Thanks for your honest and wise words in your presentation to the Disability Leadership Network of Houston. I know that some people think your message is controversial or radical; years ago, I might have thought the same.

Looking back, I shake my head and ask myself, "Did I really spend that much time chasing the elusive therapy fix?" Yes, I did! But later we learned how to do things differently, like you did with your son.

Today, I'm at peace with myself (and can even laugh about it), knowing that I worked endlessly and tirelessly for the benefit of my children. Very few people I know could possibly understand the humorous picture of the past that I have in my head: I'm behind the wheel of our van, my children are securely strapped in their car seats, and we zoom down the highway to Therapyland, where the promise of some stranger "fixing" them (and me) is ever so close. During those years, when I wondered if we might be wasting our time and money, I'd hear the "expert's" oh-so-sweet advice, "If your children had diabetes, wouldn't you go to the ends of the earth to get them insulin?" (And it took awhile to realize the comparison is not accurate or valid!)

Last night I dreamed I was at a Therapy Drive-In. It was sort of like a Sonic. You could order different therapists over the speaker; they'd come get your kids and then bring them back all "fixed." Isn't that hysterical?

Valerie M; Texas