A very full day and evening with Joey ended with a nice ride home and a very cooperative time getting him changed and into bed. He flopped into bed like one of his Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls! And so did I! I couldn’t have “done” that day alone. I had helpers. And as I look in the rearview mirror of his 36 years, I again realize we’ve had many wonderful people in his life helping him and us … [Read more...]
Bueller? Bueller? ANYONE?
“Joey, Joey, can you please get your shoes for work? Joey, Joey.” “Joey, time to brush your teeth. Joey, Joey…..” “Joey, let’s sit down for dinner. Joey, Joey….JOEY.” Honestly sometimes I feel like I’m talking to the wind getting him to move and do something I’m requesting! I know he hears me, but I don’t think I’m getting through. I am appreciative that Joey can walk, talk (a little), … [Read more...]
In the Eye of the Storm
We have a home in Florida: Ft. Myers to be specific. With all the news and anticipation of Hurricane Irma hitting (slamming) land, there is a swirl of emotions as I write this. We have many friends, family, acquaintances, and neighbors that will be affected by this storm as it blasts through the whole state of Florida. The whole state—that’s hard to comprehend. One can’t properly or adequately … [Read more...]
“I Just Want to Quit!”
Maybe those words have never fallen out of your mouth, but they have mine! I hate to admit it, but there are days when I’ve just had enough. A friend whose life is similar to mine has confessed to me (as I have to her) that we have said these words not only in our heads but they’ve come out of our mouths. And sometimes they have been with anger, exhaust, and a few other emotions! A … [Read more...]
The Bumpy and Unexpected Journey with Special Needs
Most of us clasp our hands around our airplane seat divider exposing our white knuckles trying to act like we’re really reading that book in our other hand and really comprehending it when the ride starts to get bumpy. But not for Joey. He loves the bumps! Sure, we’re doing just fine! But for Joey, it really is fine. Bumpy is life with a child with special needs. They have many needs, … [Read more...]
Oh, to Be THIS Thankful!
We’ve just moved. We planned it such, that my sister Sue would care for our Joey (special needs age 35) for a long weekend so we could get his room set up. This would allow us to prepare ahead of time for those bumps in the road that happen when BIG CHANGE happens. And when we say CHANGE we often mean CHALLENGE! Joey likes his things just the way he arranges them….like those of us who like our … [Read more...]