BEN'S HOME
I Love cool weather...there is something about the crisp, cold breeze that calms the soul and soothes the hurting heart. It felt good this morning as I walked through the park, thinking about where we are and how far we've come and where we are headed...one day at a time.
Ben said goodbye yesterday to the staff and the friends he made at Riveroaks Hospital...That part of his journey has come to a peaceful end...Now we begin the daily process of putting into practice the coping mechanisms he's learned to handle his disease. Monday, he starts school and in the evenings he'll continue seeing a counselor and attending group sessions, because that's what it will take to keep him healthy-for now.
It's the little things that make me feel better. He's laughing again and engaging in games and activities with his brothers-just like I remember, before he got sick. Last night some friends came by and picked him up for a movie...And today he's off to the park and then his Jesuit High School football game. It's normal teenage fun, ...but for Ben, they're hugely positive steps. A couple of months ago he could barely drag himself out of bed...Today, he's showing a zest for life that is infectious.
Ben is worried about the holidays...anxious about visiting relatives where food is the primary focus. He believes, everyone will be focusing on him and what he's eating. So, we may be staying home, away from the people and the pressure. He may need more time to merge into the settings that seem to cause him strain.
It's really up to Ben. This is his recovery and he sets the standards...saying how he feels, what he needs and what he doesn't want to do. If he can find the strength to speak up and speak out for himself, he'll do fine...and the rest of us will just have to follow his lead.
It will be challenging, but recovery from any disease, can be an unexpected gift. It somehow removes the really dumb ideas and replaces them with an elevated knowledge about life and Love, God and family and all the things that really matter in this life.
All that matters to me right now, is that Ben is home and happy and hopeful about his future. In my book-that's a really big blessing!
Ben said goodbye yesterday to the staff and the friends he made at Riveroaks Hospital...That part of his journey has come to a peaceful end...Now we begin the daily process of putting into practice the coping mechanisms he's learned to handle his disease. Monday, he starts school and in the evenings he'll continue seeing a counselor and attending group sessions, because that's what it will take to keep him healthy-for now.
It's the little things that make me feel better. He's laughing again and engaging in games and activities with his brothers-just like I remember, before he got sick. Last night some friends came by and picked him up for a movie...And today he's off to the park and then his Jesuit High School football game. It's normal teenage fun, ...but for Ben, they're hugely positive steps. A couple of months ago he could barely drag himself out of bed...Today, he's showing a zest for life that is infectious.
Ben is worried about the holidays...anxious about visiting relatives where food is the primary focus. He believes, everyone will be focusing on him and what he's eating. So, we may be staying home, away from the people and the pressure. He may need more time to merge into the settings that seem to cause him strain.
It's really up to Ben. This is his recovery and he sets the standards...saying how he feels, what he needs and what he doesn't want to do. If he can find the strength to speak up and speak out for himself, he'll do fine...and the rest of us will just have to follow his lead.
It will be challenging, but recovery from any disease, can be an unexpected gift. It somehow removes the really dumb ideas and replaces them with an elevated knowledge about life and Love, God and family and all the things that really matter in this life.
All that matters to me right now, is that Ben is home and happy and hopeful about his future. In my book-that's a really big blessing!
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