Angelman's Syndrome and the Discovery Cube
I am pleased to see that, in my absence, my journal was awarded the Keeper of Traditions badge for consistency, and the Endless Source of Ideas badge. It seems that by simply thinking of this journal, which is often, it somehow breathes life into it.
I recently saw an article and video about Colin Farrell's new foundation. I don't think I've ever seen any of his movies (though some look interesting), but Farrell's son has Angleman's Syndrome, and Angelman's Syndrome was one of the disorders that, early on, one of the neurologists thought Anastasia might have. (She doesn't.) What Farrell says is true about adults with these kinds of disorders-- they are often kicked to the curb. That's why one of my favorite charities is Blissful Bedrooms; they help people who might otherwise be cut off from the world once they have finished school. But Farrell and we are fortunate for the laws of the State of California, specifically the Lanternman Act, which provide the support for people with disabilities to live with dignity. I didn't intend to settle in California, but between my job, which depends on a respect for the concrete past that is lacking in many states, and my children's futures, I don't think I could ever leave the state now.
Today, Anne and I, with the help of our respite care worker Leticia, took the kids to Discovery Cube Los Angeles to see the Expedition Dinosaur exhibit. The exhibit didn't over-awe them, but they loved the museum. It was the first time we'd gone to that campus, although we've been members for years and have taken them many times to the Santa Ana one. Afterwards, they got horse and pony rides across the street in the Van Norman Dam Recreation Area. Of course, I couldn't help but think of the Lopez Adobe and the string of prehistoric archaeological sites that slumber beneath the reservoir.
Tomorrow is the first day of school for them.
Maybe I'll post again soon. Maybe not.
Men walk down a path next to a Native American archaeological site roped off for excavation. Photo caption reads: "In dry Van Norman reservoir, archeologists examine excavations for evidence of 5,000 year-old Tongva Indians". Photo dated: Mar. 3, 1975. Herald-Examiner Collection
I recently saw an article and video about Colin Farrell's new foundation. I don't think I've ever seen any of his movies (though some look interesting), but Farrell's son has Angleman's Syndrome, and Angelman's Syndrome was one of the disorders that, early on, one of the neurologists thought Anastasia might have. (She doesn't.) What Farrell says is true about adults with these kinds of disorders-- they are often kicked to the curb. That's why one of my favorite charities is Blissful Bedrooms; they help people who might otherwise be cut off from the world once they have finished school. But Farrell and we are fortunate for the laws of the State of California, specifically the Lanternman Act, which provide the support for people with disabilities to live with dignity. I didn't intend to settle in California, but between my job, which depends on a respect for the concrete past that is lacking in many states, and my children's futures, I don't think I could ever leave the state now.
Today, Anne and I, with the help of our respite care worker Leticia, took the kids to Discovery Cube Los Angeles to see the Expedition Dinosaur exhibit. The exhibit didn't over-awe them, but they loved the museum. It was the first time we'd gone to that campus, although we've been members for years and have taken them many times to the Santa Ana one. Afterwards, they got horse and pony rides across the street in the Van Norman Dam Recreation Area. Of course, I couldn't help but think of the Lopez Adobe and the string of prehistoric archaeological sites that slumber beneath the reservoir.
Tomorrow is the first day of school for them.
Maybe I'll post again soon. Maybe not.
Men walk down a path next to a Native American archaeological site roped off for excavation. Photo caption reads: "In dry Van Norman reservoir, archeologists examine excavations for evidence of 5,000 year-old Tongva Indians". Photo dated: Mar. 3, 1975. Herald-Examiner Collection