Hi Mary,
I've meant to drop you a note so many times this summer. My daughter is on a full PhD ride at [a university.] She applied at [two other universities] and actually forgot she had applied ... until they sent her the acceptance letter (my absent minded professor)..:) She got put on a waiting list at [one school] after two days of grueling interviews and didn't get accepted at [the other] after 6 solid hours of interviewing. Talk about stress for an Aspie. She thought someone was "pranking" her when she got an acceptance email ... into their graduate school without going through an interview process. The email was very official and said her contract would soon follow. Well you know how they are with the "glass half empty syndrome." She drove herself crazy (wouldn't call [the school] to confirm the email) until she got her contract. She gets full tuition plus [living expenses,] and partial paid medical. She has to work 20 hours a week for a professor. They talked her into teaching a [lab]already (talk about pushing her out of her comfort zone.) She has to finish her PhD in [five years.] God is so good. We found her an apartment [there] she got herself 2 cats (which she adores) to keep her company. She seems to have adjusted very well so far, thank the good Lord. When she graduated [from undergraduate program]she won [an award for academic excellence and an outstanding honors award] for her senior thesis. You know I am very proud of her and not just bragging. I wanted to let you know what she has accomplished so far and what an encouragement you were to me in my infant stages dealing with her Asperger's. Don't know if we would have gotten here without your support. It hasn't been easy as you very well know but it has been fruitful and worth it all. Thanks so much again, Mary for your dedication and love for our children.
Blessings to you, Barb.
Mary,
It was just such a pleasure meeting you and the gang that was there on Monday! You made me feel so welcome! It felt like I knew you already! I still have so much going on in my head on processing all this. Still no knowing how to help Phillip or myself. But I hope to get more info from your place and other resources you mentioned as time goes by. You truly are a wonderful warm, caring person to be doing this! Zelienople is so lucky to have you in their town! It is so amazing that we just moved to town and find out about our son's diagnosis and there you were right in town each time I drove by not knowing I would need to come in to see you. I'm glad I did! I felt so good after I left there! Look forward to seeing you and learning more from your wonderfully needed place soon!
All the best,
Rose
Mary,
I just wanted to thank you, and express my appreciation for your time, and concern for me and my family.
Parents In Toto is the first organization that we have truly felt welcome, and so comfortable. It's evident that there is a lot of love and warmth flowing through the organization, due to a loving and caring leader.
Mary, I believe that because of your kindness, concern, understanding, and motivation, Parents In Toto flourishes.
Again, thanks so much (FOR BEING YOU)!
Love and God Bless
Leona
Hi Mary,
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for all you do on a daily basis at Parents in Toto. The Zelienople Area is blessed to have a place for children and families to go to experience all the love, support, friendship, etc. that you have to share. Your enthusiasm to help is contagious! My daughters love to come to see you and their new friends at Parents in Toto! Keep up the great work and know that what you are doing is greatly appreciated…
Cara Florie
-Life is like a bank account - you only get out of it what you put into it!
Dear Mary,
Just wanted to thank you for getting me in touch with the Miracle League of Southwestern Pa. If I hadn't met you, I don't think this opportunity would ever had come about for my son, David. We are so excited about him being able to participate with the Miracle League. It's not only going to be fun for him, but also theraputic too. David needs socialization and I think this is a great opportunity for him.
Thanks a Bunch!
Jen Minton
"It is great to see the broad spectrum of topics and the speakers you have at the center. I know a child who has benefitted from vision therapy, but before I knew of her circumstances this was not an issue I was even aware existed. I was surprised that this was not something they could identify through regular eye exams. I am finding that there are many screenings available (sometimes within the schools), but that no one is going to hand you a menu, so it is great that you have a place with so many resources, so as parents and caregivers we can become more informed advocates for our kids. Thanks for making this possible."
Anne Christy, Parent and Toto Visitor
"This is what? It's that special place for Adht and Aspie kids to have better friendship with other people like them. Marry loves to se friends have friendships. So join in?"
Brian, 13-year-old Frequent Visitor of Toto
Hi Mary
Todd had a great time Friday [Fathers' Nite] and Jon just LOVED the music class. He came home
and said "I LOVE PARENTS IN TOTO!! I AM SO GLAD WE LIVE HERE" with a huge smile and it carried him all day.
Thanks Mary. Thanks for bringing hope and excitement in Jon's life. He feels apart of something. I can not thank you enough. He knew a lot of the kids there from his school. And, how funny that his very first BSC was there. It is so wonderful to see this happening.
Renee Nichols, CARES and Parents in Toto Member
Zelienople
Dear Mary,
It was so wonderful meeting you on Saturday. Your center is great and I can see how much good you are doing there in the community. My client really enjoyed himself.
Thanks again and I look forward to seeing you! If I can ever do anything for you, let me know.
Susan Crossley, Beaver Vocational Psychology Services
Hey Mary,
Nice to hear from you. Trust me when I say that it was my pleasure getting to stop into your place and meet you. You have an incredible enthusiasm for what you do and your desire to help others is contagious. Keep up the great work!
Keep Smile'n,
Dennis Curcio, MHP, Glade Run Lutheran Services
