Congrats GAB Class of 2009!

My cousin goes to the Georgia Academy for the Blind in Macon. She has been since she was 11. Her sight and mental disability came about from a car accident when she was 3 months old. It was a miracle she survived and was pretty touch and go for quite some time. She is legally blind but can see some up close. It was a hard decision for my aunt and uncle to make about sending her off to school. She spends the week at school and is home on the weekends. But it was by far the best thing for her. They teach them life skills, job skills along with all of the other educational things they should be learning. She learned to read which we weren't sure would ever happen. She can read braille as well as large print books. It is amazing the changes that have happened in Kristen. We are so proud of her and how far she has come. They can attend until the turn 22 if it is needed. Which I believe is about the average for everyone, really. She will be 22 in June.

Here is the entire graduating class. It was a truly touching ceremony. I couldn't hold the tears back. I can't put into words what I felt sitting there watching all of these amazing young adults working through their disabilities to ac hive one of their goals. Each and everyone of them climbed those steps to the stage and received their diplomas, including the one in a wheelchair. It was so moving to see her determination to walk across that stage.

Here are a few photos we took after we arrived home and the boys had a good long nap. It was rough for them because we had so much traveling to do. We left home at 4:30 am and didn't get back to my aunts until 7pm. It made for a long day with the younger 2. I was rather impressed how well Patrick was with so little sleep...because frankly he is usually a monster if you wake him up. Patrick and I didn't get back to our house until after 10 pm.

The above one is of Kristen with the nephews...(left to right) Jaise, Carsyn and Patrick.
And the proud parents below.



Congrats Kristen! I can't wait to see where all you go in life! God Bless you and we love you!!