When Sharon moved in, we knew it would be awhile before we acclimated her to our routines as well as got her up to speed with benefits and all. Now the question became what to do with her to get her out socializing. She really likes to be around people and is very good around people...so what can we do to facilitate this?
I think I have mentioned NISRA once in this blog. NISRA is the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association
NISRA is AWESOME! The people who work for NISRA are so caring and the recreational programs that they provide, while sometimes hard to afford, are of a wide range and have been such a great benefit not just to us and Sharon, but also to the others that they serve.
Sharon has participated in a bowling league, has done pizza and a movie (her first time ever at a movie theatre), has taken culinary classes, and more. She loves it!
Sharon has met some great friends and I can't tell you how her face is transforms when she is on her way to a NISRA program. All of the worrying and uncertainty (and loneliness) just slides off her face. She is giddy and euphoric and it makes it worth the hardships in spending the money.
The other great part is that they often provide transportation (for a small fee sometimes) and it gives a family some respite. In our case, it gives us a chance to spend some one-on-one time with our now 5 year old daughter and/or as a mom, dad and daughter unit. This, as selfish as it may sound, is needed.
Sharon starts cooking classes again next week and has some arts and crafts coming up. Excited? Uh, yeah, she is. But I have to admit, I am excited for her...and glad for a little break too.
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