Stephen, I am sorry it took me so long to write back. Your words meant a great deal and made so much sense. Zach has never really been made fun of in school, except for occasional isolated instances. The hard part for him has been that he has been left out of so many things. The kids and their parents for that matter, don't mean to be insensitive I don't think.They just do not know how to handle a kid in a wheelchair, me saying you handle it just like you do any other kid does not quite get us too far.

I am not naive, I know it is harder, logistically, to include Zach in many things. My husband and I would always be glad to accompany him, but the older he gets the less appropriate and "cool" it is for parents to be involved.

All of this is just hitting him hard right now, and it is so difficult to watch. I know you said you hope I don't blame myself, but it is hard to not feel guilty. I did my best when I was pregnant with Zach, but somehow he was just born too soon.

I think you are so right about keeping the lines of communication open. Zach has learned that he has to share his feelings with us. He kept alot from us because he did not want us upset. I told him it comes with the territory, and I am pretty strong!

He is doing better one day at a time. He is on an anticonvulsant that finally seems to be addressing some of what was happening to him, and he is still on medication for depression as well.

One day at a time, he is slowly getting better and we are slowly getting stronger.

Take care of yourself, your caring, as well as so many others on this list, never ceases to amaze me and make us determined to keep on helping too, whenever and however Zach and I can.
Robin