Inspiration from Journey With Jeff

 
"This is for you," Alan said one Sunday morning. He handed me a long stem of beautiful blooms of sweet-smelling lillies. "I finished reading 'Journey With Jeff,'" he said, "and thought you ought to have this." He added that he wasn't sure if this was appropriate, but I quickly replied, "How could it be any more appropriate!?" Alan told me a friend of his in Hawaii had a 53 year-old daughter with Down syndrome, and this friend had heard of 'Journey With Jeff.' "YOU HAVE TO READ IT!" Alan told him emphatically. I love receiving endorsements like this!!!
~~ Alan has been with our church family about a year now, finding small ways to be of help and encouragement, from shoveling snow to singing in the choir. He has begun attending our Friday morning 'Seriously Funny Bible Study,' where our discussions are punctuated by stories of God's grace. The short stories in 'Journey With Jeff' often have become illustrations, such as my refusal to accept the doctor's diagnosis of Jeff's retardation when he was a year and a half old. When I stopped demanding, "Why us, Lord?" and began asking, "Where do we go from here?" then we began to see God's grace working in the people God sent to help us. (God's grace also can be found in an extraordinarily beautiful stem of blooming lillies!)

A Caregiver Revitalized and Reinvigorated

 
It was just the right medicine this caregiver needed! The Fire Captain manning the serving table for a community dinner of barbecued chicken asked me how my book was doing. I wondered how he knew about Journey With Jeff. "The action has slowed down a bit," I replied. "That happens," he sympathized. I pondered the connection we may have had as my husband, Bob and I enjoyed the deliciousness of the meal. When we left, I asked him how he was aware of Jeff's story. "I took your picture at the Barnes & Noble Author's Event last year. Remember the fireman I was phographing all evening, and then he gave you the copy of his poem, "Snowflake"? I asked you that evening how your husband was doing." Yes, I remembered. I had been twice-blessed!!

Caregivers, Take Note!

 
All Caregivers~~~plus many who have learned that the baby they are expecting may have special needs~~~please take a look at these words: "My face may be different, but my feelings the same. I laugh and I cry and take pride in my gains. I was sent here among you to teach and to love, as God in the heavens looks down from above. To Him I'm no different, His love knows no bounds; It's those here among you, in cities and towns that judge me by standards that man has imported, but this family I've chosen will help me get started. For I'm one of the children, so special and few, that came here to learn the same lessons as you. That love is acceptance, it must come from the heart. We all have the same purpose, though not the same start. The Lord gave me life to live and embrace, and I'll do it as you do, but at my own pace.-- Unknown author.~~~There are many e-mails, articles and blogs filled with the question about what it's like to have a child with Down syndrome. Comments and responses have spoken of the joy of being loved by one of these children, and of the help from new research and resources. I am deeply thankful that so much is going on these days with children who have special needs!

"Journey With Jeff" under Caregiver's Arm

 
"I'm bringing my copy of "Journey With Jeff; Inspiration for Caregivers of People With Special Needs" with me for our stay at Strong Memorial," a caregiver friend told me. She and her husband will be spending a couple of months at this University of Rochester hospital for cancer treatment for her spouse. Yes, caregiving for a child like Jeff may be different from caregiving for a spouse, but my friend believes she'll have the same feelings I wrote about dealing with Jeff being in the hospital. She pointed out the inspiration of the scripture quotes chosen for each of our God-stories. She liked the prayers following, which ranged from utter dismay at downturns in Jeff's health, to thanks for sending the right person at the right time, to exuberant praise when I sensed the holy in the ordinary.~~~My friend and I have not talked for almost five years as one thing after another has challenged her while being caregiver for her spouse. Now, I expect we may have some time together, with me as a "been there" listener and encourager. Perhaps she'll write an "Abba Father" letter or two to God, just as I did at low and high points.~~~O Healer God, put Your arms around this couple. Bless her as a caregiver, and heal her spouse quickly and thoroughly. Grant their doctors and caregivers at Strong much wisdom. Thank You! Amen.

 

Jeff and Mitch Miller

 
Earlier this week the world learned that Mitch Miller, a caring, charismatic, always smiling musician died at 99 years of age. Jeff enjoyed looking at his record album covers while listening to the "Sing Along With Mitch," popular songs, which came out in the early 1960's. A couple of long-time Lifetime Assistance, Inc. friends (who are sisters) wrote on their Facebook pages, "I bid a sad farewell to Mr. Mitch Miller followed by wonderful memories of an inspirational young man. Thanks, Mitch Miller for letting me think about him today." I replied, "Just a guess that you're thinking about Jeffrey Reisch and his great love of Mitch Miller? Jeff met him at Eastman School of Music in July 1988, when Mitch was here to conduct the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Were you one of the staff who arranged that?" She quickly replied, "No, I was not one of the ones that arranged that meeting. I just remember hearing 'Mitch Miller!' so many times from Jeffrey. Anyone who knew and loved Jeffrey was well aware of his love for Mitch Miller. When I learned he had passed away my first thought was that Jeffrey would be so upset." Dennis Brown, one of the LAI managers who has been with LAI more than 30 years wrote, "Jeff was probably there to welcome him when he crossed over. What I wouldn't give to see that!" Yes, Dennis, that's exactly what I was thinking!!!~~~Another great outcome of these Facebook messages, is that I learned Marla Chefalo was the one who arranged Jeff's meeting with Mitch Miller. She said, "It was so much fun! They were both such good guys! I thought of that when I heard." My thanks to you for good memories because of your special efforts, Marla! The second sister concluded, "It's nice to have such happy memories returned to us. Jeff will forever be remembered with a song in my heart. Thank you for sharing him with the world." YES!!

More Alike Than Different

There are so many good things happening for people with special needs this summer! The National Down Syndrome Congress held its convention in Florida at Disney World. There's a great "We're More Alike Than Different" campaign happening, full of stories of how people with special needs are impressing the world around them. I loved the photo of Anthony Shriver (nephew of John F. Kennedy) lifting up a competing swimmer at Camp Shriver in Boston to congratulate him in winning.~~~Our son, Jeff would have loved all this activity. He began attending Special Olympics Events when he was little. Their Oath said, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." Here is an excerpt from "Journey With Jeff; Inspiration for Caregivers of People with Special Needs," titled, "Courage! Sharing! Joy!"~~~"Good morning, God!" The chaplain, Jeff's dad, asked God's blessing on the day as the bright, warming May sky welcomed the Special Olympic games. Our excitement for Jeff and the other participants was brimming over. Jeff's teachers plus several of the families of his classmates were eager to cheer on every athlete's endeavor to succeed. Special Olympics began for Jeff in the spring of 1970 in Dunkirk, when he was almost 9 years old. I am eternally thankful to Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who started a day camp with her husband, Sargent, in their backyard in the early 1960s. This day camp for individuals included her sister Rose, who was developmentally disabled with mental retardation, and it launched the way for Special Olympics in the United States and around the world. Our opening parade in the city of Jamestown began forming with the mayor and our state senator at the head. A Sousa march burst forth from the loudspeaker, accompanying the athletes around the track, and their excited waves fired our applause. Then the sight that continues to thrill me every time I see it -- a runner lighting the Olympic torch. Let the games begin! The cheers from parents, teachers, aides and clasmates were deafening! At the end of the event each athlete received a special hug, among much cheering and applause. People in charge made sure all players were rewarded. In the 1970s everyone received a ribbon, even if it was simply for taking part. Now it was Jeff's turn for the softball throw. "You go, Jeff!" He earned a red ribbon -- second prize! "Yay! That's great, Jeff! Come get your hug!" (My prayer at the end of that day was, "Hallelujah! What a day! All that courage and sharing and joy! You enjoyed it, too, didn't You, Jesus?"