I have been working with Brandon's network on a plan for Brandon to transition to a more independent living situation next school year. Essentially, Brandon would live here at the condo in Austin with someone he knows and trusts during the school days and on the weekends he will live with me in Dripping Springs. We have worked up a plan on how to take baby steps so that the transition is not so foreign to Brandon. Through Brandon's plan of care, I have worked in respite weekends throughout this school year where I am not in the condo and Brandon stays in the condo with one of his aides. The aides take Brandon to social activities, work with him on independence activities and let Brandon have some Brandon time as well. We are all hoping that this will help Brandon prepare for longer periods without me being at the condo.
We just completed the third respite weekend and in two weeks will be the 4th. This last respite weekend also came after four days of work travel for me. Amazingly, this is the first work travel that Brandon did not have a medical emergency. Last month I went to Houston for a a two day work meeting and at the end of the second day I received a call that Brandon had a seizure and was complaining that he could not breath. I ended up talking to EMS as they assessed Brandon and I had to convince them not to transport Brandon to the hospital. Pretty frustrating when you are not in the same city. It all worked out well and I ended up leaving early to come back to Austin. I usually try to drive just for this reason. So after four days of work travel and a respite weekend there was a little light at the end of the tunnel. When I returned back to the condo, Brandon gave me a hug but then closed his door to be back in his teenager mode. Not too impacted by a week away from mom. Brandon later told me that he missed me a little, but loved hanging with the guys and I am okay with that. This transition plan is working very well for Brandon, but I have found it is a major adjustment for me. I believe we are both transitioning. I still find it hard to not be in Brandon mode and to have a little bit of independence to do anything I want to do without him. I don't really know what to do with myself. And - I will always be glued to the cell phone just in case of that real emergency.
In the meantime, Brandon is in full Christmas mode. I hate to admit it, but he has been listening to Christmas music since July. He has all his favorite Christmas music on his IPOD. I am too lazy to remove them after each Christmas, so I run the risk of Christmas music when is it 107 outside. Sometime around October he really starts listening to it, especially Bing Crosby. His favorite - "White Christmas". He is truly in heaven when the radio station at 95.5 begins their non-stop Christmas music. Brandon loves Christmas.
Brandon is also preparing for his birthday. He thinks he is sneaky and will ask me what he is getting for his birthday. I haven't given away the surprise yet. He will be 19 on Dec. 9th. I can't believe it, but glad it is almost here.
On to respite weekend 4 with pottery classes and parties. Need to plan things to do on those respite weekends. More later.
Leah
1 comment:
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