Steve,
In response to both of your recent posts ( AOL Chat room & CPdisease/condition)
As you know I've participated on this list for the past couple of years. I originally got on it seeking information about what the future may hold for my young toddler with spastic quad CP. I more or less expected a medical information/support list similar to CP Parent. There the discussion is all medical, school issues, emotional support. The chit chat and discussion of off topics subjects is heavily discouraged. Totally unlike C-palsy.  I have to say in the beginning I was often tempted to drop this list just for that reason. I was out searching to make things the best possible for Alex and to make his CP go away as a good mother would/could. I was still new to the internet so unsubscribing was time consuming as I would have been one of those naive ding-bats who send a post to the list saying please unsubscribe me. So inertia kept me here in the beginning. Then all of you kept me here through today. Just 'listening' to the banter on mostly off topic subjects has done more for me in raising Alex than any other list. Alex's CP doesn't make him a lesser person or need curing. The list has been very explicit as you have, in the need to make sure it has correct management to lessen  physical problems in his adult future. It has also made me aware alcohol/drug addiction may be a very real possibility in his teen/early adult years if I fail to teach him acceptance for himself. You have all shown me he is more than his CP. There are history buffs, political die hards, medical advocates,teachers, researchers, married folks, parents etc on this list that just live life like everyone else. That shouldn't be a huge revelation as really why shouldn't you be? I've had to confront my own prejudices and misconceptions. So many times when some of these threads go way off into the wild blue yonder I say a prayer don't let Alex be like them and in the second breath it's cancel that thought Lord please let him turn out exactly like that, they are real and caring, risqué many times and really there when the times are rough or when the need to celebrate accomplishments with those who really understand just what an accomplishment it was. In between there is a lot fluff for sure but some times life needs a break from all that intensity.
Indeed some of the threads could/should die a quicker death but the internet is such that you can join the thread when you get time. I often post early in the morning or late at night when I get home from work. The late time posts tend to keep some of these threads going a bit longer. I'm apparently not one of those discrete married ladies either ( only my father still thinks I wear nun's clothing).This list is really all about the Velveteen Rabbit in the flesh and I'm grateful for it.
Joanne