It is DONE

We met with the special master today, along with Julia's attorney and Life Care Planner, along with the opposing Dept of Justice's attorney and LCP.....Our side was highly favored, and the last issue was settled in what I believe was a very fair way. The rest of the issues have been agreed upon by both sides.....I do not have any numbers to report on her settlement - should have the check and annuity set up within the next six months. Though I do not know ANY numbers, aside from ABA therapy which was settled today, I suspect it will all be very good for Julia. Praise God!

Thank you to all of those who have not left my side during this ordeal. It has been very up and down for everyone. Thank you mostly to my mother, who has told me she would always stick with me no matter what. Thank you to Roger, for loving Julia, with all her quirks (more than I think you love the others). Thank you for stepping up and fulfilling the role of grandpa for my kids. Thank you mostly to Shawn secondly, who stepped into this relationship, and was probably blindsided by what he got himself in to. Sure, the kids were cute when we were dating, but as time went on, and his time with us became more of a permanent nature, not three days here four days home, and with all of the realities of it hitting him - he did not run. (well, a couple of times, but he always came back...haha). And now we are going to marry in June. Thanks for your patience. Thanks for understanding my fight. Thanks for understanding my integrity. Thanks for supporting my job change in such trying times. Thanks for EVERYTHING you do for the kids. And thanks for putting up with me and my up and down emotions....sometimes down for long periods of time.

Thank you to my new friends I have met along the way - most notably, Pam, who sticks by me even when I just want to go shoot my gun out my car window. Who thinks I am crazy for quitting my job, but "gets it" and supports me. Who takes time out of her hectic days as a single mom to three typical boys and a brain injured daughter, to do things, like be my matron of honor, to come to fourth of july with us, to come for jacks birthday, to come to MY birthday last night (allbeit, 45 minutes late!! haha). For being MY ROCK, even when weeks go by that we don't talk. Thank you Pam for teaching me about advocating and not being afraid to tell it like it is and stand up for yourself.

Thank you Leticia, a single mom of two, one typical, one 21 yr old not typical child. Your patience and sense of humor and positive outlook on your kids lives really resonates with me - even if I don't show it just yet.....you have been doing this much longer than I have, and I hope to get to the place where you are in the next 15 years. I have only known you a short period of time, but would consider you as one of my close friends - I would never hesitate to share anything with you or confide in you in any way.

Thank you Kayanna, Anna, and Trina for all your help with Julia during the days and nights. Anna, you have stuck it out the longest and I truly appreciate all the time and understanding you give to Julia and our family. Kayanna - you took over the daycare after Dawn moved away like you knew exactly what you were doing - like it was a job created for YOU. I cannot thank you enough. Trina - I know with five jobs, fitting Julia in is an option for you, yet you continue to help when you don't have to, and that means so much to us too. I hope you know that.

There are many more friends and family members to thank, but these few are the ones sticking out right now.

Thank you to the many compassionate doctors and therapists who have helped me with this legal battle over the last four years. Many of you know me by my first name. Dr Stage, thank you for meeting me after hours twice now when Julia was tantruming and I just KNEW something medical was wrong - but it wasn't. Thank you for watching Julia and making cookies with her that night so that shawn and I could take Jack to a movie. Thank you for being an awesome pediatrician - nonjudgemental, real. Thank you to all of Julia's specialists, most notably, Dr Bjorker, who with two days notice, wrote a letter to the court stating the needs of ABA therapy for Julia - YOU helped us win today....in an amazing way. Thank You Harla Frank, who, during a midst of her own issues, took the time to prepare for and come to the hearing today - HARLA - YOU DID THIS. Your testimony was fabulous! I hope you know how much it meant to us. You are HIRED! Lets get you going!

Thank you to the Rise School of Denver. Without you, Julia would have never come this far - though she has a ways to go for sure! Your patience with this process has surpassed my expectations. I hope you understand how thankful we are for your presence in Julia's life and education.

And to the Dr's at Miami Children's hospital who told me it couldn't possibly be the vaccine the caused her injury - I hope someday you will accept the fact that vaccines DO cause brain injuries. THEY DO. Please do not cover it up to other families in the future. If you would like a copy of her settlement when I get it, you are welcome to it. I just want people to be honest and real.

I know there are many I have forgotten, and many that have "fallen by the wayside" that may or may not get this message...but it is primarily written for those who stuck it out and believed in my family and MY ability to get this done. IT IS DONE!

Thank you GOD for taking me down this path - it has been a long and difficult one, and I'm sure there is more to come, but you have reintroduced yourself into my life and I am forever grateful!!!!

Susan (Jack,Julia,and Shawn)