Throwback Thursday: It's tough being a kid

This first posted in 2012. I added a few new images.

Some things – eating hotdogs and ice cream and loving the water – never change.

2022

2012

2022

2012

We visited Ryan's Dad this past weekend. He lives at Lake Lure (most known as the set of "Dirty Dancing"). Ben had a great time in the water and especially on the inflatable boat where his brothers did all the rowing. After eating almost two hot dogs, homemade ice cream and chips, he found his spot on the pontoon boat and dozed.

Logan loves the look Ben gives him - the look of love. It is easily seen here. Logan tells everyone that Ben loves him best, and then points to me and says, "even more than he loves you." I cannot argue - I don't get that look of adoration.

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

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....

Ben is thriving in his group home in Charlotte. I wrote about what he's been up to in this story in Southpark Magazine: Givers: All together Happy Holidays! Photo Credit Grant Baldwin Photography

eSpecially Ben

Search This Blog