It’s the kind of question you ask knowing that whichever way it’s answered, there’s really no way to say no, which is why I was nervous to pick up the phone and call. But I also didn’t want to miss the wedding.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One of the new jobs in my role caring for my sister, Leslie, was taking an oath as her representative payee.

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).

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.