In two weeks, my girl will turn 18.  Most parents of children turning 18-years-old have many exciting things happening on the horizon.  There can be graduation and decisions about college.  Its a time of new independence.  It’s an age that is a big deal to kids.  I remember turning 18, and it was amazing. I was a freshman at Michigan State.  I had graduated from high school, and did well enough to get in to a Big Ten School.  I was ready to venture out and meet new people and be social.  I had the ideal young adult life.  I got to make my own decisions about what I would eat, and wear.  I decided which classes I went to (and didn’t go to-sorry Mom).  I had to manage my own spending money.  I had to make time for studying.  I was on my own at school.  I was reliant on my parents for money and support when I needed it, but they did not live with me or come see me EVERY weekend.  They were amazing parents and I did well on my own.  (At least I think I did)  It started the beginning of my adult life.  My own life.

For parents of children with special needs it’s slightly different. It’s also a time of exciting things but also of severe worry and anxiety.  At 18, children are considered “adults.”  For us, this is not usually true.  Phoebe can’t make decisions about her life, and I’m not so sure she ever will.  I have spent the better part of a year getting her services through our local Community Mental Health office.  I also have been getting her ready for a transition to a post-secondary school where she will learn job skills, and how to take better care of herself.  I also am starting the process of getting Social Security Disability for her.  This is no small task, and has included hours of gathering information from her 18 years of life.  This process wants every doctor and hospital she has been to.  This also means, every therapy, medication, and every teacher, school and team member that has worked with her.  Most of you would be able to do that using a piece of paper.  I have a file folder that is at least 4 inches thick.  That is not an exaggeration.  The final task is to obtain Guardianship of Phoebe when she turns 18.  I will be able to make decisions for her, as I always have.  I have to PROVE that she is incapable of doing that.  I have to prove she has a disability, and that I will be her guardian forever.  I’m pretty sure the wrinkles on my face prove that.

I can’t say this first 18 years has been easy. It’s more than I ever thought I would be dealing with when having kids.  I’d love to say I see the next 18 as being much easier, but that would be a lie.  My only hope is that Phoebe will be a happy, healthy adult.

Isn’t that what all parents want?