Skip to main content

When It's Hard Saying Goodbye


Since Ben was first diagnosed with delayed development at six months old, he has seen over 20 occupational, speech and physical therapists, and that does not include the ones at school. Most of these therapists provide in-home services so we do get to know them well. When it is not a good fit, they leave after a few weeks or months. Others stay with us for a few years building a strong bond with Ben and our family.

Sarah R. was Ben's OT for over two years. She was one of those therapists who built a strong relationship with us. She involved Logan and Sean in sessions when they showed interest. When Ben started using the NOVA Chat, Sarah embraced it and incorporated its use in all of Ben's sessions. She helped develop ways for us to use it in everyday tasks. Sarah has been with us over this remarkable time of Ben's development, and she stepped up her game to challenge him.

Throughout her time with Ben, Sarah made sure he was getting what he needed. She was instrumental in the psychological testing for Ben in the fall. She helped proctor the sessions. When I wanted someone to help at an IEP meeting, she gave her support by coming to the school and backing me up.

Sarah decided to move on to a job that would require less daily travel. It was a quick goodbye - I, for one, was not ready for it. We miss her very much.

I try to ready myself for these departures because they do happen often between Ben's teachers, community staff and therapists. Intellectually, I realize that people move on in their personal lives with a career or job change. Emotionally, I miss the ease of the relationship and the development gains that Ben benefits from these experts.

Sarah holds a special place in our hearts, and is the first inductee for the Ben's Hall of Fame*.


*Just made that up...I see a board in his room with photos of him with all of his special people.

Comments

Post a Comment

Thank you for reading my post. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. If you wish to contact me directly, please let me know and I will email you.

Popular posts from this blog

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
1 comment
Read more

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...
Post a Comment
Read more

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...
1 comment
Read more