Comments for Family Matters Blog http://afps.dodlive.mil American Forces Press Service, U.S. Department of Defense Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:33:04 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 Comment on Parent of Special-needs Teen Shares Journey by carol sparbel http://afps.dodlive.mil/2010/03/01/parent-of-special-needs-teen-shares-journey/comment-page-1/#comment-863 carol sparbel Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:33:04 +0000 http://afps.dodlive.mil/?p=2447#comment-863 Hello! I just "happened" upon this entry and I am so GLAD I did. Your positive, affirming approach to life with a special needs family member is encouraging and instructive. People are people.... NOT conditions. That is what we should focus on and you help to remind of us that, daily. I have appreciated you from a "work" stand point. Now that I know a bit more about you as a person/mom, I appreciate you even more! THANKS for ALLLLLL you do, and for being YOU! Hello!
I just “happened” upon this entry and I am so GLAD I did. Your positive, affirming approach to life with a special needs family member is encouraging and instructive. People are people…. NOT conditions. That is what we should focus on and you help to remind of us that, daily.
I have appreciated you from a “work” stand point. Now that I know a bit more about you as a person/mom, I appreciate you even more! THANKS for ALLLLLL you do, and for being YOU!

]]> Comment on Military Teen Shines Through Challenges by Alice http://afps.dodlive.mil/2010/03/08/military-teen-shines-through-challenges/comment-page-1/#comment-862 Alice Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:52:43 +0000 http://afps.dodlive.mil/?p=2501#comment-862 Hello Morgan, I feel for you. You're a very brave and courageous girl, and I'm sure your family is very proud of you. When I read the opening quote you posted here, "Tough times don’t last, tough people do," I was like oh yeah... I have the same quote printed on a magnetic card stuck on my office cubicle. That got me going. The love of my life was deployed to Iraq and technology does help fill the void. We do the same thing you did: web cam chatting, phone calls, Facebook... And the Vermont teddy bear that he gave me (it looks so much like him with the cool sunglasses and all) helps me keep him close to my heart too. You will definitely last! :) Hello Morgan, I feel for you. You’re a very brave and courageous girl, and I’m sure your family is very proud of you. When I read the opening quote you posted here, “Tough times don’t last, tough people do,” I was like oh yeah… I have the same quote printed on a magnetic card stuck on my office cubicle. That got me going.

The love of my life was deployed to Iraq and technology does help fill the void. We do the same thing you did: web cam chatting, phone calls, Facebook… And the Vermont teddy bear that he gave me (it looks so much like him with the cool sunglasses and all) helps me keep him close to my heart too.

You will definitely last! :)

]]> Comment on Military Teen Shines Through Challenges by Josh Green http://afps.dodlive.mil/2010/03/08/military-teen-shines-through-challenges/comment-page-1/#comment-861 Josh Green Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:41:58 +0000 http://afps.dodlive.mil/?p=2501#comment-861 As someone with a cousin whose husband has been deployed for nearly four years, it pleases me to hear about Army officials taking such initiatives. By implementing something as simple as a survey, Army spouses finally have the chance for their voices to be heard. These women encounter enough hardship as it is, so whatever suggestions or improvements they have for these family programs should be heard. I know I speak for my cousin when I say that she would love to be chosen to express her opinion; however, she would more just be happy that Army leadership is doing something to try and make these programs more efficient. As someone with a cousin whose husband has been deployed for nearly four years, it pleases me to hear about Army officials taking such initiatives. By implementing something as simple as a survey, Army spouses finally have the chance for their voices to be heard. These women encounter enough hardship as it is, so whatever suggestions or improvements they have for these family programs should be heard. I know I speak for my cousin when I say that she would love to be chosen to express her opinion; however, she would more just be happy that Army leadership is doing something to try and make these programs more efficient.

]]> Comment on Army Spouses Urged to Speak Their Minds by Josh Green http://afps.dodlive.mil/2010/03/05/army-spouses-urged-to-speak-their-minds/comment-page-1/#comment-859 Josh Green Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:10:50 +0000 http://afps.dodlive.mil/?p=2492#comment-859 As someone with a cousin whose husband has been deployed for nearly four years, it pleases me to hear about Army officials taking such initiatives. By implementing something as simple as a survey, Army spouses finally have the chance for their voices to be heard. These women encounter enough hardship as it is, so whatever suggestions or improvements they have for these family programs should be heard. I know I speak for my cousin when I say that she would love to be chosen to express her opinion; however, she would more just be happy that Army leadership is doing something to try and make these programs more efficient. As someone with a cousin whose husband has been deployed for nearly four years, it pleases me to hear about Army officials taking such initiatives. By implementing something as simple as a survey, Army spouses finally have the chance for their voices to be heard. These women encounter enough hardship as it is, so whatever suggestions or improvements they have for these family programs should be heard. I know I speak for my cousin when I say that she would love to be chosen to express her opinion; however, she would more just be happy that Army leadership is doing something to try and make these programs more efficient.

]]> Comment on Parent of Special-needs Teen Shares Journey by Isabel Hodge http://afps.dodlive.mil/2010/03/01/parent-of-special-needs-teen-shares-journey/comment-page-1/#comment-856 Isabel Hodge Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:52:13 +0000 http://afps.dodlive.mil/?p=2447#comment-856 Thanks Jason! It was an amazing experience watching him go on the stage to get his diploma. I'm so proud of him! Spence holds a special place in my heart. He's a fighter! I thoroughly enjoy reading your updates. Thanks Jason! It was an amazing experience watching him go on the stage to get his diploma. I’m so proud of him!

Spence holds a special place in my heart. He’s a fighter! I thoroughly enjoy reading your updates.

]]> Comment on Leaders Stress Importance of Military Families by Instant Loans http://afps.dodlive.mil/2010/03/03/leaders-stress-importance-of-military-families/comment-page-1/#comment-830 Instant Loans Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:16:02 +0000 http://afps.dodlive.mil/?p=2455#comment-830 I couldn't agree with you more Heather. I believe family is a critical element to the happiness and success of our troops. I couldn’t agree with you more Heather. I believe family is a critical element to the happiness and success of our troops.

]]> Comment on Parent of Special-needs Teen Shares Journey by Isabel Hodge http://afps.dodlive.mil/2010/03/01/parent-of-special-needs-teen-shares-journey/comment-page-1/#comment-829 Isabel Hodge Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:53:21 +0000 http://afps.dodlive.mil/?p=2447#comment-829 Thanks Paula! It is heartbreaking that our children with special needs (and their siblings) have these experiences. You are absolutely correct--people should stop and get to know our kids, and realize how amazing they are! There are pros and cons to moving so often. Moving can be difficult because of the transition issues, and leaving friends behind, but sometimes moving can be a blessing. There's always a chance that you might be moving to an area with better programs and resources. It's funny because I have lived in Virginia since 2004 and I'm already getting the itch to pack and move! I am really going to miss the military lifestyle when my hubby retires! Semper Fi! Izzy Thanks Paula! It is heartbreaking that our children with special needs (and their siblings) have these experiences. You are absolutely correct–people should stop and get to know our kids, and realize how amazing they are!

There are pros and cons to moving so often. Moving can be difficult because of the transition issues, and leaving friends behind, but sometimes moving can be a blessing. There’s always a chance that you might be moving to an area with better programs and resources. It’s funny because I have lived in Virginia since 2004 and I’m already getting the itch to pack and move! I am really going to miss the military lifestyle when my hubby retires!

Semper Fi!
Izzy

]]> Comment on Parent of Special-needs Teen Shares Journey by Isabel Hodge http://afps.dodlive.mil/2010/03/01/parent-of-special-needs-teen-shares-journey/comment-page-1/#comment-828 Isabel Hodge Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:42:12 +0000 http://afps.dodlive.mil/?p=2447#comment-828 Debbie, I sincerely appreciate your comments! Thank you! My good friend, Valerie, has an adult daughter that also had in in-utero stroke, has seizures and cerebral palsy. I have a beautiful painting that her daughter, Amber, made for me and is on my desk at work. Her painting encourages me every day to stay on course as an advocate for families. Have you heard about the DoD Special Needs Parent Tool Kit and the Special Care Organizational Record? You can download them from MilitaryHOMEFRONT if you are interested. Here's the URL: http://militaryhomefront.dod.mil/efm Isabel Debbie,

I sincerely appreciate your comments! Thank you! My good friend, Valerie, has an adult daughter that also had in in-utero stroke, has seizures and cerebral palsy. I have a beautiful painting that her daughter, Amber, made for me and is on my desk at work. Her painting encourages me every day to stay on course as an advocate for families.

Have you heard about the DoD Special Needs Parent Tool Kit and the Special Care Organizational Record? You can download them from MilitaryHOMEFRONT if you are interested. Here’s the URL: http://militaryhomefront.dod.mil/efm

Isabel

]]> Comment on Parent of Special-needs Teen Shares Journey by Jason Vitaliano http://afps.dodlive.mil/2010/03/01/parent-of-special-needs-teen-shares-journey/comment-page-1/#comment-824 Jason Vitaliano Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:59:52 +0000 http://afps.dodlive.mil/?p=2447#comment-824 Isabel, I'm going to mirror Paula's comment - you are truly an inspiration to the Special Needs community and an amazing advocate. I'm so happy for your son and especially for you; you can't miss the proud smile on your face. Wow that has to be an amazing feeling for you. I will never forget all of the wonderful things you have done for my family and our most special son Spence. Isabel,
I’m going to mirror Paula’s comment – you are truly an inspiration to the Special Needs community and an amazing advocate. I’m so happy for your son and especially for you; you can’t miss the proud smile on your face. Wow that has to be an amazing feeling for you.

I will never forget all of the wonderful things you have done for my family and our most special son Spence.

]]> Comment on Parent of Special-needs Teen Shares Journey by Kathy Cribb http://afps.dodlive.mil/2010/03/01/parent-of-special-needs-teen-shares-journey/comment-page-1/#comment-821 Kathy Cribb Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:24:10 +0000 http://afps.dodlive.mil/?p=2447#comment-821 Oh, I feel like you just wrote my story. I have a 19 year old son with moderate autism and a protective sister. They will graduate together this June. My son sounds so much like yours and I have dealt with the exact same situations. Thank you for sharing. It feels good to know I have not walked this path alone. Oh, I feel like you just wrote my story. I have a 19 year old son with moderate autism and a protective sister. They will graduate together this June. My son sounds so much like yours and I have dealt with the exact same situations. Thank you for sharing. It feels good to know I have not walked this path alone.

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