WADADS TestimonialsGreetings all, Since our inception in 2005, there have been many WADADS testimonials given. In fact, we could probably fill several pages at this site with them...
So, we'll take a moment, and share just a few of the WADADS testimonials that been submitted to us, and most of these come from our Semi-Annual Retreats. “I appreciate the opportunity to spend the weekend with these special Dads.” “I have a more positive outlook on our son’s issues. I have never given up hope for improvement, but my hope level has been raised immensely.” “I learned about a lot of resources I previously didn’t know about. Very useful now and for the future.” “This was GREAT!” “I have had a chance to recharge myself, discuss other suggestions and ideas, talk about what is or isn’t working in other families.” "Many of the dads gave me important information and suggestions that I hopefully can apply successfully with my son." "The talk by the representative from PAVE" (Parents are Vital in Education)"... was very helpful. This is something all parents of children with disabilities or mental health issues should experience." "You know what I'm going through. I feel like a huge brick just got pulled of my shoulder." "I started losing hope, felt beat down. You mean I'm not alone?" "I came expecting nothing. I came away with everything." So there are just a few WADADS testimonials... I would like to also take a moment or two, and share my first experience with WADADS, which happened in Spring 2007, at the retreat at Cornerstone Lodge... (I guess this also qualifies as a WADADS testimonial.) At the urging of my son's therapist, we set out to find a more relaxed and peaceful place to raise our son who had a "laundry list" of diagnoses, and settled on Whidbey Island. Shortly after we finished unpacking the boxes from the moving company, we began experiencing meltdowns on a regular basis. There was some property damage, and we ended up visiting our son at Fairfax, where he stayed for 11 days. Medications were changed for the umpteenth time, and we waited to see what would happen next... I guessed the "honeymoon period" was over, and we were somewhat doomed to continue living the life we had hoped to escape. My wife somehow found out about WADADS, after sending out emails to any agency she could find online, pleading for help... A lady named Sandy Gregoire responded to one of those emails, and informed us that WADADS was having a retreat, and she thought that I might be able to benefit from attending. Reluctantly, very reluctantly I might add, I registered for the retreat. I like to think of myself as a man's man. I worked construction for 25 years, and was not looking forward to a bunch of "touchy feely" stuff. So, during the drive to Leavenworth, I must have talked myself out of going at least a dozen times. But, I know my wife, and a no-show on my part would have meant trouble when I got home. When I arrived at Cornerstone, I didn't just run right in, instead, I sat in the truck for a good twenty minutes, dreading the touchy feely thing, wondering what kind of embarassing questions I would have to answer, etc. Well, there was still snow on the ground, and I figured it was definitely warmer inside, so I went in. I hung up my coat, and was met by Ron. He told me to claim a bed, and come out to the great room, where everyone else was. I was in the room about 15 seconds, and realized that I had found a place where I belonged. There wasn't any touchy feely, just straight talk, brainstorming, suggestions about what worked for one dad, and comments about what didn't work for another. Discussions about meds, parenting techniques, IEPs, inpatient services, out patient services, maintaining a relationship with your spouse or significant other, balancing a career with doctor and therapist appointments. We talked, exchanged email and phone numbers, and made friends. I actually found out that my son's roommate at Fairfax, was being raised by his grandfather, and he was at the retreat also! The topic discussion for the weekend was IEPs, and I hung on every word, since I had an IEP meeting for my son coming up the week after the retreat. I took notes like a madman, and even contacted the presenter, Javier, several times via email afterwards to discuss meeting strategy and language for accommodations. I left that weekend a new person, no longer afraid of IEPs, with a list full of resources, and guys to talk to about what I was going through, it was huge. My wife noticed after I came home that I had some pep back in my step, I felt recharged, and ready to battle for the services, accommodations, or whatever else my son needed. Her and I were on the same page again, a unified front, a team again... I sometimes joke that WADADS let me into one retreat, and now they will never get rid of me. And I think they are OK with that, most of the time anyway, since they made me Executive Director for Life...(small joke, I know it is a limited time offer) So remember, no touchy feely, just solid, honest advice and support, from those that have traveled the same road. Sincerely, Curtis Dennis
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