Once again the pool at Anderson is open and Jonah is there for the fun. It’s always a treat to hear from new staff who, until now, have only heard the legendary stories of the fish that is my son. They’re always amazed at how he takes to water so easily and naturally, as if born and raised in it. I swear if he was a “normal” 22-year-old he might actually have a shot at the Olympics – or at least a summer job lifeguarding somewhere!
I don’t know where he got it from. Certainly not me; I have to plug my nose just to go underwater and am barely a passable swimmer. His dad can swim, but not like Boo can. I love that he has the opportunity to indulge in one of his favorite things every summer. It’s definitely a gift and I don’t take it for granted.
I am a little worried about what will happen when an adult placement comes up. Well, to be honest, more than a little worried. He’s doing so well where he is. In fact, his behavioral specialist called me yesterday and said they were removing the body block (one of those big foam-filled bags they use for karate and football in practice) from his behavioral plan because staff has not needed to use it at all. Staff is good at determining Boo’s early warning signs and acting accordingly to get the situation under control and avoid aggressive behaviors. They are, as my cousin Brian told them recently, doing God’s work.
Brian came with me on my visit last Sunday. Boo calls him “Uncle Brian” and remembered him right away, even though he hadn’t seen him in 3 or 4 years. Brian loves Boo and openly admires his directness more than anyone I know. It was a great visit, during which Brian snapped a few photos along the way with his digital camera. He has no computer and no cell phone, preferring to live firmly in the 20th century. I say more power to him! Our fathers are brothers and we have always been close.
Since I last wrote, Jonah also enjoyed a campus Cinco de Mayo parade…
…and participated in a Special Olympics event at the rec center, where I am told he made several baskets, despite a lackadaisical interest in the sport.
It’s been a whirlwind couple of months for me, too. I’m hoping to sell my other house now that I’m living at my mom’s house, and there’s a lot to clean out and fix up before I can make that happen.
I am, however, doing better mentally – partly because of the sunshine and warmth of spring, and partly because I’m actively creating a life filled with friends, family, activities, and gratitude for everything I’ve got. I’m meditating again regularly, exercising and eating better and, best of all, have joined a community chorus called Rock Voices with my friend Laurie. I’m singing alto and I absolutely love it. There are 3 “seasons” a year and the current one consists entirely of Queen songs, culminating in an August concert – 140 singers strong – at a local high school. We will rock you!
Until next time, my peeps…stay cool, relax, get hip! And be well.
The Never Normal 