BS: Brendan Smith - 10 years old on 12/13/10

Subject: BS: Brendan Smith - 10 years old on 12/13/10
From: Wesley S
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 09:40 AM

For those of you who have been around long enough to remember his arrival I thought I'd give you an update on our son Brendan. He's ten years old today and still growing like a weed. He's a little skinny currently but I think he's just going through a growth spurt and will begin to fill out soon enough.

We're still treating his autism of course - that will be a life long process. But we're really pleased with the services available to us here in Georgia. As conservative as Georgia is they are pretty progressive in this area as far as programs and acceptance. Actually I'm working at becoming a puppeteer and putting together some plays with some other parents in order to perform at some local elementary schools in order to add to their diversity training for the kids and teachers.

Brendan is still way behind on his speech. He can say his vowels { when requested } but consonents are still a big problem. If we can get him to talk we'll be making real progress to our goal of his being able to live an independant life of his own someday. Which I think is what we want for all of our kids. He loves to swim - the toughest thing we do is trying to convince him it's time to get out of the pool. And his mini-trampolines get a real workout. And his matchbox car collection continues to grow. But what he's really attached to is his chopsticks. He carries four of them all the time. There are never far away and he needs them to go to sleep at night. We're considering an assistance dog like a golden lab that he can be made responsible for and he could pal around with.

Anyway I thought some of you may have wanted to hear how he has progressed. Many thanks for all of support you've given us in the past. And we appreciate the good wishes you'll be sending us in the future.

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith - 10 years old on 12/13/10
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 11:33 AM

Happy Birthday, Brendan!!

Thanks for the update, Wesley. I'll share with Night Owl next time we talk. She asks after you and the family, now and then. It's good to hear you are happy with what's available in your new home area AND that you are putting together a puppet program. How wonderful!

Here's to progress with all those consonants, a help dog (sounds like a great idea) and all good wishes for the three of you.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith - 10 years old on 12/13/10
From: Ebbie
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 11:38 AM

Ten years old! How time travels. Happy Birthday to Brendan and blessings to all of you.

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith - 10 years old on 12/13/10
From: LilyFestre
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 12:08 PM

Happy Happy Birthday Brendan from Pennsylvania!! Hope you have a FUN day!!!!

:) Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith - 10 years old on 12/13/10
From: Morticia
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 12:10 PM

Gosh how the time flies by! Happy Birthday Brendan

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith - 10 years old on 12/13/10
From: gnu
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 02:31 PM

Happies at ya Brendan!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith - 10 years old on 12/13/10
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 07:10 PM

Happy Birthday, Brendan. Celebrate!
Auntie SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith - 10 years old on 12/13/10
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 11:01 PM

Bumping this up for when Spaw comes back. I know he won't want to miss it.

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith - 10 years old on 12/13/10
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 14 Dec 10 - 12:51 PM

A day late but hope it was a wonderful birthday. Much love from Geoff and me.

Subject: RE: BS: Brendan Smith - 10 years old on 12/13/10
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 08:01 AM

Happy belated birthday, Brendan! I'm so pleased to hear that Georgia has such good services. My son is benefiting from NH even at 25 yrs of age!

All the best,
Allison