Bobby:

I don’t recall when or how I learned of the Grieving Process and how it applies
to
disabilities.  One year the school where I worked experienced several deaths
within a
short period of time.  The staff had an in service on grief.  One of the speakers
related the
grieving process to several ordinary occurrences.  One example was having to stop
for a
red light when you’re in a hurry.  No sure I totally buy that concept but was/is
interesting
to ponder.

BTW  I haven’t posted very often.  I first introduced myself as Charlotte.

Bobby Greer wrote:

> Toddy,
>
>         Very thoughtful and to me, it does tie the two threads together. I
> lecture on the grieving process all the time, but I have not applied to
> myself.
> The fact of cycling through numerous times is interesting. Never thought
> about  it.
>
> Bobby
>
> >>
> >
> >  Re: Depression and disability
> >
> >Hello everyone.
> >I have been reading the recent posts with great interest.  Hope it=92s not
> >too late
> >for me to
> >add my 2 cents.  A while back there was a thread regarding adults with CP a=
> nd
> >parents of
> >children with CP.  I wanted to jump in but was too chicken.  Maybe I can
> >tie the
> >two
> >together.
> >
> >Are any of you familiar with the grieving progress?  As I understand it
> >when we
> >experience loss we go through a grieving process.  The stages are Denial &
> >Isolation,
> >Anger, Bargaining, Depression and finally Acceptance.  When a child is
> >disabled,
> >the
> >parent goes through the grieving process.  Later the PWD will go through th=
> e
> >process,
> >probably several times at various ages.  It is possible for a person be
> >get stuck
> >for years or
> >for a lifetime in any one of the stages.
> >
> >As an advocate for the disabled and as a special ed. paraprofessional I
> >have come
> >across
> >PWDs and parents in all stages.  And it=92s not a one time deal, we cycle
> >through
> >again and
> >again.  It can be briefly.  You catch a glimpse of your reflection and
> >think =93that
> >can=92t be
> >me=94.  A major change or loss can send you through the cycle again Big
> >Time.  It
> >can take
> >months or even years.
> >
> >This group has made me realize how very fortunate I have been.  I grew up=
>  in a
> >loving
> >and accepting family.  My parents and grandparents did some remarkable
> >things for
> >me
> >when I was little.  I=92ll save that for another time.
> >
> >I had a bout with depression when I hit fifty-something and noticed a decid=
> ed
> >physical
> >change.  Was getting slower, stiffer and feeling worn out.  I was
> >convinced it was
> >
> >somehow related to aging CP but I could find little or no information.  On =
> the
> >bright side,
> >I found this group.
> >
> >Toddy