Brenda and John~~Caregivers

When I found Brenda on my Facebook page, I was delighted because she and her husband, John have long been important caregivers in our family's lives. They took particularly good care of Jeff when he was part of the Lifetime Assistance world for nine years, at his residence and in his work program. Then,(captured in the above photo) when Jeff was in the hospital for the last three weeks of his life, they often visited, listened to the joy of his music with him, and made him laugh. Brenda and John still pop up every so often in our lives. I asked Brenda what she remembered about Jeff. She wrote these details: "Mitch Miller, drums, walks; his love for everyone; so many special memories. He had a smile that lit up the night. He is thought of often, and always with a smile. Thank you for sharing him with the rest of the world." We were blessed by so many people!

Inspiration For A Supervisor of Special Education

Lee, a young teacher of students with special needs, loaned, "Journey With Jeff; Inspiration for Caregivers of People With Special Needs," to the Supervisor of Special Education at school. Lee says, "The woman praised your book as the most caring she has read. She has made it recommended reading." This school district has had Down syndrome children in their classes for the past six years.~~~ This is great, affirming news! A welcome recommendation from a professional in school administration. Thank you, Lee, for passing on her compliment and recommendation! (Photo of Jeff in his school in Dunkirk, NY)

Encouragement From Family

As John Paul blew out the candles on his 40th birthday cake, guests from California to New Jersey, from Colorado to North Carolina were there to help him celebrate. His girlfriend Dama's mother was there, after buying a copy of Journey With Jeff at the earlier Middleburgh library presentation. His sister, Heather (presenting the cake) is home from school in San Francisco for a month, and setting up a Study Tour plan for Art students such as herself (see her website link, Heathers Art.com on this blog.) She also helped me technically so you, my readers can add comments, your hits will be counted, and my Calender is available. Richard from New Jersey, John Paul's brother's namesake, was there with entertaining stories. His wife, Roberta works as a receptionist in a doctor's office. She told me enthusiastically she would spread the word that Journey With Jeff is available on Amazon.com. to the caregivers of those with special needs who come into the office. Thank you, Roberta!! At this celebration I met cousins I'd never met before, or hadn't seen for years. This weekend was truly a fantastic, friendly, family feast!

Journey With Jeff in Hometown Library

This weekend has been full of inspiration, encouragement, family and friends! Since one of my
High School classmates knew I'd be in Middleburgh, NY, for my
nephew John Paul's 40th birthday, he arranged a presentation of Journey with Jeff at my hometown library. Usually 8 - 15 people attend the library presentations. There were 12 who came this time -- schoolmates (some with spouses,) cousins, teachers and librarians. As I shared how I came to write Jeff's story, and our joys and challenges along the way, I read three vignettes: "Welcome To Holland," which helps people stop mourning what they wish their child could have become, but open their arms to the trip to come; "Movin' On" which includes many of the events and emotions of Jeff moving from home; and "Big Bird's Car," my favorite story, and one which causes much laughter.~~~Six people bought a copy of Journey With Jeff, and a few shared their own stories. One woman bought a copy for her sister whose daughter has severe Cerebral Palsy. I learned that a young man in his 30's was there, along with his parents, who is slowly deteriorating, and the doctors can do nothing about it. They seem to be handling it bravely. I left a book for the Middleburgh Library shelves as well. I hope the people will Read It, Review It, and Pass It On!

Our Postman's Wife

I often meet our postman, Brian, at our mailbox to chat a bit. Last summer he bought a copy of
my book, "Journey With Jeff; Inspiration for Caregivers of People With Special Needs," probably -- mostly -- because his wife was looking for a job at Lifetime Assistance Inc., and Jeff had been a resident there. Today Brian said his wife has finished "Journey," indicating that she knows Jeff's mentor, Ernie really well. "The people in that book have been at LAI for a long time," she commented. YES!! That's one of the best things about the organization -- small turnover. The clients and residents have had these advocates for much of their lives. Someday I may get to meet Brian's wife, and thank her for her interest in working with Our Kids! To read four excerpts from "Journey" go to www.luther95.com/UNYSWE-ANY/ and click on Resources, then scroll down to "Journey With Jeff." You can order your own copy on Amazon.com. Enjoy!

BIG BIRD's CAR!!

Remember Lance from the Lifetime Assistance Inc. staff whom Jeff nicknamed "Big Bird"? Jeff loved to do things with and for Lance, and was delighted one summer day to help him by washing his car. (Read this story on www.luther95.com/UNYSWE-ANY/--Click on Resources,
and scroll down to "Journey With Jeff.") This is my totally favorite story in the entire book, and whenever I am asked to be a speaker, I always share this one. It draws a ton of laughter!!~~~Today, I met Lance in the wintery LAI parking lot, and he offered his arm to walk me to my car. Royalty! I felt like Royalty! "About 450 copies of "Journey With Jeff" have been sold or gifted so far," I informed him. "I'm so honored to be in that book!" Lance said. "So many people have come up to me and asked if I was Big Bird. One person asked me to sign 'Big Bird' in their copy!"~~~I love it when I meet Lance somewhere-- it doesn't happen often. I remember the friendship he and Jeff had and I'm warmed all over again! (Photo is of Jeff at his residence where he washed "Big Bird's Car.")

Hello From the Past!

Thirty-plus years ago a teenage gal in Dunkirk named Diane babysat with Jeff for us. Today she wrote an e-mail introducing herself again. She said: "I have a funny story I remember about Jeff -- I was babysitting one time and he proceeded to move some of his bedroom furniture out to the front yard -- do you remember that? I didn't know what to do about it, but let him carry on because it made him happy!" No, I did not remember that! Wish I knew what he was thinking as he wrestled it down the stairway!! ~~~Diane had received a Christmas card from Bishop Marie and Pastor Jim Jerge (who had married her and her husband) so she decided to explore the Upstate NY ELCA Synod website. She came across Marie's review of "Journey With Jeff," and said I still had that warm, kind face she remembered as a little girl, then asked to purchase a copy of "Journey." We wrote back and forth for an hour and a half -- What a bonus!! (Photo is of Jeff at 14, when we still lived in Dunkirk.)

Life at Jeff's Fullest Potential

Brenda is one of the Lifetime Assistance Inc. workers at Main Street, Brockport who bought a copy of "Journey With Jeff" earlier this year. Brenda recommends: "Journey With Jeff deserves a 5 Star Rating. This book has a message for all. Sybil's story about Jeff showed me his life, through her 'eyes and heart.' I saw and felt her challenges and pain. I wondered how she found the courage to keep going. Her determination to keep going even at times when she questioned the 'why of it all' is inspiring. She could have adopted that 'pity me attitude.' She did not. She took each day and found the true meaning of the little things that make up the life of a child. In Jeff's story, there is a message for all. The message is of Jeff's determination to live his life to his fullest potential and his Mother's courage to make sure that was possible. Sybil is an inspiration."~~~Thank you, Brenda!!

Greetings From Gov. Sarah Palin's Office!

My husband waved the envelope postmarked, "Wasilla" around in the air. "You'll never get mail from a governor from out of state like this again!" The welcome note was written by Sarah Palin's dad, Chuck Heath, who says, "Thanks so much for your book for Sarah. As soon as I read "Journey With Jeff" I'll give it to her. I'm helping her out with her mail as she is receiving literally hundreds of pieces weekly." ~~~ I am so pleased to know that "Journey With Jeff: Inspiration for Caregivers of People with Special Needs"has been received into the right hands!! (Sarah Palin's youngest child, Trig, is living with Down syndrome.) Trig's grandfather is a caregiver as well, and I pray he, too, will be able to absorb the encouragement I've written into the book. ~~~ I am so very glad I sent Sarah Palin a copy of "Journey!"

Bouquets From Anna, a Long-ago College Pal

Dear Sybil, When our mutual friend, Lynne told me about your book I wanted one also -- mostly because I remember you from OSTC, but also because my daughter who lives in Michigan is bringing up a handicapped son. He has been diagnosed as autistic.
I visited her when he was about two and he seemed perfectly normal to me, but soon after he had his DPT shots he seemed to change. I have heard autism is hard to find and doesn't show up much before they are two. She has special people working with him and an assistant teacher helping him in school. He is on medication and a very special diet which eliminates sugar, gluten, milk and milk products. He does well academically, but socialization and safety rules are a problem. He's 11 now and as tall as I am, but can't be trusted to look before crossing a street or a parking lot. ~~~I am convinced that the Lord sends special children to special people and you are definitely one of those. Being a caregiver all those years required tremendous stamina. We may not always understand why the Lord works the way He does, but we must never doubt Him. Anna ends this kind letter with a poem by D. De Haan:"Lord may we see in those we meet the imprint of Your image fair, and may their special dignity grow stronger from our love and care."

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.)

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!

Lifetime Assistance Inc. Celebrates 30 Years!

What a wonderful party! 700 people were there for dinner, and to hear our host Don Alhardt (Channel 13 TV) introduce the people behind LAI's success, and then ready to Rock and Roll to 50's music. (See photo on the right ~~ Jeff would have been loving this!) ~~~ The highlight of guests was J Mac, the Athena High School athlete with autism who made national news when he scored 20 points in a basketball game, and when he met President and Mrs. Bush. He gave autographs and posed for pictures with several people after dinner. There was a slideshow of people and activities down through the years - and Jeff was up there! But the many clients who attended were anxious to get to the dancing, and the M.C. known as Bowser, played rock 'n roll music and hoola hoop contests, and dance contests, so several people ended up with "Bowser" tee shirts. ~~~ The best part of the evening for me came with the people who said they had read "Journey With Jeff," and thanked me for it. One of the training staff was surprised when I told her she was a Caregiver, too. She had never thought of her job that way -- her "eye-opener" from the book was the way we as parents coped with having a child with special needs. We had a long, warm conversation. My husband and I sat at a table close to the stage, with long-time friends, and new friends. It was an awesome celebration!

13WHAM News Interview

As a supplement to my last blog post, "Palin's Promise Heard 'Round the World," I guess I have some 'splainin' to do! I was so excited about having the interview with 13WHAM News on ABC, that I struggled right away to copy the 13WHAM.com/news/local/story to this blogspot. It all began late Thursday morning with a phone call from someone at Lifetime Assistance Inc. saying 13WHAM was wondering if there was a family from LAI they could talk to in order to connect to Sarah Palin's V.P. presentation the night before. I said I'd be honored to do an interview, and I had a call from the newsman about noon. He and his photographer arrived around 1:15, and did a 20 minute shoot. It was aired on the 5PM News that evening -- perhaps three minutes of it -- but people said to me at a meeting that evening, and the next day, "I saw you on the news tonight! I said, 'Hey, that's Sybil!'"~~~My vision is to have a video of interviews I've already done which I can send to "Oprah" and reach as many caregivers as possible with "Journey With Jeff"!!

Mom shares success stories from her son's journey, by Mark Hare

"Jeff Reisch was 18 months old when an ear, nose and throat specialist asked his parents, 'Did it ever occur to you that he might be retarded?' That was 1962, and Down syndrome was not widely recognized. John F. Kennedy was in his second year in the White House. It would be six years before the president's sister, Eunice Shriver, would found the Special Olympics. 'We didn't know anything about it,' says Sybil Reisch, Jeff's mom. 'He had a rough start,' she says. He was not able to assimilate food--he couldn't convert food to tissue. That question from the doctor opened their eyes, and changed their lives, and sent Sybil back to school to take courses that would help her care for Jeff. She completed a master's degree in special education and worked 23 years as a special education teacher in Greece before retiring in 2000. Caring for Jeff in their Hamlin home (they've since moved to Brockport) was a big job. But Sybil, her husband Bob, and Jeff's younger sister Jennifer always had great support and help from doctors, from friends, from members of their church--Concordia Lutheran in Kendall, Orleans County, from BOCES and from Lifetime Assistance, an agency that provides housing and programs for persons with special needs. Two things helped them be successful; Their religious faith and their eagerness to focus on the positive. Sybil remembers hearing often the list of things Jeff would never be able to do. 'I decided to write down all the things he can do.' She kept a journal for nearly 30 years, and last year published a book--Journey with Jeff--filled with accounts of those special moments, of the times when he did things well. 'It's for the caregivers,' she says. 'I really feel for people who have a child who may not be able to get out into the world. How long with he live? What will they do?' Journey is a collection of one-or two-page vignettes, little bite-sized tales of tiny breakthroughs that mean so much. When Jeff got a job assembling booklets at Lifetime Assistance, Sybil recalls, 'there was a group there that he could always calm down. It made me feel good to see how he impacted them.' Sybil loves the story called 'Big Bird's Car,' about the time Jeff decided to help Lance, a counselor at the South Avenue Lifetime Assistance home where Jeff lived as a young adult. An hour or so after Lance came to work, Jeff found him and proudly proclaimed, 'Big Bird, I helped you!' Jeff had washed Lance's turquoise Datsun--the outside and the inside. When they opened the doors, water flowed out as if a dam had broken.' It was a mess. But Lance didn't yell; he used it as a 'teaching moment,' Sybil says, to explain that we clean the interior of a car with a vacuum, not a hose. 'I was so grateful to Lance for that,' she says. There were many joyful moments; the day Jeff walked after being hospitalized 22 months with a hip problem. The ABC books he loved to read over and over. The day he learned to ride a bike. The bittersweet moemories of the day Jeff left his parents for the independence of a group home. Those are the times Sybil Reisch likes to focus on. 'My faith started to bloom when I stopped saying, 'Why us Lord? When the scholar is ready, the teacher will come.' Jeff's journey ended in 1988, when he died at 27. But his story lives, as a bright candle in a dark night of uncertainty and worrry for families like the Reisches." The book costs $14.99, plus $1.20 in tax, as well as shipping and handling.