The other day when it was raining, my daughter's van driver got out of the van with his umbrella and they walked arm-in-arm from garage to van. S doesn't need the physical assistance but really likes it because she is scared to walk on shiny surfaces, thinking they are slippery and that she might fall. S left for her day with a broad smile because U put the royal charm on for her. It made my whole day that S was happy and to know that she was in capable hands.
It's been a few days now and I still haven't thanked U for all he does for S day-after-day. I haven't recognized him in any way. I haven't told him how much I appreciate him and all the positive attention he gives S. And I haven't told his supervisor, either.
As an adult with intellectual disabilities, S has an incredible number of people who support her daily.
The transportation dispatcher organizes the van schedule and cheerfully accepts and accommodates our last-minute changes.
Her morning driver, U, has a smile on his face every morning and greets us as if he enjoys seeing us. He tries to get S to kiss or hug me or say goodbye to me (she usually won't) and he does it with great humor.
The program managers at her day habilitation site keep me informed regularly - often daily - as to whether she is happy, having a good day, having a bad day. Their greatest gift, among their many, is that they do text or call or email me to let me know she is having a good day and what she is doing. Who goes to the effort to do that? Providers are generally good about calling about the concerns but often forget to call about the good stuff.
Her direct support staff seem to like her and are able to maximize her capabilities. They help her through tough emotional days with dignity and they encourage her to start fresh the next day. They provide her with choices of fun activities and opportunities for social interactions. They let her help others and she wakes up feeling needed everyday.
S has a service coordinator who helps her find services based on what S wants. She has a family who she hangs with after day program until I can come to get her after work. They include her in their activities and treat her like everyone else. She has an afternoon van driver who has spent many hours helping S through difficult afternoons. She has a respite home she goes to for vacation days and they are extraordinarily supportive of her needs and preferences.
I could go on. But the point is, I have appreciation daily for all the people who are in S's life and are consistent, positive forces, yet I rarely thank them or tell them why I do appreciate them. I'm thinking that I am not the only one.
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