Family Support

 
An excerpt from Journey With Jeff: Inspiration for Caregivers of People With special Needs ~~~ Jonas Salk said, "Good parents give their children roots and wings. Roots to know where home is, wings to fly away and exercise what's been taught them." Grandma Reisch asked twenty-two-year old Jeff at her supper table, "How do you like it where you live, Jeff? Do they give you all you want to eat? He can have all he wants to drink here. Give him another glass of milk!" "If he has too much to drink he may wet the bed," I cautioned. "If he gains too much weight, the dietician puts him on a diet." Jeff responded at once, "No diet, Mom. Don't want!" Grandma asked, "Do you do the dishes at your house, Jeff?" I added details to his affirmative answer -- he did the dishes and his own laundry. Jeff vacuumed and helped get the meals. "He really helps with the meals?" Grandma asked, and I explained that this was one of the goals in his residence program last year -- to get peas out of the freezer into a pot, cook them, and serve them for supper. Grandpa Reisch thrust his fist up into the air and down again in a victory gesture. "I don't care what anybody says! He's all right!" My prayer -- Abba Father, thank you for the work Grandpa Reisch has been doing with the Association of Retarded Citizens for many years since Jeff's birth! Thanks for this grandparent's support! Amen. (Photo is of Jeff with his family, including grandparents.)