The last bus

[blondietink]

I have been a total emotional wreck for the last 2 weeks. I feel like I am having a mid-life crisis or something. My 21 yo with Down syndrome had his very last day of school on June 10th. Yes, we have a plan that was actually approved by NYS in a record 3 days after it was submitted, so he isn't going to sit home all day and do nothing. The bus will stop again next September for my 19 yo DS with Autism. But, I am having a terrible time with all of this. I can't seem to stop crying for some reason. Any suggestions?

 

[kirstenb1]

Barb,
I don't have advice, but

There's a nice retired guy at our gym who's 30 yr old daughter has DS. She works part time as a bagger at our local grocery store. She's attended the same Youth Group since she was a teen, now she's sort of a helper there one night a week. Anyway, she lived for a while in a group home, but he wasn't happy with the level of supervision, so he moved her back into his home. I'm rambling, but this is just what he's shared with me.

I hope the transition goes well for all of you.

 

[blondietink]

I think a big problem is that some of the teachers/aides, etc. have been in his, and our lives for literally 19 years and it is like losing a big part of the family. We live in a small town and will still see these people, but it just won't be the same. They have weathered the major surgeries with us, the ups and downs, etc.

Our DS is still going to live at home with us ... the group home here, and there is only one, is terrible and there is a waiting list a mile long, anyway. He would be so frightened by all the commotion in the group home, that he would probably develop some very significant behaviors.

the adult services world is mch more rigid than the school system, but we have developed a very individualized plan for him, where he will have somebody take him out in the community and volunteer at various places (hospital, school, nursing home, etc.), much like his final years in school. We have also planned in lots of vacation time, since DH is retired and we just love to travel. WDW is a favorite, for sure, along with cruising and my Dad has a cottage at the river we frequent in the summer.

 

[nyrebecca]

I haven't been in the same situation as you....but last year my son aged out of his first school, and had to move onto a new school. I understand the feeling of family you get with all the teachers/aides, ect. The support and love they give us while taking care of our children has a major impact in our lives.

 

[nyrebecca]

(argghhh! post sent before I was done...)

I had also wanted to say it sounds like you have a wonderful plan in place for him ! And that I wished you the best of luck with both of the children!