Adventures with Leslie, Independence
Leslie returned home after visiting with family for a few days. She walked in the door…didn’t slow her roll even a tiny bit as she breezed past me…took off her shoes, walked up the steps, emptied her lunch bag, put the water bottle and containers in the sink, handed me the schedule of activities at her day program, unpacked her overnight bag, put her laundry in the bin, and hung up her clothes.
Adventures with Leslie, Crisis!
Caring for someone with disabilities requires understanding what kinds of programs/services are available in the community. Leslie is in a day program called Chimes. It gives her purpose – a place to go every day.
Adventures with Leslie, A Fashion Show
Yesterday, I settled on the sale of my mother’s house. I knew the paperwork would be signed later in the day, so I asked Leslie if she’d like to go over to see it one last time. It was her home for most of her adult life. She said no.
Adventures with Leslie, Unconditional Love
Leslie arrived at my house with a bottle of shampoo that was more water than cleanser, and towels that no longer represented their original color, threadbare with holes. Everything was in tattered plastic bags. Leslie needs basic care.
Adventures with Leslie, Frappes are the Bomb!
I wasn’t sure how much to do for my sister Leslie when she arrived at my house. In many ways she is an adult, and in others, she is sweet and child-like. This contrast presented itself right away when it comes to household chores.
Adventures with Leslie, Duty and Privilege
One of the new jobs in my role caring for my sister, Leslie, was taking an oath as her representative payee.
Adventures with Leslie, New Goals
Adventures with Leslie continues…yesterday was a big day for new goals.
It’s July 4th weekend and we’ve been hoping for some downtime, which means pool-time. My children and I took Leslie to get a swimsuit (we weren’t successful).
Adventures with Leslie: Her First Week with Us
I’ve stepped out of my career for a moment…and learned a few lessons in my new role. My mother recently passed and she left us, unsurprisingly, without a plan for my developmentally disabled sister.
Deerfield Academy Graduation
It was about a month before my son’s high school graduation when he gave me one of the biggest surprises of my life. I’m not easy to surprise but this was a good one!
Its April Fool’s Day
It’s April Fools Day…so a teeny bit of non-work stuff.
I hope you’re pulling some pranks on your little ones…we started young. A walk down memory lane:
