives to support their needs. Full of humor, romance, and everyday family drama, Monica and David want what every adult wants - an independent life.

Winner of the Jury Award for Best Documentary at the Tribeca Film Festival, and an audience favorite at festivals around the world. Directed and produced by Monica's cousin, first-time filmmaker, Alexandra Codina.

Website:  www.monicaanddavid.com

Parent's Supporting Parent's - Our Comfort Zone

I thought I'd get a little personal with my audience today.  After all, my blogs are for parent's who are raising children with special needs (ranging from mild to severe). So, here's the deal. Yesterday, I had to do a double doctor's visit for myself and my 18 year old son, who has Down syndrome (+ autistic characteristics).  I was having a full blown, intense asthma attack! I truly couldn't breath! The doctor's were concerned for me as well. But in the midst of all of this, I found myself struggling to get my son to "transition" from the waiting room to the exam room. He wouldn't budge!!  The folks in the waiting room stared at me, the doctor stared at me, the nurse stared at me, but no one helped me, as I desperately tried to get my son to move to go see the doctor. Needless to say, it was pathetic! Embarrassing, to say the least.  I am a shorty, at only 5'2". There I was, coughing and wheezing, while coaxing and prodding my son to go see the doctor. Nothing I did or said would work! The doctor's clock was ticking,  and I had my own appointment right after his.  So, I bodily lifted my son under the arms, and he moved without too much resistance and we made our way to the examination room.  All was okay after that.

I share my little scenario with you, and there have been many over the years, I am sure you have yours too, to highlight the larger picture here.  While, I love my son with all my heart, he is a sweetheart in many ways, he/we really struggle with transitions between activities. He freezes,  he shuts down, he gets defiant, etc.  I don't have time for this "crap" when I am trying to get out of the house to get to work, or take my other children some where they need to go, or to get to a doctor's appointment.  While I am sure you relate, and have your own set of scenarios, I know that it is my fellow parent's, who are also raising children with special needs, that can truly understand, relate and empathize with my ordeal yesterday.  Heck, it was embarrassing, stressful, and aggravating.  I  felt very alone in dealing with it, as no one else bothered to help, or coax him along to the examination room, or even make light of it. They just stared at us. But, I also know that I am not alone. There are many of us who live this life daily. We support each other, and understand each other, and provide a comfort zone to each other to get through.

Facing and Embracing Our Truth

During these times when so many people have been affected by job loss, foreclosure, devastation due to unprecedented storms and weather conditions, a child diagnosed with a special need, divorce, and so on...
Let's face it, there aren't too many folks out there I know that haven't been touched by one or more of these unfortunate circumstances. It is during these times that we all need a little spiritual uplift, inspiration and motivation to keep putting one foot in front of the other and see this as an opportunity to build new dreams.
It's a time to start anew, and shift your life to become more aligned with the things that make you happy, fulfilled and bring meaning to your life. It's a time to face and embrace your truth!

This is a good read that can help put you on your path:

New World Library - THE TEN THINGS TO DO WHEN YOUR LIFE FALLS APART