It's hard to believe it has been a year today since Steven went to live at the group home. You guys were the only people we had to talk to about it. There really is not any parent support groups out there for parents who get to the point that their child can no longer safely live at home.

It felt like the end of the world, but really it was the beginning of something wonderful for Steven. Sadly, our world based on juggling all of life's responsibilities got in the way of Steven's need for structure and routine. We did everything we could but in the end, he is happier living at the group home.

Today, we still wake up with tears of sadness not having our son wake up under the same roof. We still grieve for the loss of the intact family we had always dreamed of. But, we can smile now. We can see how much Steven has developed and grown. He gets his haircut without anyone being injured. He goes on outings without self injurious behaviors. He is signing more. He is learning how to have chores and responsibilities. He loves to play on the swings. He has friends.

It's been a long year, but we will survive this. Steven will even thrive because of this.

Next year I'm getting a flu shot

It's true. I have no excuse for not getting a flu shot. My school provides flu shots on site for teachers. It's free. They schedule it after school and all staff shows up and gets the silly shot.

Only this year, I did not.

I had the hernia repair surgery and was on medical leave. Technically, I was not allowed on campus while on leave. I mean they wouldn't let me in campus for an IEP so why should a flu shot warrant an exception?

Now I know why.

Friday morning at 2am I woke up. I normally wake up at this ungodly hour to begin my day. No one knows why, but that is beside the point.

I had shakes, chills, headache, body ache, and couldn't think clearly. I stayed in bed and slept until 5:30. When I woke up, I was feeling worse instead of better. My clothes were soaked with sweat. So I went to school----actually Troy drove me to school---to make lesson plans for the sub.

I was home and back in bed by 6:30am.

Next thing I know, it's Saturday at 1pm and I wake up feeling a lot better. I'm still in recovery phase, but can think clearly enough to remember I need a flu shot next year.

Alot happened when I was asleep.

Megan also came down sick and was sent home from school on Friday. She is also on the road to recovery.

Troy drive himself to physical and occupational therapies.

I missed 11 text messages on my cell phone.

I missed 4 message on my cell phone.

Yep, next year I am getting a flu shot.

Highlights

The past few weeks have been so fun, and so busy, that I haven't blogged like I would like to! Here are some highlights:

• Steven came to Dallas on a field trip with some of the boys from the dorm. We were a little anxious about their planned visit to the Science Museum and IMAX theater, so we joined them when they reached Dallas. We are so glad we did! The day was absolutely wonderful! Steven enjoyed the museum, the planetarium, and the IMAX movie. He has come so far developmentally! We even got to join them as they went out to dinner at a Chinese buffet! It was truly a dream day for us!
• Megan and I enjoyed a trip to San Antonio over Spring Break. We loved seeing Fred and Leslie for dinner, walking on the River Walk, exploring the Alamo, and visiting Sea World. Shamu soaked us during the show! The weather was beautiful and it was great to have a change of scenery and a break from real life!
• Troy and Megan are officially in therapy together! They both go to physical therapy three times per week. Troy also goes to occupational therapy three times per week. Fortunately, we were able to coordinate the times so we can go together! It will be a treat for them when they are able to drive themselves:) Megan was a bit disappointed that the PT won't release her to get her drivers license until she has more mobility in her shoulder. So, everyone is still safe on the roads for a little longer.
• Betsy is just going through the motions trying to juggle life and finish my masters. I see the light at the end of the tunnel as graduation is coming up in July. I can't wait for regular school to be out this year. I remain hopeful that my class next year is not referred to as "the perfect storm" like this year's group is affectionately called by the teachers and administrators at my school.
• We will be in Phoenix around July 18th for a visit. We'd love to connect with family and friends while we are there and will make plans as it gets closer!

Hope all is well with you all!

Betsy

Open House and Sleep Deprivation

Yes, those two things are occurring on the same day this year!

I've been awake since 1:30 am. Today will be a long day since I will be staying at school until nearly 8pm.

Whoever coined the thought "sleep is overrated" or "I can sleep when I am dead." must have been someone who slept well, night after night.

I'm trying to see positives to these extra hours I seem to get every day. Here's what I have come up with:

• I get lots of laundry done in the middle of the night
• I do lots of university homework in the middle of the night
• Walmart and Walgreens are 24 hours so I can even shop

That's all I've got.

Oh wait......I can update the blog in the middle of the night with my random thoughts about sleep deprivation. Aren't you lucky?!!

Have a great day!

We're Back!!!

After a winter hiatus, we are back. I did not realize how many people follow this blog as a means of determining we are alive and well. Rest assured, we are alive and well.

Here is a brief update on all of us individually:

Troy--
back at work, trying to get into the groove. He likes having social interaction again. The doctors feel the remaining pain is muscle/skeleton related and can be improved with physical therapy. He is able to go and do small outings, but needs to build his stamina back up for exciting adventures like the one we tried this weekend....more on that later.

Betsy--
Still working, also back in university classes. I had taken a 3 month break from university. It is difficult to get back into the routine but I keep reminding myself I'll be done in 6 months. My kindergarten classroom has come far this year....I guess all the singing and dancing we do in kindergarten really does teach them something! They still have far to go, but I am confident that I will survive the school year.

Megan--
Shoulder surgery went well and she is recovering nicely. She is finally out of the sling and is able to let her shoulder hang. It gets tired, but physical therapy will clear that up too! Megan will be starting driver's ed program this spring and getting her license in June. She is eligible for the hardship license in Texas and we feel she is mature enough to understand the responsibilities of driving. We're still scared to death, but we will warn others when she hits the road!

Steven--
Continues to do well in Abilene. Overall, he is thriving and we see tremendous growth. There have been a few glitches in communication and services with his school, but we have that worked out. We now get weekly phone calls from his case manager to discuss concerns. On one of our last visits, we were able to go to Walmart, a restaurant, and two other stores all in the same outing. The following visit, he injured 4 of us adults and reminded us why we had to make the decision we did.

There have been highlights and lowlights over the past few months that I just haven't posted about. Things like the water heater bursting, having the flu, lots of snow days, going to the Irish Festival, teaching the dog to shake, getting hooked on the series Bones, and lots of other little things. I'll try to post more frequently so you all know we're alive and well.

Love you!
Bets