Re: The Past Does Not Define Us Annie: Wow! What a story!
You are a very strong woman, with all bad things thrown your way you still remain as a whole!
Your and his parents... how can they possbily treat their own kids so bad? They will get their punishment, believe it! I'd disntanse myself from them, if I were you. Move far away where they or your brother can't find you. Of course, I'd try hard to find out more about the discrepancy in your birth certificate... maybe they are not even your parents... that'd explain a lot!
How are your children doing now?
Your husband... I'm very sorry. It looked like you guys had a chance before he started drinking. I guess, he's not as strong as you are and had to hide behind the wall of whiskey instead of facing what life brings.
Big hugs to you! And I hope you win a lottery and will never have to worry about money! Good luck!
Re: The Past Does Not Define Us startingover: Thank you all for the wonderful replies. The kind words mean more than you will ever know.
I was sitting in my TQM class today and the instructor said something that really struck me. The discussion was on psychology in the work place. Out of nowhere he says, "It doesn't do a person any good to focus on the past, the past will never change. You need to focus your efforts on the future, for that is the only way to move ahead."
It was as if those words were spoken just for me.
Re: The Past Does Not Define Us startingover: [quote author=Annie link=topic=29082.msg282969#msg282969 date=1147969887">
How are your children doing now?
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The oldest is just amazing. She has the biggest heart I think I have ever seen. So compassionate with her brothers. She's at the top of her class and has a chance to go to a Talented and Gifted camp this summer. She taught herself to play the violin this year, and loves track. She placed 2nd in the 75 meter dash, and 4th is shot put at the city finals a couple of weeks ago.
The oldest boy is finally starting to speak again. He seems to go through cycles. He is doing well enough to start going on field trips with his mainstream class. He seems to really enjoy it. Last week they went to an air show with his class and just loved it. He will be in 3rd grade next year and has a very sarcastic sense of humor. His health hasn't always been good, but as he gets older it has greatly improved.
The youngest turned 4 this year. Although he is autistic as well, (both boys have autism and opitz) he is very social and loves to make people laugh. He is speaking a lot and is learning self help skills. He wants to be independent and loves to help with chores, except the vacuum, both boys run when it turns on. lol
Re: The Past Does Not Define Us Annie: Your story made me cry several times. If you typed it and gavi it to the publisher, it'd made a bestseller :)
You are amazingly strong person!
And yes, you can't dwell on the past. Don't let "why" and "what if" rule your life. In your own mind, define yourself not as a daughter and sister of ... well, just distant yourself from those people, if you can...
But rather, define yourself as a great, loving mother, a student, who knows where she's going in life and a granddaughter of a wonderful woman.
Hugs!
