Yesterday Jonah moved into his new residence at Anderson, one with kids a little more his age. They’re really great about preparing the kids for changes by using social stories and acclimating them little by little to new environments. Already this morning I’ve heard from both his new residence house manager and his behavioral specialist.
In part, here was some of what they reported to me:
Jonah was in his room and then came out for meds and snack which he did well with. He sat at the table and ate chips. Once he finished he paced around the dining room for a bit then went into the kitchen and tried several times to make himself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Staff continued to assure him that dinner was soon and he was compliant with putting the items away. Rodney then had him doing some cleaning tasks and he laughed and giggled as he sprayed the cleaning bottle on the table.
He continued pacing about the house a bit and then eventually went into his room with the door open. After about 10 minutes I went in and he requested Adele and back scratches!! He seemed calm and content. When I left he was still in his room.
That sounds good to me. They suggested I get him an area rug for his room, but he’s all set with bedding and, thanks to my mom and dad, all the clothes, coats, and shoes he needs. I guess he’s falling asleep in school today so maybe he didn’t sleep so well last night. Either way, I’m happy to hear that he’s doing okay. I’m so grateful to the peeps at Anderson – all of them, from the administrators to the teachers to the caregivers to the nursing folk.
I am much calmer than yesterday. Sometimes things just aren’t supposed to happen; it’s hard to discern, sometimes, what to let go and what to pursue. After making a bunch of phone calls yesterday about Jonah and hearing stories about other schools and possible scenarios, it started to feel like I need to back off and chill out. Jonah is in a great place with wonderful people who care about him, and that’s more important to us than I can ever express.
In the grand scheme of things, we are lucky and blessed. What you focus on expands, I always say, so now I’m choosing to focus on the best of what’s here and what’s possible. I’m looking forward to seeing Boo’s new residence and getting him some things for his room – a soft rug or some big pillows. I’m feeling okay. We’re all going to make it through this, however we can. Thanks again for your kind words and encouragement. It means a lot!
Some better (happier) recent photos of Jonah:
Deep breath. Onward…
YAY! I’m grateful that Jonah appears to like his new residence. And I’m grateful that today you are able to chill and go with the flow. My love is with you and Jonah and Andy.
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Sounds like a good start! I’m so glad he’s beginning to adjust and that you’re a little more at ease today. That’s all you can do right? Take things day by day. Very nice pictures of your boy 🙂
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He is such a handsome boy, and it’s hard to believe these boys are getting so grown. I’m so glad he seemed to settle right into his new residence. Anderson seems to do such a fantastic job with him, and it’s so good to have that reassurance.
My big boy had knee and leg surgery Monday, and is beginning to get quite antsy. His residence wanted to send him home on a medical leave of absence and we said that was not happening. We didn’t feel like, at this time, it was in the best interest of anyone. As we watch his anxiety increase with the pain and immobilization, we are sure that we have made the right decision. He had surgery Monday, and will return to his facility tomorrow.
As always, I’m praying for you and your precious boy. I understand your decision to leave FB, but I sure do miss you. 😘😘
On Wed, Dec 7, 2016 at 1:03 PM Normal is a Dryer Setting wrote:
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Normal is a Dryer Setting posted: “Yesterday Jonah moved into his new > residence at Anderson, one with kids a little more his age. They’re really > great about preparing the kids for changes by using social stories > and acclimating them little by little to new environments. Already this > morn” > > > > > > > > > >
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Awesome. Great news. Thank you so much for posting this. Thanks for the photos, too. The crying photo from several days ago looked just like how my beautiful daughter cries and it broke my heart. I couldn’t even look at it.
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This is so great to hear. I feel your calm and peace from this post. You’re right, it is a blessing and focusing on the good is the best mindset you can have with anything in life.
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