Hi Friends,

I have just finished hell week and am happy to say I have survived. I didn't kill anyone but I sure did think about. My week was filled with let downs, sucesses and lessons.

First, I had a trip planned to Disney world in Jan. It was made several months ago and I purchased the airlines tickets. The God sisters were going to come with me but Emily was acting so funny last Monday that I called and asked God Mom what was up. She said Emily and Hailey can not go to Disney with me. I was just shocked! But even worse, the God parents had given us their timeshare for us to stay in and they pulled that also. I can only say that lodging at Disney is so expensive!!!! After several conversations the Godparents are going to give me back my money for the airfare.

Then the two college students who worked with Hunter this summer want to go, one even wrote that nothing could stop her. The next nite they get on the phone and say they can't come to Disney either! OMG. I can't take Hunter by myself because of the autism.

I didn't have lodging or help. I was offered a Christmas present of a free studio at Old Key west from a wonderful member of the Disboard DVC forum. I had accepted but when she said she had to borrow from 2008, I asked her to cancel. I can't cause hardship for another just to help me. I ended up buying points to rent but am still missing two nites. Wish me luck.

God sister Emily has quit working with Hunter and his program. Tell me HS girls are just nuts?! Having her just quit hurt more than the Disney trip! I am trying to understand and be compassionate.

In the end, Katrina a college girl from summer is going to come with us. We have rented points for a studio at Saratoga Springs Resort and are only missing two nites. I am buying another airline ticket!

I also was interviewing with the four seasons. I had not gotten the reservations job, I was offered the conciege job but the hours didn't work, and then they offered me the conciege for the private mnt. club. Unfortunately, I really wanted the job. I had my name tag in hand but can't take it because of the mess with Hunter's program. I must stick with the program until he goes to school. No job, no money.

It has been a week of learning to control my temper, to be compassionate of others, grateful for the gifts of others, but wise enough to not cause hardships to other because of my own. I understand that my place is running Hunter's program for the next three years. I will have hardships, pain and losses but he is the most important thing in my life.

I have missed everyone here and pray all is well during this busy holiday season.

April

Oh my goodness! It DOES sound like a horrible week! But, it also sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders, and are taking it as "in-stride" as you can, given the circumstances. Hopefully all the plans you've put in place now will work out for the best.

I've found over the last few years that my plans are never firm until we're right there, KWIM. I can make plans and schedule things til I'm blue in the face, but Lily gets sick, and suddenly my plans are shot. Also, God usually has His own plans, which don't always coincide with my plans, and giving up my will, my schedule, and my plans for God's way, isn't alwasy easy, but in the end, it's always worth it.

HUGS to you! And, I'll pray things go well from here on out!

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"Things that matter the most must never be at the mercy of things that matter least." Goethe

Holy cow!!! I admire you for staying calm and working through this!!! Hang in there Dear!!

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~Happiness is a large family~

Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. James 1:19

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24

I was wondering where you were and what was going on!

Wow -- What a rollercoaster you're on!

The only advice I can give is that I'm a firm believer in Fate. If it's meant to be, it will be. I ask God all the time, WHY and sometimes it takes such a long time to get an answer. SOmetimes I NEVER get my answer but I offer it all up to him.

On the good side, I'm glad you're back on the board and Disney will be here before you know it!!!

I'm sorry you've had to put up with this. I'm sorry she quit. That's one thing that you can't do, so I know that's hard. Just think about all the love in that little soul and the innocence in those eyes. He loves you more than anything or anyone. You need your dh to step up now more than ever, so perhaps a true heart-to-heart is in order. You've been so strong, but even an oak needs roots to support itself. Otherwise, it'll be all nuts!

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