Not sure what annoys me most about this

[Kaz]

You did absolutely the right thing for Luke - no question about it! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Workingman]

I have been there and I walked more than a mile. My brother, William, had all the same conditions as James in the article. Dad died when I had just turned 13 and it fell to me to take William in his wheelchair and do the Saturday shopping. I cannot tell you the number of times I got into scuffles with other children when they started doing hunchback impressions and making "monkey" noises, and worse.

The only time mum got a break was when William went to Besford Court with the Catholic Handicapped Fellowship. That was not the case for me and my sister though, as we were volunteer helpers, and they were happy times. Had it not been for that bit of respite mum would have had to live the life 24/7/365 for the 34 years William survived.

So, I truly do understand the decision this mother has made, but that does not mean that I have to like the way she puts her case across. Sorry to everyone if you find my opinion on that issue offensive, but it is what it is.

Shell, you did do the right thing for Luke. You too Kaz, for H. xxxxx

[miasmum]

I know you understand Frank (hug smilie)

But given their play on words with the headline, I would imagine most of that article was doctored

[Kaz]

I think most definitley slanted and doctored Shell

Frank I know you understand! xxxx

We are more fortunate with Harry, some hard decisions had to be made when he was younger - about his statementing, his schooling, which parent he lived with ( ) but these days his SN are not so noticeable and he will live independently at some point and earn a living, we're pretty sure of that..........We've been so so lucky compared to many!!

[Aggers]

I think the D.M. has become worse of late.

I don't understand just what they are trying to achieve.

I only buy it on Saturdays now - for the TV supplement.

[Oojamaflip]

Ooja, he is in a special school, where is getting the education and help he needs. She did not 'give him up' he comes home for the holidays and they visit him. As Kaz says flipping typical Wail

We looked at residential schooling for Luke, but it didn't feel right at the time. But I suppose the Wail would have a field day with us, as we didn't even have other children to consider when he moved to residential living at 18. No one knows what it is like to be hurt daily by your own child, to be scared to go anywhere in case they kick off, unless as you say they have been there

Thanks for expanding ((( MM ))) - the hateMail certainly doesn't help its cause by such headlines. But then again, I think that is their cause: wind 'em up and see them go!

I know when I was expecting my second, after having had a 'perfect' baby, it crossed my mind that I don't know what I'd do, how I would cope, if I had a disabled child who would demand far more of my time than their elder sibling.

Under such circumstances, none of us have the right to criticise. Daily, my friend has to clean faeces smeared walls if she doesn't catch her lad in time. She's a living saint, and deserves every accolade going for her love, patience and endurance (as do many), but she says herself she doesn't know what she'll do once he's reached the stage where he's larger and stronger than she.