Transitional Living!!!

Da-Da-Daaaa (sound of fanfair trumpeting)

Sharon has been accepting into Transitional Living through Pioneer Center. Yeah!

I believe I wrote about the web of potentials (and non-potentials) related to Sharon and living circumstances. Essentially, what we were told about a month ago was that her chance of getting any aid to be on her own - aside from Social Security - was nil, nothing, nada.

At the meeting, I shared we would be very interested in being a pilot project. We would be interested in any situation that would enable the potential for aid and for Sharon's independence.

Two reasons for my assertiveness: 1) I needed to be the squeaky wheel; 2) Sharon needs to be out on her own.

Because we had been resigned to the thought that Sharon would need to head out on her own and live independently in all essence of the word, she was a bit fearful of the possibilities. She hasn't been out of line in her apprehensiveness, she has been sheltered for so long...who wouldn't be apprehensive? Her two main contentions: loneliness and what if she has a seizure?

Loneliness. We assured her we would always be around. Even if we end up moving up north to Wisconsin for my job we would in some way be around. Also, as long as she can fit it into her budget, she will still have the opportunity to do her NISRA programs and be with the people that she has started to get to know through those programs. And, being in an apartment alone likely would be way better than living in our small house with our cramped quarters and a screamy five-year old (yes, only dogs can hear her at times). Her own rules, her own television, her own music, her own room. The opportunities are endless.

Seizures. She hasn't had a seizure in nearly four years. Convincing her that no matter where she is there is a chance that there would not be another person around IF she had a seizure has been fruitless. At this point, it is a big if. But one can certainly understand the reasonings behind this particular apprehension. I think many of us have had a moment of wondering what would happen if injured and no one else is around (it's not really like the tree though...the tree might not make the sound, but I am pretty sure we would still be injured :)

We have attempted to have two meetings related to the transitional living situation. Both unintentionally thwarted by Sharon's work situation (no really, it's true...it hasn't been her fault). So, we embark on another attempt next week to go over the details as well as visit the site.

Exciting!!

Sharon is much less apprehensive about living with three other girls, but I wouldn't be a good teacher if I didn't share with her the potential flip-side to the coin...

Sharon, what if: your roommate likes to sleep with a nightlight? (Sharon did not like light or noise in the room when she moved in - yeah, good luck with that and a five year old is what we told her since she was sharing a room with one in our house);
And, what if: the roommate doesn't like Sharon's snoring?
What will you do if the girls all have specific shows they like to watch on television and you don't like them or if you don't have anything in common with them?

There are so many potentials.

At the same time, we acknowledge that there is great potential for Sharon to know one or two of the girls from her NISRA programs; that they will all enjoy each others company and will help each other; that they have a great chance of learning alot and moving on to independence.

Sharon has had a lot of changes in her life in these last eight months. Just think of what is coming to round out her first year in Illinois.

I know this thought should make me more patient with her, but it doesn't.

When you live with someone and you see what she can and cannot do...you get jaded and have certain expectations. Sometimes the expectations are realistic, sometimes they are not. I have never professed to be perfect...and am pretty sure I won't achieve perfection...but I know what Sharon can do and I will rejoice as I see her open up to those possibilities as her barriers continue to be removed.