To my supporters:
2 years ago my life started to change forever. I attended a meeting and learned about a pilot program called Supported Discussion Making which is an alternative to guardianship.
From that moment I learned about it a light bulb went off within my mind and heart this was something that I wanted to do..To start planning my future
For a very long time from the time I was about 18 years old my case manger would keep on saying to my mom are you ready to get guardianship . My parents always questioned why they needed to go through the guardianship process for me. They are mom and dad they will be there to support me when i need them.
The What if or what's going to happen to my child when I am gone. Is the most hurtful/ challenging experience for any parent.to face.
Dear my amazing supporters
Thank you for being who you are.
When the Supported Discussion making pilot came out i knew i was ready to be apart of it and knew who I wanted my supporters to be.in specific areas of my .life or just as a whole
As soon as I ask you all said yes with no questions you all embraced me with your everything even before you step up to have official roles in my life as supporters.
in the start of all of this my parents was a bit unsure of why I am doing this I had to unsure in each conversation about this that everything I am doing with my life has a purpose and this is one of them.
Honestly my parents raised me with their own village which only included them and my older siblings as my support system.
So thank you for being my supporters. being able to call you all.. sharing things about my life and what I want to do with my future
You guys being apart of my life reminds me that you all are my space zone to be. I built trust in building friendship because of supporters like you.
When I am feeling overwhelmed. I am grateful for the times I can call. text, video chat .take time to go visit and just spend time and chat. They are times when I see and speak to you guys and just be quiet and the most meaningful thing I hear is I am here lets chat. It's amazing how my supporters can see through my eyes and heart. Even when I need to get things off my chest.
Thank you!
My life have changed so much since I did Supported Discussion making an made you guys official supporters
I realize much personal growth and confidence I feel empowered to speak up about things concerning myself because I have you all by my side.
As my supporters when I have break downs I stand strong for you!
These past few years in college I shared my struggles and discouraging moments with each of you But you guys never let me go down those roads again and you guys encouraged me daily
With that being said I have wrapped up my semester and have done extremely well
Despite my learning challenges I got it done and just waiting for my official grade to be posted so I can get the paperwork done and apply for graduation!!
I talk with many of you about wanting a job and here I am! I had a successful interview and was hired to be a self advocacy consultant at the regional workforce transformation center for region 4
My friendships with others
My future is even more bright having each of you by my side.
As supporters to me you each ensure my parents that I have people that look out for me and is often a phone call away
My mom always tell me growing up it was her words against the wall to get me everything I needed and for that I am really thankful for each of you more and more
Thank you for being apart of my village.. a friend.. a mentor and supporter.
Can't wait until we all are together again.. Maybe we can set up a video chat call..
I love you all thank you for effort to be apart of my life
