Story submitted by MJ on October 09, 1999 at 13:33:59:
MJ is 37, from Roselle Park, NJ.
Family:1 beautiful daughter, 1 cute son, 1 wonderful husband
My heart reaches all of you. Never new there were so many similar stories out there. I am not alone now. Here is my story . . . (Hard to start without getting all emotional). Okay. It has been a long, hard 17 month journey . . . especially for my son James. What a trooper. He has been in PT since he was 2 weeks old. Till this day (17 months later) he gets all excited when I say let's go see Eleanor (his therapist). I'm angry because I don't want this to be a part of his life. Yes, 17 months later I'm still upset about what happened. Sure it's easy to blame someone else . . . but the question is "Is it really someone's fault?" As a family we have struggled, focusing on James' recovery. Everyone has been affected . . . including our darling daughter who is four. She has had dreams about being left alone while I brought James to therapy. Things have gotten a lot better now. We have a better system and my daughter doesn't feel left out anymore . . . at least I hope she doesn't.
I could go on to tell you about my delivery but it is so similar to other stories I have read. All you really need to know is that my son has Erb's Palsy.
I like some feedback on how families are dealing with it emotionally and financially. I don't know what lies ahead of us . . . . not knowing is the scariest part. I just hope with all my heart that James leads a normal life.
Would love to hear reponses . . . . mjlein@home.com
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