Get the Puck Out of Here

When I ordered our tickets for the Charlotte Checkers Hockey game, it was on a whim. Spring Break was coming up, and I wanted to plan something special for the kids. The ticket representative was helpful and generous. He gave us perfect seats - in a section for wheelchairs, close to the ice and goal. We saw a lot of action, and it kept the kids' attention. Although Ben had been to a hockey game when he was one, it was essentially a first time for all of them.

During the second period, a guy came up to me and asked if my boys wanted a tour of the team's locker room during the break. Yes they would! (and me too)

I don't know how these opportunities fall into our laps time and time again. Whether it is being at the right place at the right time, luck or my kids' very cute looks, I just don't know. We seem to walk into these great experiences more often than not. The kids don't get the importance of it all. They can't appreciate that these are once in a lifetime opportunities. I try to explain it, but to no avail. Perhaps when they are older and look back, they will understand.

Two players - Nicolas Blanchard and A.J. Jenks led the tour. They answered our questions, showed us the different rooms for equipment, therapy and workouts. Each of our boys was given a frozen hockey puck to take home (they are frozen to cut down on friction on the ice). Sean licked his the rest of the night, trying to unfreeze it. Logan commented loudly about the locker room stench. Ben took it all in with his usual "I am above all of this" demeanor. I think Ryan and I were the only ones starstruck. I snuck in one of the photos, and Ryan was too nervous to get in one. Fun time had by all.

And if that was not enough, on our way out of the arena, Ben's teacher spotted us. It took Ben about 10 seconds to process who she was, but once he did, the happiness was visible - big smile and hug for her. What a night!

Did I mention we had just driven back from a day at the zoo a few hours before all this...

Comments

Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities

"Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities" is a series on eSpeciallyBen. As Ben approached 18, it was clear our role changed as parents. We needed to help Ben transition into adulthood. These stories are meant to assist other families who face, or will face, some of the same challenges. Talking About the Future Guest Post - Matt Wilson Legal Guardianship, Medicaid and SSI Researching Group Homes Questions to Ask at a Group Home Visit Referral Packet for Group Homes Getting Assistance from a Care Manager From Group Home Placement to Discharge Reaching for Independence How I Make Being a Mom and Volunteer Work at this Group Home

How I Make Being a Mom and Volunteer Work at this Group Home

In September, Ben celebrated three years living in a group home in Charlotte, North Carolina, with five other men. Ben lives 20 minutes from our house, and we see him several times a week for doctor's appointments, to drop off supplies, for group home events and sometimes because I just miss him. Ben occassionally sleeps over, and he often spends a weekend day hanging out on his favorite couch, watching videos at our house. This Easterseals PORT Health home is Ben's second placement. The first placement through another agency didn't work out, and he left after six months . We were wary of trying a new place, but it's worked out well. My husband, Ryan, and I have developed a partnership with ESPH. Over time, we've built mutual respect and trust with the residents and staff. Here's what's worked for us: 1. Get involved with the group home. Ben lives with five other men in a six-bedroom house in Charlotte. On move-in day, Steven, one of the residents, made ...

Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities: From Group Home Placement to Discharge

Last August, we moved Ben into an alternative family living (AFL) placement, about 90 minutes from our home in Charlotte. It was a three-bedroom house and Ben was given the largest bedroom with its own bathroom. A typical AFL in North Carolina operates like this: a person with disabilities, the client, moves in with another family, couple or an individual. The client lives in the family’s home and the family receives payment in return for housing, feeding and caring for the client. Ben’s AFL was unusual: A couple with extensive caregiving experience wanted to run a three-bed group home but needed to apply for the license through the state. They were willing to take Ben as the first resident in a house, separate from the one they lived in. The plan, according to the couple, was to get approval for the group home within a couple of months. We ordered Ben a double bed, headboard, 54-inch television, new sheets, towels and blankets. Friends helped us move him in....

eSpecially Ben

Search This Blog