Digging Deep
Friday, July 30, 2010 at 7:08AM 
Today I am digging deep, using up all my inner resources...
Today K3 and I are off to our second visit with the neurologist, who appears to really know his stuff, to get the official diagnosis on her disability. Gah.
For those not in the know, TOG and I got pretty defensive in her K-12 years after multiple contentious discussions with her school district. The labeling game sucks but you must allow a label in order to get special education services. However, it must be the right label, which gets her services but doesn't allow the school to move her out of acedemics and into "living skills." In jr. high, we finally took her to a childrens neurologist and asked for a diagnosis that the school could not dispute that we could use until graduation. I can't remember what it was, but it served us well. No more icky meetings about her destiny, just mostly appropriate services every year by well meaning special ed teachers (bless their hearts).
Now, after The Accident, in order to be granted guardianship, we must show that K3 has a significant impairment, defined by an adult diagnosis. Further, that impairment may entitle her to some level of state services over the next year or two at least.... something I never thought she would be eligble for given our state's budgetary constraints. But our state has made additional dollars available to students graduating in 2009/2010 and a good diagnosis will make her eligible. This would be a huge move, taking her out of school services for the first time in her life, but services through independent vendors who must show progress are of higher quality than the school district who is not required to do anything but keep her busy until she ages out at 21.
Sorry to be so long winded... I'm just stressy. I'm taking the time off today to go to the neurologist. Time that is pretty scarce as I have a grant due at 5:00pm today (mostly written) and another due on Monday (half written). Did I mention that I hate writing logic models for grants. It is my least favorite part of grant writing!
So... thanks for letting me dump. If you can take a moment to send some good vibes our way... so appreciated.
Yours in stress, tension and anxiety...
AG
daughters, disability, doctors in Daughters, What's it all about?, anxiety 
Reader Comments (13)
I'm praying for you guys, thinking of you guys, and hoping all turns out as well as you hoped. Do let us know. And long-winded is okay -- consider us your personal blow hole! Good luck!
Good luck at the neuro doc today! I bet as soon as you get the dx you will be a writing machine! :)
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! I hope all goes well :) I'll be thinking of you ! And when you get back, you can dump away!
Sending lotsa love and good vibes your way AG! Along with some prayers and a big ole (((HUG)))
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Heaps of positive thoughts, sent to you on the soothing summer zephyrs that float back between your house and mine (need directions? look at your necklace - we're this close!!!)
This will be hard and require reserves of strength and courage - which I know you have in spades. And we both also know that anything worth anything is going to worth fighting for.
Big Hugs to you all...
Oh, Mama...I am sending nothing but light and love at ya!
Positive, positive, positive vibes are being sent all the way from Virginia. Stay strong and keep the faith.
Sending good Karma your way. Hope all goes well with the doc visit.
Consider the good vibes... sent. And do keep usposted. Wishing you all the best!
Late to the sending of vibes but they are there nonetheless .. hope all went in her favor .. xox
Keep at it Mama...that is what we do. Thinking of you and K3. That is a beautiful, joyful picture you have there of her. Love it.
here's hoping it goes well. best wishes
I sense a quiet strength within you- it shows through even when you think it is gone forever.