I Don't

- need new windows. If you know anything about new windows, you should have been able to tell I just had mine replaced not long ago.

- want to buy any magazines from a teenager who claims to be disadvantaged and was dropped off with 12 other teenagers

- wish to have my driveway repaved

- want to have my trees trimmed even if they are, as you say, a major hazard during a storm

- want to change the company that monitors my home alarm. I know you say your service is better, but so did the three people who came before you.

- don't need to be picked up and taken to the Baptist church on Sunday. I have nothing against your religious beliefs but I am a member of the Catholic church.

- am not interested in the ministerings of the Mormon church. Nor do my Deaf children need to 'borrow' any of your movies on DVD. Again, I have nothing against your beliefs, but I really like nuns.

- am not in need of your lawn service. I have teenage sons who take care of that for me, thank you very much.

- don't care to see your meat or Avon or tupperware or jewelry catalog

- like, really don't like, you coming to my door uninvited. That's what the 'No Soliciting' sign is for.

Just call me the grumpy lady of the neighborhood, or better yet, don't call me - I'll call you if I have a need for your services.

265

Ashley has been on our state's debelopmental disabilities Medicaid waiver waiting list for 7 years. Each year, she receives a letter letting her know where she is on the list. This year, she is number 265. Seven years ago, she was in position 345.

I'll let this video explain our frustration and the frustration of hundreds of thousands of other families and individuals with disabilities.

Worth Every Challenge

From a very young age, I always wanted to make a difference – to know that my time spent on this earth was worth something. As I have gotten older, those thoughts refined themselves into wanting to leave the world a better place once I am gone. And through the adoption of some very special children, I believe I am well on my way to achieving that goal.

November is National Adoption Month. Thousands and thousands of children are waiting for families to call their own. These children often have been through hell. They have seen and experienced things that no one, and especially a child, should see and experience. Parenting them will not always be an easy job. In fact, sometimes it will seem downright impossible. But it’s not.

When I first decided to adopt as a single parent, most of my friends and family told me I was crazy and shouldn’t even consider parenting another child, especially a child with significant special needs. In fact, many of my friends have felt that way when I decided to adopt two more times, and when I told them just this year, that I am ready once again to adopt.

Maybe I am crazy, but I am not wrong. Adopting and parenting children with special needs, both medical and emotional needs, has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life.

I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I have made the lives of three very special children better than they would have ever been. More importantly, my life has been enriched in a way that words just can’t express.

I’m searching right now for the next addition to my family. I want a child with significant medical needs – a child that probably is growing up in an institution rather than with a family. I know it will be tough, but I have an support system in place, the willingness to tackle any challenge, and more than enough love.

What about you? Would you consider opening your heart to a child that needs a family? I promise that if you do and it gets really tough, I will be here to help you….

Today I am thankful for the social workers who believed in me and who have helped to make my family what it is today.