Hi ((((Dee))))  It sure is always nice to see you posting.  At least then I know you are doing ok.  I've sure been busy lately.  I had a pretty good summer, but it flew by so fast.  I have my house for sale.  No bites on it yet, but I have a new house in contract now down by Columbus.  It's a little ranch house, which I desperately need.  Best thing is it is about a 5 minute walk to my one daughters house and maybe a 5 minute ride to my other daughters!  I sure am dreading the moving thing, but can't wait to be settled in there!  I sure miss talking with you.  I'm gonna have to sit down and write you a big letter one of these days soon.......

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Today is Thursday and my life seems hectic to Me today... I have so many activities that are keeping Me busy...

I wanted to share some something about our group's interest... I was reading many web data fields about Special Olympics... and thought too, some of "you" would like to be involved with some of the reading...

from web address: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Olympics_World_Games

Like the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games, the Special Olympics World Games include summer and winter versions, and are held every four years. The first International Special Olympics Summer Games were held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, in 1968. The first International Special Olympics Winter Games were held in February 1977 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA.

In 1991, the name was officially changed from International Special Olympics Summer or Winter Games to Special Olympics World Summer or World Winter Games.

The 2011 Special Olympics World Summer GamesXIII, June 25- July 4, are to be held in Athens Greece.

Thank You each one for your efforts concerning the Special Olympics... have a good day!

btw, I posted this morning

"RETARD" Is a Slur - Be Actively Working to Remove This Insult to Lives here at Care2... http://www.care2.com/news/member/582509077/1251990

I would appreciate any feedback from our community.

BLESSINGS.

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Hi everyone Ugh, I have so much going on at the minute it's unreal. My Mum's foot is finally starting to heal so at least she's mobile again, and I have been to every job interview under the sun. Well, at least I have sunshine! Hopefully soon I will have a job to go with it *prays*. Not strictly on topic but is anyone else having trouble with the click to donate pages? They just wont work for me this week. Strange!

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Hi Elizabeth!  We are mighty happy to have you here with us.  Stop back and chat some more sometime. 

Hi Dee, Dusty, JSun, Jean & everyone.  Sorry I  haven't been around so much lately.  It's a busy summer, but a very good summer too.  Hope everyone is enjoying it!  I think I hear my mower calling my name........

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Just found this group & thought it would be fun to join! 

I am in IL & have my own agency (Ten Pin Bowlers) which is a group of current & ex high school students that wanted a bowling activity.  The HS only offers a handful of sports to compete in. These folks want to be able to enjoy one of the many sports they used to participate in while they were in elementary/JrHi school. 

 I started it a couple of years ago with 18 athletes & already have 47.  We have an absolute blast each & every week.  We are getting ready to compete in the Area Meet (which will be held 8/8). 

 I can't tell you how much I look forward to Saturdays - I just love them all!!! 

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I will post  till I leave.................I will miss you guys more than you know

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((((Dusty))))  I'm sure gonna miss you, but best of wishes on your new venture and in life.  Take care my friend.

I guess I better dust of the Help Wanted signs again soon.

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Jerry thank you  for making me a host....at this time I need to remove myself.  I will be leaving care2 at the end of this month and am trying to get owners and such for my existing groups.  I've got my own domain....working towards animal protection.  Love and Blessings to all! Dusty

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Hello everyone, well life is a bit complicated at the moment.  It is still pretty cold here and so we are somewhat trapped inside. 

My brother for whom I am caregiver is going through some personality changes and it is a bit taxing.  Please send some warm Spring thoughts this way so we might venture out a little more often.  Sending hugs.

Oh and by the way we have not made our summer plans here as of yet.  I do know that all of my daughters will be home in late June and early July so I am eagerly looking forward to time spent with them. 

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Wow I haven't stopped by the chat thread for quite a long time.  How is everyone doing?  Are you enjoying your Spring?  Making any special plans for the Summer?  I don't know where it is yet, but I am going somewhere new this year!

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It's a bit frosty here this morning, but the sun is out and the temperature rising once again.  I hope everyone is having a wonderful day!

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Hi Dee!!!  Spring is slowly getting here.  I'll try to help push it your way too.  We are getting to 50 today and have 50's and even a 60 in our forecast.  This time of year we can get about anything, but I sure am liking this.....  Soon I can open windows and listen to the birds sing again.  I sure miss that in the winter.

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Hello All..

Yes..Spring is out there somewhere..it can't hold out too much longer..and I also cannot wait to welcome..

Hope everyone has a great day..

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Hi Mary!  Nice of you to stop back in and say hello.  So did you miss the northern winters of Maine this year?  I'm in Ohio and we have milder winters than they do, but I am so very tired of it and so looking forward to spring.  It's getting closer!

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just comming in to say hi and to all have a great day

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(((Dee)))   It ALWAYS makes my day to see you here and about.  It seemed like winter was losing it's grip there for a little bit, but it is reminding us again now that it is still here......  I am looking so forward to seeing the spring flowers!

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Hello Mary,  & Mary.      

It sounds like a law firm. lol  Thanks for stopping by.  We're glad to have you both here!

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I joined cCare 2 several years ago then thanks to a senior moment - got to love them - forgot I was a member. Now I am finally active and love being able to help make a difference in any small part. My 13 year old daughter has developmental delays and is talking about wanting to get into track so I am going to have to see if we have a local Special Olympics Chapter any closer than 100 miles. 

hi just stoped in to say i am new to care2 in a lot of ways but not to SO. my dauther has CP. and is a gold medal winner for down hill racing from maine. we are in the south now and loving it. looking forward to maybe doing some cooking and repelling for some rockhounds that i have found here in town.

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Just stopping in to say hello.  I'm glad to hear Paul is back practicing with his teammates.  Being away from people you have been close to for so many years would be hard on anyone.

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This one is A contact point for all persons in the state of Michigan with a disability, or their friends and/or families.   Also open to all persons in Michigan who are involved or concerned with the needs, concerns, problems and laws affecting anyone with a disability.   This group has been started by Paul W. Scalf, a wheelchair user and Regional Organizer for A.D.A.P.T. of Michigan in the Holland area.  It's a Yahoo group that you have to join to see what they have listed.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ADAPTMICHIGAN/

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Next is List Serves in Michigan.  It has 50 or more websites with links listed for people with disabilities and their parents.  I went to a few of them.  This looks like a great site!

http://users.ameritech.net/cabreenie/listserves.html

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This is the Special Olympics, Michigan website.  It has an 800 number and lists all of the administration personel by name.

http://www.somi.org/content.php?sec=SOMI%20Info&c

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Thank you so much for your help. Paul found out yesterday that he would not be able to go to State if the make it, but he was okay with it. he is just happy to be able to go back to practices which starts tonight for him. He really misses his team mates. He has been with them since 1983.

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I just tried again.  It simply won't let me post hyper links today.  I'll keep trying later on.

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Hello  to all.  I am so sorry for not being here and taking part in this discussion/chat thread.  I am still trying to understand/follow posts.....give me a bit and I will post.  Jerry.....trust me, I know about Care2 and the prbs.

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Care2 has ate or butchered my links posts several times now..... Grrrr... I will try again in a little while to post the links.

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Hi Lisa!  It's good to hear from you again.  I'm sure I don't know all the answers you seek, nor can I even imagine what you and your family must have been thru all of these years.  I think you are right to worry about Paul's temper (and Larry's).  Have you ever just gone to their doctors office on your own and had a talk with him about their behavior?  I think you are right to worry it will get worse as your parents age. 

I'm sure you can find online support groups to join, but I think you also need an in-person local support group too.  A good way to find a local in-person support group is through a local hospital. Many of their newsletters provide such information, or you can always call them.  Call your local hospital(s) and ask to talk to a social worker.  Social workers can provide help to caretakers by finding daycare, nurse care, in-person support (for both caretakers and patients), as well as patient physical therapy. They can also provide emotional counseling to caretakers and patients. Social workers have a lot of information at their fingertips; they are much like agents in that they can "represent" someone and more easily find needed resources. One of the easiest ways to get in contact with a social worker is through a local hospital.

I also looked online and found a few things that may help you. 

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Hi Everyone. Paul, my brother that had the heart attack and bypass got his physical from the Dr, but he is not going to be a happy camper. When my dad told his coach that he got his physical, he found out that because Paul was not participating when they signed the kids up for if they make State, he will not be able to go. This is going to anger Paul very much cause that is the one thing he looks forward too. He made athlete of the year this year right before his heart attack. He is the tallest on his team at 6'2 and is the one who usually scores the most points, so they usually make state almost every year. My parents are so worried about how he is going to take it, that they are waiting until the coach can explain it to them. He has a very bad temper which worries me sometimes cause my parents are both in their late 60s. He would never hit them of course, but his freaking out and screaming is sometimes just as hard on them. I hope he can get through this okay. I have two brothers that are mentally handicapped. I feel for my mom. Paul is from her first husband and Larry is from my dad. Neither boy was born with the handicapped. Paul stopped breathing when he was a baby and the only thing that saved his life was that my mom lived right across the street from a hospital, but it caused brain damage. My brother Larry had so many ear infections as a baby that by the time his doctor finally sent them to a specialist a year later, they took 2 cups of poison form each ear. The pressure caused his brain damage. I love my brothers to death and always will, but sometimes I get so frustrated with the way the treat my parents.My parents never make them do anything (even things they are very capable of doing), they are low income, but my brothers get their pop every week and other things when it can be afforded, but Paul has gotten so bad that he throws a fit if he doesn't get something at every store they go to and if my parents say anything to him about it, he screams at them. I know that they don't mean the things they do, but it hurts me so much to see my parents try and still get yelled at over the stupidest things. Many times I won't even go over there because if I hear them being treated badly, I can't keep my mouth shut which sometimes makes things worse. When my parents pass, it will be up to me and my sister to take care of my brothers and I don't know if I can handle being treated the way my parents are sometimes. Is there any kind of support groups out there for stuff like that?

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Friday......

You go Jean!!!  Somebody needs to go shopping and keep the economy going!

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Wooo  Hoooo, it's Friday.  Does anyone have any great plans for the week-end?  Too cold here to do much of anything outside but maybe a trip to the mall to catch some of the great sales.  Stay warm and safe everyone.  Sending hugs.

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That looks delicious ((((Dee))))  It's been below zero most of the week.  It's getting bad when I let the dog out this morning, it is up to 10 now and it felt nice out there!?!?!?!

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I'd love to share a hazelnut coffee with you (((Dee)))  or I have some fabulous Southern Pecan coffee and some awesome Blueberry coffee that I ordered from Green Mountain here on care2 to share as well.

It's already started snowing here a couple hours ago.  Not hard, but steadily.  It's funny how where we live changes our perspective on snowfalls.  You "only have 7 to 10 inches" like that's nothing (and I know that's not)  but here we are getting 8 to 10 and that is a whole lot of snow to get at one time! 

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((((Dee))))  It's so good to see you out and about in groups today!   I bet it looks like a winter wonderland up there about now.  It's starting to here a lot now too, and we have a winter storm warning thru tomorrow with up to 10 inches predicted.  I'm glad I don't have to go out in it.  I'm not even sure I will attempt to shovel it......

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Thank you my friend. I am sure you will find a fine replacement.
Merry holidays all.

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Jacki, sorry to see you leave as a cohost, but thank you for the time you did give to us.  You certainly DO host and cohost a lot of groups.  I used to be overwhelmed at about 10 groups.  It is hard to keep up!

I guess I need to dust of the help wanted sign again....

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It pains me to say I must step down as a cohost here. My time is limited with all the groups I host and cohost. I will remain a member and I will be sure to drop by as I can.
I pray all will have a wonderful and safe holiday season and may 2009 unfold bright and happy changes for all!
  In respect and admiration,
       Jacki

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Hi everyone, well it is my favorite time of year.  I love all the hustle and bustle of the holidays.  I have less time to sit on the pitty pot.  What I mean by that is that life is pretty same ole same ole.  Being a full time caregiver is not very glamourous. 

However I do enjoy the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  More visitors and more to do so I don't have time to sit around and think about me.  Selfish remark, but I do miss being spontaneous. 

When my brother comes and hugs me and says I love you, it gives me strength for another day. 

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It's nice to see a few people stop by.   Teri, I hope things brighten up for you very soon.  I guess there is never really a good time for problems, but they sure do seem to come at bad times........  Things have been pretty good with me lately except yesterday I had to take my truck in.  The passenger window went down and wouldn't go up.  Some bracket broke loose from the glass.  Of course they say they can't replace just the bracket.  NO!!!  I have to buy a whole new window and bracket.  That's $180. PLUS labor, and not the greatest of timing for me......  At least they got it back up yesterday because it is non stop raining today!

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goodafternoon friends enjoy your holiday season ---

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Well it has happened..    and its not even winter yet.. I so not like the winter.. and it has turned to the cold and damp..slushy/icy mix..A few closings in school/after school programs have been announced..

I hope you all are warm..comfy..feeling well..and doing as good as you can..and that you have a great day..

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((((Jean))))  I'm glad you came in here and released some of your frustrations.  That really helps to do that sometimes.  You can't just keep that bottled up.  Dee gave you some good advice and you DO neet to give you time for yourself as well. 

There are some wonderful and caring people on care2, but especially so in this group and anytime you would like to talk, we'll be happy to listen.  We care! 

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Dusty Jerry Jean

So happy to see all of you here.. It is slow..quiet..But I am always so grateful to be here..As I always see it..you can look for the good in things..and there is good to be found..and just try to make the best of the bad..

((Jean))..I'm glad you stopped in and glad that you shared..You're not whining sweetie..This is what friends are for..when you need a shoulder to lean on..I'm sorry things are so hard..I know it isn't easy and though I am sure you would never stop caring for him..it can get you pretty run down..emotionally as well as physically..
Please don't forget to take care of "you" as much as you can when you need to..That's so important..And when ever you need to share..That's what we are here for..Hope today is a better day for you both..

And for everyone here too..

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((((Dee))))   Seeing you post in groups always brightens my days!  Most groups certainly do seem too quiet.  Even the "active" groups are mostly supported by just a few hardy posters.  Too much drama and too many ongoing care2 "glitches"  have chased many away.  We can always hope it will get better again.  Care2 is truly a wonderful site.

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Jerry.. How have you been..
It sure has been quiet in so many groups..I am guilty of being quiet myself.. So thought it was high time I stopped by to say hi and hope everyone is well..

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Welcome to the new members! Great to have you here.

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Well, the swim games in Boston were a "qualified success". Only part of the meets were able to be completed due to an unfortunate accident in the pool (no injuries , not that kind of accident, ya know what I mean?!!) The pool was closed and my brother never got to compete - his meets were scheduled next to last for the day. But he is still the champ, and now he has a new story to tell everyone. On behalf of all the families I have to say Harvard's Blodgett swim personnel were very professional, and all deserve our thanks. As my bother says , wait til next year!

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Welcome to the group Charles and Dusty, we are glad you are here. Please stop in often, Its really a pleasure having you here

hi thanks lil for the kind ivite to group. and hi all other members.

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I am off for a couple days to Mother Earth's wedding tonite and celebration.  It promises to be a lot of fun.  Quite a few care2 people are there or coming.  I'm sure to be posting pictures of it next week.

For all who celebrate it, Have a Blessed Litha everyone! 

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I am so glad to hear you are feeling better..

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Thanks for the well wishes!  I actually feel better than I have felt in a very long time.  I just wanted to let you know why I have been missing for a bit.  I know the group is in great hands and I am very grateful to have you here.

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Glad to have you back JSUN . I hope everything is going OK, yea a heart attack is not a mild thing at all. Take care of your self first off dude. We will all be here when you get back, Do not push your self and you have  a great kid

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You wouldn't be the first father to have a heart-attack at the thought of his daughter's wedding I hope you are feeling better. All the best

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Hello my friends!  As many of you may (or may not) have known I have been fairly absent the past couple weeks.  I haven't felt really well for awhile now and it culminated with me having a mild heart atack (if any heart attack can be called mild???)  Anyhow I am home and feeling much better now.  My daughter, bless her heart, stayed with me the past week and was a great help around the house.  My soon to be son in law has been here the past two weekends helping greatly too.  They are getting married in two weeks, so I am glad I got my problems out of the way beforehand!!! 

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