Skip to main content

The Luck of the Irish

Logan was sure not to get pinched with this green face.


A family friend, BOB, invited us to a party held by the Irish Society of Charlotte. Ben loves him some BOB. I think they hugged for 10 minutes. Or maybe Ben wanted some beer. 

As usual, Ben became a celebrity at the party and got to choose the winning raffle ticket. A young girl won $106!

They taught us a jig - that's me with the jeans on. It was a fast paced dance, and it was fun. Ben was invited up with the band to help keep the beat. They under-estimated him and he almost took down the mics, speakers and music in one swift pull. Luckily I am fast on my feet while doing the jig.

We visited the US National Whitewater Center to see if the water really did turn green on St. Patty's Day.

 We saw a giant Leprechaun and I swear I saw a tiny one riding a moped...but no photo to prove it.

LUCKY MEETING YOU

At the Irish party, two different sets of parents introduced themselves to me. They have adult children with special needs and wanted to meet Ben. Always great to talk with parents who have been up, down, over and through the woods. Their perspective is like looking through a viewfinder with a completely different lens.

While at the USNWC, Ben wanted to walk around. There were probably over 10,000 people at this event and who did we see as Ben made his way over to the hill...his physical therapist from school. Nice way to show off his stuff!

Sean's final words of the day, "I love St. Patty's Day. And I did not get pinched once!"

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

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 ...

Gadgets & Gizmos - Part 6: Landeez Chair

We spent last week at the beach near Atlantic Beach in North Carolina. At Fort Macon Park , they have a special chair for people like Ben who may need extra help moving in the sand and water. The chair is made by Landeez . We were amazed by this chair. It did travel over the sand and in small amounts of water with ease. We bought an inexpensive strap to go around Ben's waist so he would not fall out.  I thought that Ben could go farther in the water sitting in the chair, but it does eventually float...away if in too deep of water. Ben got tired of sitting in it and wiggled his way under the strap. For the most part, it is a great invention and it made it easier for us to keep Ben safe on the beach. If he had been interested in a long walk on the beach, this would have worked great for him.

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