Adventures with Leslie: Board Meeting
Adventures with Leslie Sometimes you don’t pick the cause, it picks you. When I took over my sister Leslie’s care, I had no idea what the future would bring. I was reeling from the impact on my career and family. Then, I quickly realized I hadn’t been working all these years for myself, I was working for the people I love. Leslie was very happy in my home, but I knew she needed care beyond what I could provide. She needed a place where she could be with friends and have a fuller life, in addition to being part of my family. The first time I took her to visit her new Richcroft Inc home, she already knew two of her roommates. They hugged warmly after not having seen each other for years. I knew right away that Richcroft was a special place. I am honored to share that I have been asked to chair Richcroft’s first-ever advisory board. It’s exciting to to bring my many years of experience in business and non-profits to an organization that is helping Leslie live her best life! I attended my first board meeting this past week. I’d already experienced first-hand how they are redefining care for Leslie, but here are just a few examples of their innovative approach: · Chef Manny Robinson explained how he was hired to go into the homes and teach healthy food preparation to the house managers. · A supported individual spoke about how her house manager was by her side every step of the way as she achieved her healthy-weight goals. · Someone from the day program shared his adventures kayaking, which I loved hearing because so many day program just house people like Leslie in buildings, without meaningful activities. At Richcroft, supported individuals are encouraged to live their best life, and employees are valued. It is a special place and I am honored to be part of it. Thank you, Kevin Drumheller!
Adventures with Leslie: Compassionate Care
Adventures with Leslie I got a call a few weeks ago, “Hello, my name is Kyle (name changed) and I’m looking for the representative for Leslie. I’m her new service coordinator.” Ugh. My luck had run out. When I took over Leslie’s care, I sifted through piles of documents from my mothers’ house, many were crammed in boxes and covered with layers of dust and debris, looking for clues to Leslie’s diagnosis and care. In 2016, we had tried to get Leslie removed from my mother’s house…the court filings were in there. I found healthcare records dating back to 1969, and a copy of every W2 for disability benefits over the years. One specific/generic letter came up over and over. They all start with “I’m your new service coordinator.” By my count, Leslie had fifteen service coordinators in fifteen years. Sometimes up to three in a year! But, since 2017, she has had the same person – Jeanne Gonzales. Jeanne was truly my partner in getting Leslie the care she needed. A service coordinator is someone – outside the family – who ensures the vulnerable in our community have access to support, service and care. As taxpayers, the care provided is a significant investment, and service coordinators ensure every person they serve is making the most of this investment. I did my very best to support my sister, but I could not have done any of what I did without Jeanne. She made great recommendations on programs, and she helped me find the perfect place for her. When Leslie went to visit her new home for the first time, Jeanne was there. She’s like family. Leslie loves everyone so I know she’ll love Kyle, but stable, compassionate care is what the most vulnerable in our community really need.
Adventures with Leslie: I Love You
In life, love often finds its way through the cracks of silence and uncertainty. It’s a force that persists, even when met with resistance. Growing up, I never heard the words, “I love you.” Not once. To this day, I have never heard a member of my family of origin say those three words. Ever. When Leslie came to live with me, it was an unspoken understanding. But I am persistent. Every night, just before she went to sleep, I would go into her room and say, “I love you.” She would simply said “ok” or not reply at all. That’s the only thing she’s known. Those three words became a testament to my unwavering commitment to her well-being. It was a small gesture, perhaps, but one rooted in resilience and determination. As Leslie embarked on her new journey in her new home, our bond faced new challenges. We daily rely on Facetime calls to connect when she is not visiting.On Wednesday, at the end of our call, I said, “I love you.” The video usually clicks off halfway through her reply of “ok” or the call just ends. Just the fact that she’s using an iPad is mind-boggling, so I’m never surprised when it ends abruptly. But this time…this time…mind blown. Just before the video clicked off, eleven days before her sixty-first birthday, I heard her say, “I love you.” She said it back! It’s moments like these that remind me of the resilience of the human spirit. Despite our upbringing, despite the barriers that threaten to divide us, love has the power to transcend. Leslie’s journey is a testament to that resilience, a reminder that growth is not only possible but inevitable. So, as we continue to navigate life’s uncertainties, let us hold onto the persistence of love. Let us cherish the moments of connection, no matter how fleeting. For in the end, it is love that sustains us, illuminating the path toward growth and understanding. hashtag#resilience hashtag#determination hashtag#love
Adventures with Leslie: ID Card
Leadership is about guiding others to achieve their full potential, and often, it begins with the willingness to try new things ourselves, even when we’re afraid. Leslie’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of trying new things and the profound impact it can have on both personal growth and effective leadership. Leslie’s life was not easy. When she came to live at my house, she was afraid to walk outside and climbed steps on all fours. She had been neglected and isolated, and any kind of change was met with fear. Most shocking of all – she was not allowed to have identification. I tried to get her an ID card. My mother refused. We tried to get her removed from the home. The court system refused. Despite being held back for so long, Leslie found the courage to step out of her comfort zone and embrace new experiences. Last week, Leslie achieved a significant milestone: at the age of 60, she obtained her very first photo ID card. This seemingly simple act represents a massive shift in her life. She is now an officially-documented Maryland resident, which opens up a world of possibilities for her. Leslie can now open a bank account, and for the first time, she has the option to fly…although she admits to feeling a little nervous about it. Leslie’s journey teaches us that trying new things is not just about stepping out of our comfort zones; it is about pushing boundaries, overcoming obstacles, and embracing change. The story of Leslie serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of trying new things. Her journey is a testament to the potential for growth and change within each of us. If we embrace this mindset, we can create a positive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential. So, the next time you are faced with a new opportunity or challenge, remember Leslie’s story. Step boldly into the unknown—you may just discover a whole new world of possibilities. hashtag#potential hashtag#leadership hashtag#mindsetmatters
Adventures with Leslie: Special Olympics
There were few things Leslie wanted to keep when she moved in with me. A notable exception: her Special Olympics Maryland patches from the 1970’s!
Adventures with Leslie: Boots
“Laura. I need snow boots.” This is how the conversation with Leslie started. It seems like an easy enough request, right? It’s not. Leslie is severely pigeon-toed (yes, I had to look up this term to find out if it’s out of favor), especially when she climbs stairs upright…which she’s doing a lot more of these days. The wrong pair of boots could be catastrophic to her progress. When she came to my house, she was afraid to walk outside – and never in the snow or rain I didn’t want her fear to return. So, we went to the top – Nordstrom. Leslie walked right over to the escalator, a far cry from last summer! She stepped on, stayed laser-focused on the ascending stairs, and stepped off. Comfortably. I had to insist on holding her arm. She walked directly over to a leopard-print pair of Uggs. “I like these,” Leslie declared. Ok. “These are nice but how about if we look at a few more,” I said. “No, I like these.” I pulled five other models and she sat down to try them on. Leopard first. We never got to number two. Leslie knows what she likes! We just have to listen.
Adventures with Leslie: Move Along!
Adventures with Leslie Leslie and I spend a lot of time in the car! I have two teens, both learning to drive AT THE SAME TIME! It’s busy. “Going to get Baby Fish,” she said one day when we were headed over to pick up my daughter from school. “How did you know that?” I asked. She said, “My Adorable Son and Baby Fish.” Then she laughed. This is how my children are listed in my phone. Not only did she know, but she’s started leaning over my shoulder whenever I look at my phone. We recently drove to Catonsville for lunch at Matthew 1600. When Leslie saw the stairs that lead up to the dining room, she reverted back to all fours to scale the steps. We’d made so much progress at home. I’m still learning to stop trying to manage everything. My inclination was to be embarrassed but then I realized she’s just doing her best. Thank you, Linda Reynolds! It was a lovely lunch. As we drove toward school for another pickup, I noticed Leslie lift her hands and wave them forward when the light turned green, as if she was moving water out of the way. “Move along. Move along,” she said. Hmmm. I asked Leslie if I should turn up the music. She said, “NO. No.” But I know that no is her default. She loves music. I pulled up my classic-rock Spotify mix, her favorite, and started dancing while driving. She actually put her hands up in front of her, index fingers pointed, and made the slightest indication of a chair dance!! This is what progress looks like. Next stop: Indigo Girls. I’m a longtime supporter of the Center for Hope and the concert was a benefit for their good work. I’ll admit I was nervous to take her. The parking, the walking, the waiting, the standing. Two friends, Meara and Lynn enthusiastically encouraged me to bring her. Not only did she love it, but some folks who were there before us let her have a front-row spot.
Adventures with Leslie: An Honored Guest
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.
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.
