From Our Parents, Laurette Shrage

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Circle of Friends Evening of Recognition Dinner, June 3, 2009
Laurette Shrage; Assistant Director of Special Education Elementary
level New Rochelle School District.

My name is Laurette Shrage and I am Jaclyn's mother. I was honored this evening to be invited by Freida to speak on behalf of parents with whom I share a mutual challenge.
Jaclyn is 23 years old and is diagnosed as Mentally Retarded with Autism. From the time Jackie was born it was clear to me that there was something wrong and that she and I would follow a different path in the world of mother/child. This path would be the lonely and challenging world of the handicapped child and adult. There were many concerns that needed to be addressed throughout the many years of raising Jackie. First it was when will she sit, when will she walk and then when will she talk. Needless to say she did sit and walk but we are still working on talking although she communicates in her own way. Her brother kept waiting for the day when she would be able to play with him just like other siblings did but that day never came. This was painful for me to watch and still is to this day. More concerns were How would she learn, and where would she go to school.
Jackie was born at a time when special education programs were in the early stages of evolution. Finally of all the worries the one that never seemed to have any solution was the one of would she ever have a friend and a social life. This theme continued through her entire childhood and into adult life. It was impossible for her to have anyone but a caregiver, teacher or parent for socialization. I am sure that many of you here now have had the same experience.

Finally, one day I miraculously found The Circle of Friends and met an amazing person, Freida Hecht. Circle of Friends and Freida have been a light at the end of the tunnel. Through her hard work and unrelenting dedication Jaclyn finally had a friend who would come to our house and spend time with her. Suddenly there was a place for Jackie to go on a Sunday to socialize with young people such as herself and have fun.
I speak from my heart and know that all parents who have the same worry for their child can only feel thankful for Freida Hecht and all the volunteers of Circle of Friends for giving so much of themselves. They are the shining lights and the warmth that friendship has to offer for all the children and adults who come to the circle. I know that our children's lives are that much richer because of the wonderful work of YACHAD.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I know that I speak for myself and suspect for all that are here today sharing this evening of recognition of the volunteers of this very Special Circle of Friends.