Comments on: Autism: An Unexpected Life

By: Mona

Mona — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:58:01 +0000

Once a parent always a parent. Just as you and Tom we are always there for our children. Regardless…..of what goes on in our lives. Prayers are with you both!!!!

By: Elaine Lintner

Elaine Lintner — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 03:23:11 +0000

jackie I applaud you for your honesty and candid remarks about your initial outlook for your grandson. Thank you for giving hope to families like yours. You are a breath of fresh air to families experiencing autism. I volunteer with a non profit called Wilderwood Service Dogs in Tennessee and wanted you to know about us. We train service dogs to assist children with autism and other brain illnesses. I continue to be amazed how a canine companion can change the life of an autistic child and the entire family. thank you for telling everyone that life with autism is not a death sentence by any means and we should celebrate what they have to offer us. Visit us at wilderwood.org to get a glimpse of what a service dog can do for an autistic child. Thank you for standing up for your grandson you go girl! Respectfully and thankfully Elaine

By: Susan Deneff

Susan Deneff — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 23:41:03 +0000

What an honest heartfelt expression of unconditional love from a grandma for her grandson. Being confronted with an unexpected disability is tough for anyone to accept. However once the challenge is acknowledged then miracles happen. God bless Jackie and Tom for their stabilizing force in little Tommy’s world. One day maybe years from now I believe he will know more than us about King Arthur’s Court and the Round Table. Keep praying Jackie we’re praying with you!~

By: Bonnie Gillman

Bonnie Gillman — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:45:03 +0000

I applaud Jackie Clements-Marenda on expressing her heartfelt experiences as the loving grandmother of a child with autism. Her advice is excellent and universally applicable for others. As grandparents we are just as concerned for our children as we are for our grandchildren and we worry about future generations as well. Jackie and Tom are excellent role models.
The Grandparent Autism Network is a unique volunteer based support group for grandparents in Orange County CA. The GAN website ganinfo.org currently provides information resources and support to grandparents in over 50 countries.