Summer's allure won't be eclipsed by ponderings of guardianship for me

In the heart of summer, a change of routine is on the horizon for the author, as they prepare for the upcoming school year. However, the author is trying to savour the lazy days of summer and not focus on the upcoming legal steps for their daughter, Juliana.

Juliana, who has Angelman syndrome, a condition requiring lifelong care, has been under the author's guardianship since her adoption as a baby. Now, as she enters middle school, the author has been officially welcomed to the legal process of guardianship during Juliana's final meeting of the year for her individualized education program (IEP).

The author expresses surprise at the approaching need for legal steps for Juliana, as they had just entered middle school. This conversation about guardianship is typically had during a child's first year of middle school. The author had gone through a similar process when adopting Juliana, which involved a lot of paperwork.

Reminders about guardianship are at every turn for the author. Living with Angelman syndrome often requires dealing with another appointment, health issue, or challenging behavior. Guardianship is necessary for Juliana due to her condition, and the author's guardians will be responsible for her health, legal, and financial decisions as an adult.

The author initially felt appreciation but also a sense of the approaching legal steps for Juliana. Not focusing on what comes next can help the author maintain sanity. The author will choose to think about summer for now, enjoying the freedom and relaxation it brings.

This article is a reminder that Angelman Syndrome News does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is crucial for families and caregivers to consult with professionals in the field to make informed decisions about their loved ones with Angelman syndrome.

The author's article, titled "How we made the right choice for our Angel's middle school classroom", aims to share their experiences and insights, providing a glimpse into the journey of raising a child with Angelman syndrome.