hopping in for a few minutes

[Guest guest]

Hi all. I apologize for not hoping in much but life has me going in

circles. I wish you all well and have been trying to lurk. Blessings to all

of you

who have joy and to those of you who need strength.

I just wanted to finally share some good news.

Patty and I met with her new provider from the commission for the

deaf/blind. She previously had one for three years that was about as good as a

stump.

Everything positive that happened in the past was directly due to our

efforts. That has finally ended. Not only that, this man is also deaf so he

understands a bit of Patty's communication difficulties. Instead of applying

for

low income housing everywhere he is focusing only on a few towns near Boston

that would be " safe " for her. He is also going to try to move along the

housing for the deaf blind that Patty's been waiting for three years.

Along with that they are coming to our home to evaluate her and provide her

with whatever she needs to be independent. He spoke of a blinking alarm that

will let her know if the doorbell is ringing, if the fire alarm is going

off, etc. He's helped us set up a video phone for her. She'll be using that

tons as she has lost more hearing. Then there is the computer technology

she'll need, kitchen modifications that'll keep her safe from injury, and more.

They are doing this for her but he also is quite aware of her abilities. The

difference is he is looking at her abilities and how to make life easier for

her.

I am hoping she'll have her own apartment by the summer.

Also Patty had been experiencing some reflux issues and was vomiting every

morning. She's seen a doctor- independently- and is on a new prescription

which has helped tons. No more vomiting and no more need for tums every day.

With Patty having lost her hearing more I thought things would be difficult

for her. It isn't. It just changed. She's the queen of adapting and

modifying her own life and she has done so again. She is being her own

advocate in

many ways including requesting an interpreter for doctor appointments and

meetings. That alone has increased her independence and has made those who are

communicating via an interpreter understand to talk clearly and slowly. She

doesn't have to mentally fill in the blanks and responds more appropriately.

Patty also goes in to the city to Easter Seals. She is searching for an

APPROPRIATE job. It is hard having disabilities and finding a job that is more

than just working an assembly line etc. But she's doing it. Easter Seals

has been the best and most positive thing that has happened to her in the last

few years. They treat her as a person who has hope and dreams. They embrace

all of her.

And last, I just have to share that Patty went to a low vision doctor

yesterday. She had to take the commuter train into Boston. She then had to

take

the red line to the green line and then walk to the office. This is quite a

complicated journey that she did totally alone. She actually had to figure

out the path to take herself as I had no clue on how to get there besides a

taxi. Using her cane helped tons. But her confidence and abilities are

astounding.

I'm off to start the day but just wanted to share.

Life is good.

Bonnie, Mom to Kris 23, Patty CHARGE 21 and wife to

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