Acknowledgements

   I would like to take this time to say thank you to some very special people who helped me through out Bryan’s brief life with us. First and foremost I want to thank all the wonderful doctors and nurses Bryan had. They were always there for us and let me call at anytime day or night. Next I want to thank Bryan’s friends who saw him and talked to him and never forgot him, as they grew older. They were there till the end and I thank you, especially Robbie, Joey, Casey, Jeremy, and Andy. Thank you all. I also want to thank Bryan’s teachers who worked with him and gave him the best possible education he was able to receive. There is one teacher who went above and beyond the call of duty and I want to thank her personally. Janet Gilbert, Bryan’s hearing consultant who has been with him since 3^rd grade and helped to make his adjustments to different schools for him easier.

I want to thank my son Joshua, who was the best brother and son any one could ask for. He grew up knowing his brother was always sick and stood by him through thick and thin. He helped take care of him when the going got tough and he was always there for him and me when we needed him most. I love you Josh and thank you.

I want to thank Jerry, my ex-husband who worked hard for years and let me take care of Bryan. Because of him I was able to devote the last 13 years to taking care of Bryan.

I want to thank all my friends all over the world who have been here for me when I cried and when I laughed. My online friends mean a lot to me and I hope you all know that. There are 3 very special ones I want to name and thank personally. First is Bert Lafrenière. He put together this website and has been here from the start for me. Thank you Bert from the bottom of my heart. Then there is Jim who is like a brother to me and has helped me out and always been around. Thank you also. Finally there is Larry, who has been here through thick and thin for me. I do not know what I would have done without you but all I can say now is Thank you with all my heart.

Last I want to thank Bryan. For being my son and letting me be his mother. You were a wonderful son and we had you for 18 ½ years. You were sick most of your life but you never complained or cried. Always had a joke to share and a smile on your face. I love you Bryan and always will. You will be in our heart forever and some day I will join you again. Thank you for being my son. I love you now and forever.

Donna