About Me

     My name is Jacqueline. I am a single mother that has been blessed with knowing an extraordinary person.  In 2004, I had just purchased a townhouse after 5 years of employment with a local insurance company when I received an unexpected phone call. I was offered the chance to become a foster parent to a newborn named Michael. Within a few short weeks of having him, I became sole guardian. I started working two jobs to afford the increased costs. I was never made aware of any suspected disabilities or health problems by the state and there was no mention of parental learning disabilities.
     During Michaels first year, there were many visits to the pediatrician and to the hospital for upper respiratory infections and breathing treatments. He also showed an extreme fear for stuffed animals and blankets. When he was able to hold his head up, he would bang his head against the mattress at naps and bedtime. He crawled, rolled, and learned to stand and started walking. He was a little behind  in these areas but more noticeable was his speech. Michael seemed like a typical boy but wasn't progressing in his speech. I made an appointment with the TEAM Center, a nonprofit organization  with several state contracts, that provided diagnostic and other services for developmentally and intellectually disabled children and adults.