Independence is something most people take for granted. It is something I have rarely experienced. As a young man with seizures, and inability to "talk" in the traditional sense many people take care of me. I have since birth had help with going to the bathroom, feeding, walking, medicines, etc. But here at CASP some things have changed - my mom let go of me for about 15 minutes.
Sounds like no big deal I'm sure but it was for both of us as I walked around the school by myself. I went straight up to the third floor and then tried a few doors. They were locked! So I kept going until I reached my class room. It seemed all very strange this new freedom. I suspect I could get use to it!
(This is now mom) I did let Jeremiah go not easily though as I was encouraged by one of the mom's that this is a safe place and that I could watch him from the second floor. So I let go for the first time in 19 years! I thought my heart would stop. I can't explain exactly what it felt like except that for a mother with a special child the fears are countless. But I did it and throughout the week I would do it for 5 minutes at a time. (these things take time)
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| Jeremiah doing laundry ( also learned to fold) |
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| Taking turns with my class with the dogs |
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| Franco he loved the pizza |
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| Jeremiah & Morgan sharing pizza |
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Claudia, Liliana, Karla - more of my classmates
One of the other things we got to do is to learn math by buying pizza - great deal huh! We brought a gift from the Youth fund of the United Methodist Church which we partially used here at CASP. With the money we bought pizza for 31 students. But before we could order, we had to figure out how many pieces of pizza were needed, how many pizzas that meant, and how much they would cost. One of the cool things is that one of the CASP alumni works at Pizza Hut and they gave us their discount! So all our pizzas were buy one get one free! We had a great time and no one talked much after the pizza arrived. :)
Over all my time at CASP has been wonderful. I wish I could go to school here longer and take more time to learn with my new friends. But I know my dog at home will miss me and probably be hungry since he eats all my leftovers. Please pray for my new friends they work very hard learning new things and hope to one day help there moms & dads.
Peace to you! Jeremiah (and mom)
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An awesome and hearting touching article. It brought tears to my eyes and tugged my heart strings. I am so happy that J is learning new things and meeting new friends. Looks like J was having a blast with Morgan while eating his pizza. We know he has an appetite and loves to eat!!! I'm sure you will always remember this experience of truly "letting go" even if they were for a short period of time. Praying God's blessings on you and your family, all CASP students, parents, & staff, all the VIM's and our dear friends in Chincha. Blessings and peace to you all. Kathy Vaughan
ReplyDeleteWow, I am finally taking time to get caught up with your trip...I am certainly behind in the time machine but instantly transported on site with your words! What a beautiful trip full of many blessings... given and received! Welcome home. I am hoping that my accessible bathroom will get finished up in July then your family can come visit Wellness Weavers in Waterville for exploration, R & R with story and food sharing :)
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings,
Helen