Today has been a bit rough.  It typically goes this way.  We have a week or a few days of calm and then like the flip of a switch, chaos reigns.

Josiah screamed off and on several times.  Once again, not sure why.

When it thawed enough to venture out, we went for a ride.  One thing Josiah has always enjoyed is going for a drive.  He doesn’t always like to get out of the car when we arrive at our destination and sometimes it’s a struggle to get him in the house once we get home, but Josiah loves rides so much we take them frequently.

Our ‘beloved’ (I use that term loosely) van was in an accident and totaled 2 days after Christmas.  Everyone involved was fine thankfully and we were blessed to be able to get another car just a few days ago.

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We keep a Daily Data sheet for Josiah to give us detailed information about his day.  It requires just a check mark or brief comment every so often. It used to be much more complicated, calling for more time and effort.

When Josiah was much younger, we sent a notebook back and forth each day to jot down messages between school and home.  His teachers would highlight anything of great importance.  I would add comments about him from home.  It was helpful since Josiah is non verbal, however it gave a very limited view of his day.  To be honest, who has time to write a paragraph or two everyday when you are responsible for a classroom full of children anyway?

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If you are the parent of a child with special needs, desperate for some respite, I have JUST the place for you.

If you are not the parent of a child with special needs, desperate for some respite, this place is perfect for you too. Can’t you just picture yourself sitting there, sea breeze gently rustling your hair, toes gradually embedding ever so slowly in the sand with the peace and tranquility of the waves washing all your cares away?

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Recently we took Josiah to an Astro’s baseball game.  Knowing he may last only an inning or two, we ventured out, wheel chair in tow and caregiver along for the fun.

Josiah did unbelievably great at the game. We set him up in a large open space above the general seating area where wheel chairs park.  We didn’t have wheel chair tickets. Some friends were there with their kids and generously made room for us.  What a brilliant plan to sit there.

Josiah was able to take in all of the action while not feeling confined by too many people sitting too close to him.  There was no shoe throwing, no shirt throwing and definitely no chewed up, spit out hot dog throwing (which we have experienced with him at other professional sporting events) He simply sat and stared at the bright stadium lights, seemingly content with it all.

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This summer many of Josiah’s friends are spending a week away at camp.  A week away from family and the comforts of home.  A week away at an incredibly amazing place called Camp Blessing.

Josiah isn’t signed up to go. I don’t think he is ready for Camp Blessing. Not just yet anyway. I don’t think Camp Blessing is ready for the likes of Josiah. They’d probably shut the place down if he signed up. A few days before we would get a notice camp has been canceled or suddenly closed due to unforeseen circumstances.

From what I hear, the staff and volunteers are amazing.  The kids have a blast. Everyone comes away with a positive experience. For the life of me, I can’t see how that would ring true for Josiah.  Maybe I’m underestimating my kid.  Maybe Josiah wouldn’t be the most challenged, overwhelmed, unwilling participant there, should we ever register him.  I don’t know.

But this year, we had our own Camp Blessing of sorts.

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