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ETB 34:  In this episode I talk with Beth Haas, teacher and mother of 3 beautiful daughters about her oldest daughter, Annalee who has Down syndrome.   During the 18th week of Beth’s first pregnancy, she and her husband John were told their unborn baby had hypoplastic left heart syndrome and was probably not going to be compatible with life.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a birth defect that affects normal blood flow through the heart. As the baby develops during pregnancy, the left side of the heart does not form correctly.  Without surgery, hypoplastic left heart syndrome is deadly, usually within the first few days or weeks of life.  With treatment, many babies survive, although most will have complications later in life

When they learned at birth that Annalee’s diagnosis was Down syndrome, not hypoplastic left heart syndrome, it was a miracle.

Annalee was in the NICU for a while and had open heart surgery at 23 months.  She also was unable to have thin liquids without aspirating them into her lungs, so initially she had an NG tube.  All of her liquids needed to be thickened for years, but with therapy and training and the right kinds of straws, Annalee eventually learned not to aspirate.

Now at age 17, Annalee is included in general education classes, participates in student council and was also invited to be a part of the Groundbreaker’s Leadership team at her high school.

She takes classes at the Kennedy Dance Studio, has choreographed her own dances, going all the way to the national level in the PTA Reflections Annual Art Contest under the category of Dance Choreography and brought home a bronze medal this year.  She has her own Youtube channel where you can see her perform some of her dances.

Annalee will be in the TET (Teacher Education Training) Class at high school this year,  teaching classes in the same elementary school where her mom teaches.  TET provides high school students with teaching experiences to determine whether or not they would like to pursue a career in public education.  The goal is for Annalee to get a certification to become a teacher’s assistant.

Teaching Your Child with Special Needs To Ride A Bicycle in 4 Easy Steps
https://twominuteparenting.com/how-to-teach-your-child-with-special-needs-to-bike-in-4-easy-steps/

Kennedy Dance Theatre:
https://www.kennedydance.com/

PTA Reflections
https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections

Connect with Annalee
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQrw1d2I2ShE0tcecHJBQbA

Connect with Sandy
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

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ETB 33:  In this episode I announce a brief break as we quarantine, then head out on a family vacation.

I will see you on July 6th with another amazing parent to inspire and encourage you.  Until then, here are some things to keep you entertained:

Play Wordle
https://www.nytimes.com/games/wordle/index.html

Become a Lego Sculptor (and leave your Law Degree behind)
https://youtu.be/8CP9hzSm60Y

Learn to Frost a Cake – A Beginner’s Guide
https://youtu.be/OxcWDrPAeWM

Play the Harmonica
https://youtu.be/ddM5RlWSJ4E

Start Your Own Podcast
https://youtu.be/Q8pfZna6H6Q

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

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ETB 26:  In this episode I talk with Rick Deppisch. the first dad to be featured on the podcast who also just happens to be my husband and the father of our 5 children.  Rick shares his perspective on the challenges our family has endured and overcome over the years as we’ve navigated life with Josiah, our 20 year old son who has Down syndrome and non-verbal Autism.

Rick believes faith is what sustained him through the darkest days when Josiah, only 8 years old at the time, spent 10 months living away from home in a residential Behavior Treatment and Training Center.  He advocates the need for community and encourages parents who have a child with a disability to reach out to others to find a group of people to plug into for encouragement, resources and support.

Acknowledging that men handle their emotional responses differently than women and often times struggle to support other men who may be going through difficult times, Rick feels there should be more opportunities for dads to gather to be heard, strengthened and encouraged.

He also believes that if someone has helped you in your struggles, it’s your responsibility to reach back to offer a helping hand to others in need.

Meyer Center for Developmental Pediatrics
https://www.texaschildrens.org/location/meyer-center-developmental-pediatrics

Dr. Kathryn Ostermaier
https://www.texaschildrens.org/find-a-doctor/kathryn-katy-klish-ostermaier-md

Sleep Safe Bed
https://sleepsafebed.com/products/bed-models/

Connect with Rick
rdeppisch@gmail.com

Connect with Sandy
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

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ETB 25:  In this episode I talk with Teresa Trent,  author of  3 different mystery series, whose 29 year old son Andrew has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism.   He’s  also non verbal, has a seizure disorder and from that he’s developed a need for a  Peg tube.   Andrew is a sweetheart, greatly loved and never in a bad mood.

It’s no mystery that accepting your child’s diagnosis can be challenging.  When Andrew was born, it was very difficult for Teresa.  She had a hard time accepting it and did not have the best reaction.  It took her about 2 years to just truly accept it and be at peace with it. Though she loved her precious baby all the way through, something  just didn’t click for her initially.

If that rings true in your case, Teresa encourages you to reset your mind and focus on going day to day, milestone to milestone, living in the present and just enjoying your child.

Teresa started writing at age 49.  She believes you are never too old or too young to begin writing.  Her Pecan Bayou series includes a character with Down syndrome named Danny.

You can find Teresa’s website and all her books at the links below.

Connect with Teresa Trent
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/teresatrentmysterywriter
Twitter:   https://twitter.com/ttrent_cozymys
Blog:   https://teresatrent.blog/     (Books to the Ceiling)
Website:   http://teresatrent.com
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5219581.Teresa_Trent
Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/teresatrent_cozymys/
Bookbub:      https://www.bookbub.com/profile/teresa-trent
Teresa’s Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/Teresa-Trent/e/B005O7FIE2/

Connect with Sandy
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

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EBT 23:  In this 2nd half of a 2 part episode I continue to talk with Cynthia Rodriguez, amazing mom, grandma, and special needs advocate who loves to reach out and help others.  If you have a child with a disability and happen to  cross Cynthia’s path somewhere out in the world,  more than likely she will strike up a conversation to check in with you to see how things are going.  She’ll offer suggestions and resources and may even accompany you to the right agency to get you the help you may need.   That’s just who she is.

Yet, 24 years ago when her son Victor was born with Down syndrome, Cynthia didn’t even want to hold him for the first few days.   Life took an abrupt turn at that point and it took Cynthia a little while to accept all the changes.  From initial reluctancy to totally embracing her new journey, Cynthia is a source of love and laughter, drawing others in with her joy and making a positive difference for so many.

In addition, Cynthia does Court monitoring visits for people who have guardianships to make sure they are being treated properly and have everything they need.

If you haven’t heard the first half of Cynthia’s interview,  be sure to listen to it in its entirety.  You won’t want to miss any of her inspiring perspective.

GHFEDS
http://ghfeds.org/

HCS – Home and Community Based Services
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/home-community-based-services-hcs

Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/financial/health-insurance-premium-payment-hipp-program

Side by Side Parent Support Team: League City
https://www.facebook.com/groups/155613631266509

STAP – Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP)
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/deaf-hard-hearing/stap-services

Swallowing and Speech Services
https://www.swallowingandspeechservices.com/

Texas Medicaid Waivers
https://texasmedicaidwaivers.com/

Connect with Sandy
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/