My son's world has been turned right-side-up since our conversation after your presentation. I will forever be thankful for our conversation and the feedback you provided. I realize, now, that Kalen's life was turned up-side-down. Since your talk, I cannot tell you how many conversations we've had with our son about his hopes and dreams, and his wants and desires. I now have different dreams for Kalen—dreams I never knew were possible.

Here is one example...we never thought Kalen would be able to drive, and were ready to discourage it before he ever had a chance to prove one way or the other. (You know—because we love him and it was for his safety and the safety of others.) After talking with him about his wants and desires we realized he desperately wanted to drive and even had a car he was passionate about—a 1999 Camaro. He has NEVER—and I mean NEVER—been fully included in ANYTHING. He has also struggled with academic curriculum. We supported his placement in a regular health class where he also received regular driver's education instruction. He wanted that license so badly that he proved us all wrong and passed with a 96! He is currently studying to take the DMV test and once he passes (which we believe he will), we'll begin "behind-the-wheel" training. We still have some concerns, but we'll let Kalen show us how he's capable, instead of us telling him that he's not!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Cherese Jenks