Brandon's first paycheck

He's Growing Up

The last few weeks have been full of a glimpse into the future for both me and Brandon.  I am not sure who has been more surprised.  Me at seeing Brandon grow just a little more into an adult and in some ways loving it, but in other ways wanting to protect him from the world; or Brandon learning a little about life in the future.  Brandon started his job with Goodwill this week.  Last week was spent preparing paperwork, meeting with Goodwill and preparing Brandon for work.  I have learned over the years that Brandon's perception of events are often not what he has expected even if I try to explain prior to the event.  This was no exception.  Brandon went to Goodwill on Monday for training.  This is really a fabulous program focused on transition from high school to work for kids with special needs and kids at risk.  They help develop job skills for the future.  This year Goodwill received funding for this summer training program. I really cant say enough good things about the program and it is a fabulous opportunity for Brandon.  Brandon did well at training but may been a little overwhelmed at all the other kids in the program.  Ross his aide went with him.  For any of you parents reading this you may want to consider this program in the future. 

Brandon was assigned to The Coalition of Texans with Disabilities.  Complete coincidence where he was assigned and a surprise to my friend Dennis, ED of the Coalition and me.  However, Brandon could not have been assigned to a better place.  The first day was really rough.  Brandon had figured out that if he refused to work he would get fired and then he could just stay home and be on the computer all day.  Brandon just refused to work.  It was a tough day for everyone.  That night I decided to talk to Brandon about jobs and the future.  Of course I thought I had already covered most of this, but it is all how you explain things with Brandon.  Brandon and I talked about the future and that either you work or you are in school.  Those are really the two options.  I think Brandon was shocked that he will work for a very long time and no one had really told him that.  The other thing we talked about was the simple thought about work.  "Work hard" and "everyone is happy".  For some reason that stuck with Brandon and the rest of the week went much better.  Brandon has been walking around the house saying "Work hard, be happy".  Whatever works.  This week I also completed Brandon's new trust accounts and had to work with the bank to set them up.  So while I spent time at the bank I brought Brandon with me to set up his first bank account.  This was a little scary for both of us, but Brandon was very excited to see his name on a bank card and to learn that he will make almost $600 which he will put into his bank account and be able to spend some of it on DVDs.  As part of his job this week he went to the Capitol to learn a little about advocating for people with disabilities.  He couldn't stop talking about the Capitol.  A possible future lobbyist.  So a good week for Brandon's first job experience.  More later.  Leah