Unnatural Dislike

We are fortunate to have a local nature museum in Charlotte that is wonderful for kids (and adults). Well, wonderful for some kids. Ben hated this place from the very first time we set foot there more than 6 years ago. Each time, I convince myself that he will love the animals and exhibits. It is an easy place for me to take all three boys by myself and watch them safely.

Usually he is in his walker and he spends the entire time at the doors trying to get out. Since he was in his chair on this visit, he cried, yelled and whined to make his position known. This photo serves as a reminder to avoid the nature museum when Ben is in the group.

The next week I took Ben to another kid museum and he loved it. He sat at the make-believe restaurant table, made several rounds at the fire truck and seemed happy to be a part of the fun. I cannot figure out why one place is fun and the other not. Ben likes the zoo so I don't think it is the animals. Perhaps it is a smell, noise or something else I do not feel or notice.

I am reminded of a story my aunt told me several years ago. One of her sons cried every time he rode in the car. She said it was awful. He could not talk yet so she did not know what was wrong. Finally when he was old enough to explain the problem, he told her he was dizzy and nauseous from being car sick.

Having the words to communicate can make all the difference.

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

He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother

After my post, Brotherly Love , I received an email from a reader who reminded me of this song. I knew the song, but had never really thought about the words and the meaning behind them. I looked it up and thought others might see the lyrics in a new light. He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother The road is long With many a winding turn That leads us to who knows where Who knows when But I'm strong Strong enough to carry him He ain't heavy, he's my brother. So on we go His welfare is of my concern No burden is he to bear We'll get there For I know He would not encumber me If I'm laden at all I'm laden with sadness That everyone's heart Isn't filled with the gladness Of love for one another. It's a long, long road From which there is no return While we're on the way to there Why not share And the load Doesn't weigh me down at all He ain't heavy, he's my brother. He's my brother He ain't h

Make this Race Amazing

Mecklenburg County's Therapeutic Recreation's Amazing Race is Saturday, March 24, 2012. All funds raised go directly to the scholarship fund for summer camp. Summer Camp is 8 weeks long with over 150 children with special needs participating. Last year, over $6,500 was given away in scholarships. In times of budget cuts and loss of resources, Amazing Race is a creative way for the staff to raise money for the children who may need financial assistance attending camp. I will be posting photos from 2011 camp. I am only posting photos that do not show faces of the children, but you will get the idea about how much they enjoy the activities. You don't have to see their smiles, you just have to feel them. The staff have sent me their thoughts on how they feel about camp and I will be posting those as well. Most are trained as recreational therapists and have devoted their life's work to helping children and adults with special needs learn skills, make friends, de

eSpecially Ben

Search This Blog