Prayer Answered – Tristan has moved!

Just amount the time I was going to sit down and share how well Tristan’s move was going…a situation occurred. It looked like perhaps this move was not going to last. Brian and I were a bit surprised and confused (to say the least).


When parents of special needs children need to hand over the daily care of their son or daughter the deepest fear we face is that someone will not want him or her. All these special children have behaviors and quirks that make them unique in extra ways. They are such a blessing, but sometimes we wonder if everyone else can see what we see. Can others look past the behaviors and accept Tristan for who is is? These are deep thoughts, fears, and concerns parents face.


Sometimes parents can wait longer to transfer the care over. Sometimes (like in our situation) that was not possible. It was not a choice we had. However, each family will have to face this decision because none of us are mortal and most of our children will outlive us.


Luckily during this fear of rejection, I had a friend to reach out to. Someone who has been down this road. It is so important in our pain and struggles that we are open and honest with others because of the blessing of encouragement that we can offer one another. The blessing of encouragement that I received was bountiful!

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Practical Tip #47 Zoom Success

As a mom of a special needs child that is 3 hours away I often wonder how do I stay connected to my son?  This challenge has been amplified with the global pandemic and social distancing measures in place.  The city he resides in has been a hot spot for Covid-19 for some time now.  Thankfully, the organization that is caring for him called to shelter in place sooner than later.  However, this means our world has been turned upside down.  No weekend home visits.

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Photo by Gerd Altmann from Pexels

The main challenge is not to upset my son while still remaining a part of his world.  After several weeks of no visits I decided to try an experiment.  I wanted to see if a video chat would be possible.  Obviously a video chat with a nonverbal child is much much different.  It was time to test the waters.  I decided to empower an Uncle to the task.  I called Uncle Mike and asked if he would try a Zoom meeting with Tristan.  He agreed and even suggested I watch without Tristan knowing I can see him.  Mike coordinated the call with his group home manager.

Tristan got on the Zoom meeting with Uncle Mike while I watched.  Tristan giggled and was very happy.  He was thrilled to have a “meeting” with Uncle Mike.  Uncle Mike chatted for a few minutes and then ended the call.  I waited a few hours to see if Tristan’s behaviors increased by checking in with his group home manager.  Tristan was fine.  It was a success!

The next week we were able to do a Zoom call as a family.  It went fantastic.  Tristan was excited to see us.  He stayed on the call for 2 minutes.  Then he said “bye.”  Short and sweet.

I am grateful we are equipped with technology during this time.

 

When You Pray…

What a week it has been for all.  As we lengthen our prayers list, could I ask for one?  I received a heart-wrenching email from Tristan’s school.  He lives 3 hours away.  If feels like I sent my giant toddler off to college.  The email sent said home visitation would be postponed for two weeks then re-evaluated due to Covid-19.  School is canceled.  Community outings are canceled.

 

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Photo by Aslak Sønderland on Pexels.com

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God’s Grace Abounds — 3 Years Later

I was very surprised one of my post generated so many views.  It was titled “100 Days of Grace.”  It was a very emotional post about our family crisis with autism.

I could just resume the same post.  I can’t believe it has been three years since transitioning our non-verbal 13-year-old son to a residential school three hours away.  That means he is now 16!

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