On Saturday, Kidz That Care , a nonprofit organization in Charlotte, visited Ben's Easterseals UCP group home to "Pack the Pantry" with groceries and beautify the front porch with flowers. Ben joined the group outside and watched them plant poinsettias, sweep leaves and wipe down tables. I wasn't sure how engaged Ben was in the activity but when I tried to take him for a walk, he made it clear he wanted to stay and observe. He hugged the one adult with the group (not the photo above). When the group was leaving, Kidz That Care asked to take a photo with Ben. I noticed how Liam, one of the teen volunteers, kneeled next to Ben rather than stand behind him. Usually people not comfortable around Ben are hesitant to get close. I was impressed with Liam's willingness to bend down and be at his level. Then Ben leaned in for a hug and held on to Liam for several minutes. Ben's hands were tight around Liam's neck and he kept his head on Liam's shoulder. It w
Hi Vanessa,
ReplyDeleteI met you at Trader Joe's today when I was trying to keep my son from having a meltdown while we were waiting for Mom to find an item. I misunderstood you when you told me about Ben's physical issues (I was thinking he was physically aggressive like our son Justin). Way back when, when the internet was newer and I had maybe a little more time on my hands I had a website for our family. Unfortunately, since I don't use my Roadrunner emails, I missed the email from RR telling me to migrate my website over to their new system, so it got taken down. Luckily, the Internet Wayback Machine had copied my sites, although not all our pictures.
Here's what's left with a little blurb about Justin from several years ago:
http://web.archive.org/web/20071112093617/home.carolina.rr.com/mikesraremusic/justin.htm
I wish you and your family good luck with everything. Nice chatting with you.
Michael
Oh wow...what an awesome birthday present! You go mom! (And rock on fire department for doing that!)
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