Well,,, this is Mary,,,sister w/Downs.   If anyone remembers,,, we lost her last Feb. She was 54, severe Downs,, but still a VERY lively person. A WONDERFUL Sister,, and, great aunt. She helped me raise my children and my grandkids too. And many, many others children through all the years.  Before she passed, we found out my brother also had MM. He has since had the two surgeries. But many, many problems. We know now that the left side did not take. The last bleed he had pretty much fried his brain thoughts. Physically he is pretty well, but mentally,, pretty much gone. It is sad to think that we are looking for Adult Day care for him so his wife can go back to work. It is so heart breaking to me especially.   I see so many new names here, this is also heartbreaking.  But I am also glad to know they have found this site.  These people kept me up and going when no one else could. I could NOT have done it without God and thiese people. To anyone who is still looking for info,, believe me, these people KNOW what they are talking about!  Please listen or at least consider what they have been through and learned. I have learned soooooo much! But, I have also been trying to put my life back together. My sister and I were "attached at the hip". I am currenetly working in our school system with the 6th grade. Half the day I am assigned to a boy who is a little Autstic, and this is the first year they have tried to mainstream him. Then I work with the "Resource Students" the rest of the day. I have too much to catch up on right now. But I will be coming here more and catching up. God Bless you all in whatever way is needed.     MJS

  Gosh your family has been through so much.I'm so sorry about your brother. My daughter has MM and she has Down Syndrome.From reading all your past posts I know how close you were with your sister.I hope my children will be as close. I know what a special person you must be seeing the work tht you are doing with children.We have a lot of special people in our lives because of Kathleen.She is fully mainstreamed and I know what a commitment it takes on everyones part to help her be successful in this setting.I'm so glad your back.You've added so much to this board yourself.Thanks....
Mary Grace