Just peeking in to see how you're doing. The holidays here were okay. Quiet, which in some ways is a good thing for Ryan. How did your child with special needs do during the crazy holiday time?
I received some very nice mail from people regarding the book chapter I put in my column. Thank you for that. I so truly appreciate knowing that I'm reaching people.
Ryan turns 21 this month. Where did the time go? Adulthood, however, has been a much better place to be for Ryan. I mentioned it to a friend of mine, Donna, once and she said the same thing, that adulthood tends to be a better time for our children.
I'm not saying that you should wish away your baby's childhood. I so miss holding and rocking Ryan when he's sick or had surgery. But don't think that adulthood gets harder because I've found more official and unofficial support for us with Ryan as an adult. You know your child so well by then that you are able to better find rewarding experiences for them.
Adulthood brings jobs, volunteer opportunities and some degree of autonomy in choosing what they like to do. That's so important.
For Ryan's 21st birthday we are heading to a casino. He wants to see what all the hubbub is about. His uncle works installing security systems in casinos and military bases so Ryan has always wanted to see where Gary works. (He puts in security systems all over the place .... he met his wife in Venezuela). So off we'll go. He'll get tired of pushing buttons fast. Because he doesn't really have an understanding of money, he's not going to anticipate winning it. Otherwise I wouldn't take him. We thought there might be a show going on (hoping for a clean comedian or some type of music) and perhaps we could help him with Bingo. At any rate, he's more concerned with looking around and staying in a hotel for a night.
What did you do with your young adult when they turned 21? Did you plan a family gathering? A birthday party?
Have a great week. Much love and joy,
Karen
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