This page was created as a living memory for Gregory Dean McKinnon.  I'd ultimately like to see the page grow into something large with participation from family, friends, and acquaintances, who add to the entire site (especially the Memories and Pictures pages, but also the Biography, Links, and Favorites pages) with contributions and suggestions.  I would love you to sign the guestbook-- let everyone know you have been to this site.  I'd love for you to email me with comments, suggestions, additions, and of course, your general feedback about the site.  Do you like it? 

I decided to do this page because I can better express in words on paper (or on the web, in this case) my feelings about a person than I can verbally.  I wanted to do something for the McKinnon family that would last a long time.  They are such a sweet and loving family, and I wanted to do something out of the ordinary. 

Greg was the main student who made my stint at NECC as enjoyable as it was going to be (and, at times, there was no place I would rather have been).  Teaching severe special needs children is one of the most difficult jobs out there.  If it's in your blood, you just do it and you're happy doing it.  If it's not in your blood-- you find out quickly, you burn out, you leave the field.  I realized at one point that severe special needs was not quite the place I needed to be.  But, until I came to terms with that realization and I started to act on it by seeking another line of work-- I did the best I could.  And Greg really helped me "keep it real."  His smile, his laugh, his silly and loving nature really helped me.  Every single day.  Even with the challenges that he presented to staff and family, he knew when I needed a good laugh and he could always make me smile.  Greg had so many gifts and he gave so much love.  That is why it was so hard to lose him.

In a nutshell-- I felt compelled to do something special for a very special kid who had done so much for me.

Also-- I wanted to add a note about the advertisements on the site.  I have these ads on my site as well... and it's only for one reason-- because I've tried them, and I've gotten some pretty cool benefits for free, and I wanted to pass the word on.  From My Points, I've gotten a $25 gift certificate from Target and I'm about halfway to earning another one.  From CDNow, I've gotten a free CD case *and* a free CD.  From Life Minders I got 100 free business cards through kinkos.com (I didn't even have to pay for shipping!).  All I'm saying is-- if you pay attention, the web can render you some great rewards. 

This site will be online as long as mine is here, and hopefully that's as long as I'm piddling around on this earth (or longer!).  So come back anytime, and enjoy your stay.