Remember Nanette
Our sweet friend Nanette O'Neil died on August 20th after falling into an alcohol-induced coma the night before.
Nanette was adoptive mother of Sheena (FAS) and Nick (FAE), contributor to Fasaholics Anonymous, past member of FasAdopt and OlderFAS support lists, and friend of Teresa and John's for the past five years.
Nanette adopted Sheena and Nick when they were little kids and was their "real" mother for most of their life. Nanette was open about being a recovering alcoholic, but apparently had been struggling with her disease for the past year or so.
During her sober years, Nanette was one terrific mother. She was open and honest with Sheena and Nick about their having fetal alcohol disorders and when she was able to care for them she provided them with a protective, safe home environment.
Nanette appeared on the Jenny Jones show to speak up for children at risk of prenatal exposure to alcohol. Nanette produced a cable show (Life in the FAS Lane) for San Jose to raise awareness about FASD. Nanette allowed Sheena to share her story with the public, and shared her story with the local newspaper. She made great efforts to help Sheena have a happy, safe life.
Nanette was only 36 years old.
"And when you finally fly away,
I’ll be hoping that I served you well.
For all the wisdom of a lifetime, no one can ever tell.
But whatever road you chose, I’m right behind you win or lose.
Forever young.
Forever young."
Sheena's birth mother died from alcoholism about a year ago. She said to me "I can't believe I lost both my mothers to alcohol. I'm not ever going to drink." Sheena has been living with her Dad for the past few years. After 5 years of courtship with John as his girlfriend and fiance, Sheena broke off her engagement to John (just a month ago) because she could not handle a permanent long-distance relationship, but Sheena and John remain friends and they keep in frequent contact by phone and mail.
Sheena had a difficult week last week, but seems to be doing pretty good now. If anyone would like to send cards or letters to Sheena Muhn, you may send them in care of John Kellerman, 7725 E. 33rd Street, Tucson, AZ 85710. I will forward them to Sheena.
Here are a few sites with things written by Nanette for FASD:
Can You Forgive the Other Mother? http://www.come-over.to/FAS/othermother.htm
Sheena's Letter on Jenny Jone's Show http://come-over.to/FAS/SheenasLetter.htm
My Favorite Crayon http://come-over.to/FAS/favoritecrayon.htm
Sheena's FASSTARS page http://www.come-over.to/fasstar/faspix/sheena.htm
Fasaholics stories:
http://www.come-over.to/FasaholicsAnonymous/Cooking.htm
http://www.come-over.to/FasaholicsAnonymous/haircuts.htm
http://www.come-over.to/FasaholicsAnonymous/oversleep.htm
http://www.come-over.to/FasaholicsAnonymous/phonehug.htm
Nanette and Teresa with Sheena and John on Prom Night 2002 http://www.come-over.to/Johnny/Prom/9.htm
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Every day is FASD Awareness Day.
Reduce alcohol exposure during pregnancy.
Tell someone today about FASD.
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