Moving Into a Residence

"When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go, only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll
catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you to fly." I forwarded this beautiful message to a number of my e-mail
friends, including the mother of a boy in NC whom I met this summer. She replied: "This couldn't have come at a better time. I have really been having a tough time with my son. He has been acting out again. I don't know why he feels like he can attack his grandmother but he does. (In March my blog was about the dignity of risk for this child with special needs going out into the scary world to work a job. The grandmother wanted to do everything for him and protect him .) We have started Respite and about to begin developmental therapy with him. I truly do not want to place him in a group home. I have discussed this with him and he just says, "Mom, please don't put me in a group home." It just breaks my heart. I have been doing alot of praying and asking that God guide me through this. I tell you being a parent of a handicaped person can be so hard sometimes!! Well, only God knows the future. I just needed to vent this to you." I thanked her for sharing her tough time, and suggested she ask the people who are helping her with Respite and therapy to help her get in touch with parent or two of "our kids" who are already living in a group home. They can tell her first hand about their experiences. I reminded her that Jeff lived in a residence for 9 years, and that we worked together as a team all the way. I pray God will grant the professionals around them much wisdom, and grant her and her son His perfect peace as they work through this. I pray she'll take her time, and know that she is not alone. (Photo is Jeff on front steps of his Residence in Brockport.)

Grace and Peace from My Beloved Bishop

Upstate NY's Bishop Marie Jerge has shared a book recommendation in our Synod's e-mail Newsletter which goes to every congregation in upstate NY, as well as speaking of "Journey With Jeff" in a special occasion sermon last Sunday, AND in a sermon at Pacific Lutheran Seminary!!!
This is what she wrote about recommending Journey With Jeff: "There are many things about this book which I love-- but two stand out. Almost every chapter begins with a verse of Scripture. It isn't just the Scripture texts themselves, but the way they are used make it obvious that the Bible is central in the author's life. The Word of God somehow measures the rhythm of her days and weeks and months and years. It is part of her. Words of faith flow easily and naturally -- because they are so familiar not in a rigid, beat you over the head way -- but as her life blood -- sustaining and nourishing her -- flowing through her. It is also a wonderful book of prayer. The prayers tend to be short and simple. They touch the heart. And I was amazed and awed by her ability to give thanks -- no matter how bad things were. ~~~ Journey With Jeff is written by Sybil Reisch, a member of Concordia, Kendall. She can be reached and the book can be purchased by contacting rsreisch@frontiernet.net.

(Photo is of Bishop Marie Jerge on the right with two of my friends at a Women of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America convention.)

From One Caregiver To Another

Lynda Young from Snellville, GA, wrote: "I came across your book, "Journey With Jeff" and would like to order one from you. I read your blog and have been so touched by your heart and words. I have published a book, "Hope for Families of
Children with Cancer," in the You Are Not Alone book series. I am working on two more for families of children with heart disease, and families of children with chronic conditions. The chronic conditions book will include Down Syndrome also. I'd love to talk to you sometime about your journey (and look forward to reading your book.) My website is www.hopeforfamiliesonline.com On there is a short video of how the cancer book came to be. I haven't walked through those deep waters, but my husband has been in cancer research for over 40 years and I've volunteered at our children's hospital here in Atlanta. May God continue to bless and use you as you touch so many lives for Him." Lynda's website has many facets, and is well worth checking out. Her logo for 'Hope' is special.

October 12,1988--October 12,2008

It is 20 years to the day since Jeff went Home to be with the Lord! Those 20 years have gone quickly! Jeff has left a sweet, loving, happy legacy in "Journey With Jeff," our family's God-story. We are blessed by the people who say that they couldn't put the book down, or that they are using it as a devotional book, or that it has helped them accept the diagnosis of their own child with special needs. As the last line in "Journey" says, "Jeff's unconditional love and influence continue on." (Photo is Jeff fighting leukemia in the hospital, visiting with our Pastor, Don Miller.)

Cherish Our Children

Found myself rooming with two Special Education teachers at our Lutheran Women's annual convention, a mother and her daughter. This young daughter, Lee Anne, and another first timer shared with me a great deal of their work with people with special needs. Lee Anne had trouble sleeping in a strange place the first night, so she took "Journey With Jeff" with her to sit and read in the light near the elevators. She said she couldn't put it down, and to my delight, she memorized many of the stories! The other first timer, Kim, now works with people with emotional and behavior problems. She said several times that her favorite people to work with are those with Down syndrome. She also bought a copy of "Journey With Jeff," and complimented me with the words, "You are my mentor." Three books went home with new friends, and three more with long-time friends. It was a blessed weekend in many ways!

A Single Rose & 2.5 # of Coffee

My Bishop and also my friend, Marie Jerge wrote: "Jim and I were both totally blown away by "Journey With Jeff. We both 'read' it as we drove and both of us knew moments when we had to pull to the side of the road because we could not drive safely through the tears. What an incredible and faithful and powerful witness to the wonder and grace of our God! I used a couple excerpts in my sermon this morning and several folks asked where they could get the book. You have done a wonderful thing in sharing your experience and especially your faith in the midst of tough times. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Jim will be in touch when he has a chance - but know that this has been a special gift to both of us." ~~~ Soon Jim came to our home, bearing a single rose ('I read your book,' he said) and a 2.5# bag of coffee!! (In the book I said that I think a single rose means more than a whole bouquet; and I wrote of times Bob and I talked seriously over a cup of coffee.) We talked over some tough times, then Jim bought 12 copies of "Journey With Jeff" to share with his prayer group, and for gifts. What wonderful friends!

Jeff's Enthusiasm

John McCarthy was there at LAI's 30th Anniversary celebration, so after trying several times earlier, I was able to get a copy of "Journey With Jeff" into his hands. John was the one to encourage Jeff's love of acting. ~~~ The "Enthusiasm" chapter in the book is their story. ~~~ "John, a recreation therapist at LAI, directed a residence production of The Wizard of Oz with Jeff in the role of the Cowardly Lion. He tells this tale: 'Everyone in the cast was doing a fine job playing their parts. When it was time for Jeff's entrance dressed as the lion, he let out a loud, ferocious, powerful, heart-felt growl! The audience thunderously applauded. Jeff did not merely say his line and play the role--for all practical purposes Jeff became the Lion. Jeff knew the story so well he was able to improvise dialogue with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and Tin Man. It wasn't a recitation of lines, Jeff lived the part and the audience felt his enthusiasm and believed his convincing portrayal of the Lion. That's typical Jeff. I've never met anyone so enthused about stories and movies than Jeff Reisch!"