PSN Issue
By: 
Hello
everyone!!
We are right at
the midpoint of the year…..where has
the time gone? We, as a great Nation, are celebrating
our Independence. Two hundred thirty-three years….and
we still say “where has the time gone?” We have
come so far,
yet, have so far to go. We are also,
for those
of us with children in school, about half way through summer
vacation/break/work-load/taxi-service. One of those titles has to fit
just
about anyone during this time of year. Yet, even with the craziness, I
still
stop to contemplate that word…..independence.
On the one hand, it evokes thoughts of a child
growing up and relying on us less and less. On the other hand, it might
have
slightly narrower, less defined meaning. Independence, for many of us,
comes in
the form of smaller steps and smaller mountains to climb. Tying a
shoelace for
many is not even thought of as a “big deal”. Yet, to others, it is the
difference between someone finding accomplishment daily and someone
else not
even thinking about it. Independence for many “normal” parents means
that the
child is doing more. For many of us, independence means we, the
caregivers, can
do a little less each day. We can actually gain a bit more of our own
independence back. Either way, from our Nations point of view or from
our point
of view, each had to come about after much struggle, hard work, and
even
fighting. It is certainly reason to celebrate nonetheless.
As we plan for summer or even get ready to go back to school, this
issue has
some great ideas and tips for keeping cool outdoors. The article “Cool Rules” is filled with lots of
important information about being in the heat. For those of us who are
already
planning for the start of the new school year, “Getting
ready for school” is something you don’t want to miss.
And, for those who love cooking outdoors, “Grilling
Season” is a very helpful article about cooking out doors……from
sauces to nutrition to all in between. Even the men will learn
something from it!! These are just a few of
the many wonderful and helpful
articles in this issue.
We would like to acknowledge the gentleman on this month’s cover. His
name is Todd Kirkland and he is from Gadsden
County, Florida. He was at the Special
Olympics State Games in Orlando, Florida
and I just had to take his picture. If that doesn’t sum up this issue,
what
does? Thank you, Todd, for allowing us to use your photo for the cover.
Finally, we would like to welcome two new contributors to our family. Heath Burch, CFP, and Dr. Meme Hieneman.
Heath is a Financial Planner from Kansas City, Mo. He will be giving us
much
needed advice and education in the area of Special Needs Planning….not
only for today, but also, for the future. Meme Hieneman,
Ph.D., will be giving us assistance in the area of behavior and dealing
with
issues arising from within this topic. Please take a moment to read
their bios.
These are two very accomplished individuals who are dedicated to
helping
families of Special Needs children.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is of a general nature and is furnished for knowledge and understanding only.