It's hard to believe it has been a year today since Steven went to live at the group home. You guys were the only people we had to talk to about it. There really is not any parent support groups out there for parents who get to the point that their child can no longer safely live at home.

It felt like the end of the world, but really it was the beginning of something wonderful for Steven. Sadly, our world based on juggling all of life's responsibilities got in the way of Steven's need for structure and routine. We did everything we could but in the end, he is happier living at the group home.

Today, we still wake up with tears of sadness not having our son wake up under the same roof. We still grieve for the loss of the intact family we had always dreamed of. But, we can smile now. We can see how much Steven has developed and grown. He gets his haircut without anyone being injured. He goes on outings without self injurious behaviors. He is signing more. He is learning how to have chores and responsibilities. He loves to play on the swings. He has friends.

It's been a long year, but we will survive this. Steven will even thrive because of this.