My mom will be taking me to Hawaii in a few days. I don't have a clue about what is going to happen as my mom is not able to make me understand her. She has been telling me about ship, shows and airplane. I know these words, but I don't know what she is trying to explain to me.
Apparently, my mom paid $545 per person for a 10-day cruise - a very good deal! The airfare she paid was $630 per person. A couple of weeks after she made all the bookings, Air Canada had a better seat sale of $503. Well, my mom knows she can't win everything and she is happy with what we've got.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
Dance
My mom's friend invited us to a dinner and dance last Saturday. It was sponsored by a group called Il Sorriso Degli Innocenti (The Smile of the Innocents) - a non-profit organization which raises funds to support individuals with disabilities. These wonderful people make the world a better place for us because of their love.
We had a great time! I focused my attention on the music for the entire evening. I got out to dance periodically, but I was not as enthusiastic in my dancing as usual. My mom was unclear if I was being shy, or if I was too distracted by being in a new surrounding.
Since we came home, I have been putting music on and dance. I said to my mom, "Twist." and invited her to join me.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
All Done
My mom had very little sleep last night. She planned to give me my flu shot after I fell asleep. She waited till I was snoring before approaching me. However, as soon as she touched me I woke up. I had a feeling that she was up to no good, so I was on guard for every little move she made. She waited and tried. She waited again and tried. This went on for hours.
I have limited speech and I generally do not use my words unless I was prompted to do so. But, I was motivated last night and I said to my mom, "All done!" This was my way of telling her to stop whatever she was trying to do to me.
Finally, at 4:30 am. my mom gave up. She waited no more and proceeded to give me my shot while I struggled. She was really fast and in a flash the needle was in. It didn't hurt that much, so I stopped fighting with her. I calmed down when she told me, "All done!" She covered me up and kissed me good-night.
My mom had to go to work in the morning, so she was only able to sleep for a couple of hours.
I have limited speech and I generally do not use my words unless I was prompted to do so. But, I was motivated last night and I said to my mom, "All done!" This was my way of telling her to stop whatever she was trying to do to me.
Finally, at 4:30 am. my mom gave up. She waited no more and proceeded to give me my shot while I struggled. She was really fast and in a flash the needle was in. It didn't hurt that much, so I stopped fighting with her. I calmed down when she told me, "All done!" She covered me up and kissed me good-night.
My mom had to go to work in the morning, so she was only able to sleep for a couple of hours.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Flu Shot
My mom is getting old and mixed up. She got her dates wrong, but she is glad that the flu shot is not scheduled for today because I am not well enough for it yet. It is a week from today that we will be getting our shots. I should be okay by then.
Despite not so good weather forecasts, our days have been bright and sunny. It is not as warm as last week, but the sun helps in keeping our spirits up. I love sunny Alberta. A friend of ours will be coming to visit and stay with us over the November long weekend. I wish he is here now when the weather is still decent.
Despite not so good weather forecasts, our days have been bright and sunny. It is not as warm as last week, but the sun helps in keeping our spirits up. I love sunny Alberta. A friend of ours will be coming to visit and stay with us over the November long weekend. I wish he is here now when the weather is still decent.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Flu
I have not been feeling well over the past two days - running nose, cough and a "sexy" voice. Our whole family will be getting our flu shots on Tuesday (4 days later). My mom wishes that I will be well enough by then. I don't know what I want to wish for. I want to feel better, but I don't want the shot.
My mom has been ultra busy over the past few weeks due to the Chinese Outreach Thanksgiving dinner. She has skipped 3 piano lessons, as she was not able to practice as much as she should. She has resumed her daily practice this week so that she will be ready for her next lesson.
My mom was pleased when she heard that I have started to play the organ again at my home. I have not done so for at least a couple of years. My mom took piano lessons for the purpose of regenerating my interest. It turns out that her lessons are not entirely for me. I can tell she enjoys the music she plays.
My mom has been ultra busy over the past few weeks due to the Chinese Outreach Thanksgiving dinner. She has skipped 3 piano lessons, as she was not able to practice as much as she should. She has resumed her daily practice this week so that she will be ready for her next lesson.
My mom was pleased when she heard that I have started to play the organ again at my home. I have not done so for at least a couple of years. My mom took piano lessons for the purpose of regenerating my interest. It turns out that her lessons are not entirely for me. I can tell she enjoys the music she plays.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Circle of Friends
My mom has attended several workshops recently to learn about such concepts as inclusion, community living, valued roles, relationships and supportive circle. It opened her eyes to the endless possibilities for me. Tonight, she was at a workshop on the Deohaeko Support Network. At present, my mom cannot visualize this to be a feasible option for me. She maintains an open mind and will not hesitate in trying new ideas.
I have lived a good life, but there is something missing. My relationships are limited to my immediate family and paid caregivers. I am in contact with a large number of people - extended family and church. However, for the most part, all I have is purely my physical presence with very little interaction with others. I have not built connections or relationships outside of my close contacts.
I am sure you have friends and they are important to you. My mom has not thought about the possibility of me making friends. After hearing different stories about how the lives of people with disability can be enriched by having a circle of friends, my mom would like to help me in creating meaningful relationships. It is not going to be easy and it will be time-consuming.
Sooner or later, my mom will no longer be able to look after me. It will be good to have a supportive network to look out for me. It does not mean they have to step in to care for me the same way my mom does. Having a group of people in my life who knows me well can make a difference. I will not be totally dependent on one person. Sometimes, my mom feels all alone and unsupported. I know she does not want my sister to be in the same situation when she is no longer around. I also know it has been overwhelming for my sister when she thinks of the future.
I have lived a good life, but there is something missing. My relationships are limited to my immediate family and paid caregivers. I am in contact with a large number of people - extended family and church. However, for the most part, all I have is purely my physical presence with very little interaction with others. I have not built connections or relationships outside of my close contacts.
I am sure you have friends and they are important to you. My mom has not thought about the possibility of me making friends. After hearing different stories about how the lives of people with disability can be enriched by having a circle of friends, my mom would like to help me in creating meaningful relationships. It is not going to be easy and it will be time-consuming.
Sooner or later, my mom will no longer be able to look after me. It will be good to have a supportive network to look out for me. It does not mean they have to step in to care for me the same way my mom does. Having a group of people in my life who knows me well can make a difference. I will not be totally dependent on one person. Sometimes, my mom feels all alone and unsupported. I know she does not want my sister to be in the same situation when she is no longer around. I also know it has been overwhelming for my sister when she thinks of the future.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Thanksgiving Dinner
I did not have anything to write about lately as I am not spending that much time with my mom. She has been very busy selling tickets for the Chinese Outreach Thanksgiving dinner and organizing the event.
My mom has never taken me to any of the Chinese Outreach events in the past, but she will take me to the dinner this Saturday because I participated in the Walk for Jesus fundraising. I am now becoming a "pro" in walks. My first experience was the Stroll for Liver event in June and I raised over $6,700 for Canadian Liver Foundation. Even though I raised less money this time ($4,740), I feel strongly that it is more meaningful to walk for Jesus. I don't mind doing it again next year for Chinese Outreach. We can make the Walk for Jesus an annual event.
My mom has never taken me to any of the Chinese Outreach events in the past, but she will take me to the dinner this Saturday because I participated in the Walk for Jesus fundraising. I am now becoming a "pro" in walks. My first experience was the Stroll for Liver event in June and I raised over $6,700 for Canadian Liver Foundation. Even though I raised less money this time ($4,740), I feel strongly that it is more meaningful to walk for Jesus. I don't mind doing it again next year for Chinese Outreach. We can make the Walk for Jesus an annual event.
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