Major news for me, exciting but yet scary rolled into one! [Archive]

View Full Version : Major news for me, exciting but yet scary rolled into one!

wheeliebird

10-02-2006, 10:57 PM

As some of you know already from e-mails or otherwise I'm working with my local UCP (United Cerebral Palsy) to get out of my current living situation a (nursing rehab facility) into Independent living, a process which started in the beginning of the Summer. I have a friend who used to work here in the facility who is opening her home to people like me who want to get out of a nursing facility. She is taking me in for about 6 months to a year as a transitional process (out of the nursing facility but yet not completely on my own). While at her house I'll be getting my "feet wet" and getting established in the community while getting some training in different areas, such as: banking, grocery shopping, and life skills around the house. I'm going through many, many emotions from crying one moment to pure excitement the next!!! At times my stomach feels as though its tied up in knots at the thought of leaving my friends here and the safety and security of these "4 walls"!!! I've lived here for 25 yrs and I have to build up my self confidence!!! But at the same time I know I need to "move on", I'm to young (45) to just sit here and not try new adventures!! This move could take as soon as around Thanksgiving!!! I had a meeting today with UCP to sign my life away, seems that way!! LOL Also, we were talking about different things I'll be doing while at my friend's house. UCP says I'd really benefit from major PT/OT sessions, more so then I'm getting now. It will be at a local Rehab hospital (out patient) so as soon as I leave here I'll be evaluated by a PT/OT therapist. So please, please, please send positive thoughts and Prayers my way as I go through this journey, I'm a bit nervous!! It's so wonderful to be back here again, I've missed you all so much!

Robin

CoolAngel28

10-02-2006, 11:17 PM

{{HUGS}} Robin..

Remember we're here for you,and we're very proud of you...

wheeliebird

10-02-2006, 11:25 PM

{{HUGS}} Robin..

Remember we're here for you,and we're very proud of you...

Thanks Kristen, That means alot to me just having my CN buds back again with a "shoulder"! So how are you doing these days??

NJenn

10-03-2006, 12:21 AM

Wow... I got a little teary eyed reading this. Robin, this is happening so fast, and for that I am so very happy for you. People fight, sometimes for years, to get out of skilled nursing facilities/rehabs. And you have made this happen in a matter of months. Your fighting coupled with UCP makes for a great combination.

As you were talking about being nervous about banking, etc, and just being out on your own, I kept thinking about just how perfectly normal that is. We all go through periods of our lives like that. For me, it happened when I moved away to go to college. And then, just six months ago when I moved across the country totally on my own, it happened again. Some days I still wonder how I'm going to make it work. But, I'm here to tell you that as long as you keep fighting and have at least one person you can count on to get you out of a bind (be it emotional, physical, mental, whatever) YOU ARE GOING TO BE OK. In fact, you are going to be better than ok-- you're gonna be out on your own, living independently, and calling the shots for yourself.

Life, simply, gets no better than that. I feel so incredibly proud for you!!And I hope you get just a little wild and crazy, too! :D

Nicki

Denae

10-03-2006, 10:17 AM

((Robin))

I am so excited for you!!

Tracy Sheppard

10-03-2006, 10:42 AM

Dear friend,

i just know that everything is going to work out so wonderfully for you. I know the transitition will be hard in regards to leaving all your friends. But, you aren't leaving the state my dear, just a little bit down the road. It will just be different. I am so happy for you, I just know that this is going to be the most incredible moments in your life. I thank God to be a part of your life and this most awesome transition.
Love ya my friend
Tracy

lilac7700

10-03-2006, 10:48 AM

robin, I think its wonderful that even though you are worried, you have chosen to not let the fear of the unknown, so to speak, hold you back. I have loved reading about this transition in your life and makes me believe anything is possible for anyone. Try to stay positive and jsut remember, were here for you if you need a cyber shoulder to cry on!!!!!

mybaboo

10-03-2006, 10:58 AM

How exciting Robin! You will do great! We're all cheering for you!

kathleenandjoe

10-03-2006, 01:23 PM

What great news!!! We wish you a smooth transition into your newfound level of independance!

xo
Kathleen, Joe, Becca, and AJ

RathyKay

10-03-2006, 01:23 PM

After 25 years in the same place, you are brave. It's a whole new world, and I'd be nervous, too. Good luck in your new adventure. We'll be praying for you.

langansmom

10-03-2006, 02:40 PM

Robin,

You are such an inspiration to me and, I am sure, to all the other parents here. I hope Langan has your strength and perseverance. I KNOW you will have many wonderful adventures as you take this big step forward. We are so proud of you!!!!

On a side note, I was in the grocery store earlier today (trying to stay away from fast food....) and there was a high school class there. I'm not sure what the class was but there were about 8 students who were not disabled who were in wheelchairs. They each apparently had an assignment for shopping. I watched them for a while and I could tell that they were surprised at what a challenge it was to get through aisles, reach things on higher shelves, etc. I thought it was a really nice thing that their teacher was doing- teaching them to put themselves in the shoes of someone who has different abilities than they do. I bet those kids will grow up with a whole different understanding of the differences people have. I think more schools should do things like that.

(((hugs))).

momtoeva

10-03-2006, 02:47 PM

Robin -

I am so excited for you! You are really making great things happen!

Val/UK

10-03-2006, 03:43 PM

Don't be nervous Robin I am sure you will be fine, all the very best of luck.
Love Val and Laura.

Tylersmom

10-03-2006, 04:10 PM

how exciting!!What a wonderful thing to get out on your own. Hugs!

Brandon's Mom

10-03-2006, 06:58 PM

{{{Robin}}}

You are an inspiration. Many of us have children who's futures are in doubt... will they ever live independently? We just don't know yet (even though Brandon will be 19 this month, I have no idea) and just learning from your post that UCP helps adults with this transition is very useful information. One of the most frustrating things for me in my role as a parent to special needs kids is that it is so hard to find out what programs are out there, which organizations do what, etc. We worked with UCP several years ago when we were obtaining assistive technology for Brandon, but I had no idea that they also do transitioning.

You have quite a large group of friends here to support you and cheer you on as you go through this major change in your lifestyle. It isn't as if you've been sitting inside those 4-walls doing nothing, you have been out and about in the community quite a bit so I think you'll probably do better than you think you might. As a mother and as a friend my best advice is to never be afraid to ask for help, I have to repeatedly drill that tip into my kids' heads (particularly stubborn Brittany). ;)

I think the step up approach is a wonderful thing, and it should benefit you enormously and make your transition much less stressful since you will be with people that know you well and that you trust.

VirginiaNC

10-03-2006, 07:18 PM

Congratulations on your upcoming move. Your worries are all normal, I felt the same way 20 some years ago when I left home for college. Whatever happens, as long as you do the best you can, you're a success. Good luck and I'll be pulling for you

KellyC

10-03-2006, 07:30 PM

((((ROBIN)))
I am so happy for you!! You will do great in your own apartment! (((positive thoughts and prayers going up for you!)))

Heather

10-03-2006, 09:01 PM

Congratulations Robin! It might be stressful at first, but I'm sure you'll love having the freedom and privacy and independance that you get, in the end.

Carly'sMa

10-03-2006, 09:12 PM

Go for it, Robin.

wheeliebird

10-03-2006, 11:07 PM

Thanks so much everyone, your support means the world to me. Hey Joy (Brandonsmom), you know as I was writing this thread out I thought of you and Brandon. I always knew you were a supportive mom to all 3 of your kids and that you always wanted the best for them! I urge you to please keep "plugging" away for Brandon, he is still so young and has his whole life ahead of him and many, many doorrs to "open"! Check with your local UCP, they may be able to help. I will recieve 30 to 35 attendant care hours per week. My atendants will come in and help me with things I need assistance with, that includes grocery shopping, errands, banking, house cleaning around the house and other things here and there.

I have a question for you adults with CP who are out into independant living now. Do you have a support system such as UCP? Do you have attendents coming in to help you? How long did it take you to adjust?? Oh, about leisure activities, do you do any? I got a referral to our local Easter Seals to get onto thier programs, in fact on November 1st I'm going adaptive scubba diving with them, should prove to be interesting!!!:rolleyes:

And to all you Moms with young children with disabilities I know the future is a scary thing to think about in terms of what will happen to your child, but heck as the years go by I'm confident many many options will be out there for them! 25 yrs ago when moving in here UCP didn't have such a program, now they do!!! :D Keep "reaching for those stars" your kids will get there too!!!

Love to you all and thanks again for the support, I'll keep in touch and let you know how its going!

Robin

Brandon's Mom

10-04-2006, 09:01 AM

:D You made me smile Robin. I think you know me well enough to realize that NOTHING could stop me from "plugging away" for Brandon. ;) I still have hopes and many dreams for Brandon's future but admittedly, they took a pretty hard hit in 2005 when he had those stroke like episodes. He never really recovered from them as far as his cognitive abilities, memory problems and his increased tightness. The fact that he is working a couple of hours a week, through his high school's vocational program, is encouraging for all of us.

You might find that there are other programs that give you the social opportunites you are looking for. The problem, of course, is finding out about them since they don't exactly advertise on the TV. :rolleyes: In addition to the Easter Seals programs, I know of at least 2 other programs here in Phoenix that offer leisure activities for adults with disabilities-things like movies, dances, athletics and shopping trips. One of the suburbs here has very active programs for both teens and adults with disabilities that is run by their Parks and Recreation Department.

Lynda

10-04-2006, 09:26 AM

Way to go Robin!
I'll be watching and cheering ya on:)

glad2beadam's mom!

10-04-2006, 10:12 AM

WOW Robin!!! How terrific and exciting for you!!:)

JackHenry&Emma

10-04-2006, 03:06 PM

Very cool. I wish you well. You will be in my prayers.

Julie

mama sue

10-04-2006, 06:46 PM

Oh sweetie, GREAT for you!!! I know you are a bit scared, but He will watch over you. God is good and He is giving you a wonderful opportunity. You have my prayers;)

wheeliebird

10-05-2006, 12:35 AM

You made me smile Robin. I think you know me well enough to realize that NOTHING could stop me from "plugging away" for Brandon.

Joy, Yep, I knew that and know you'll never stop plugging away for him. Today UCP sent me applications for anyone interested in being an attendant for me. OMG...the applications were about 25 pages long, wholely heck!!! :eek: I know a lot of that is just covering all bases, and UCP requires they have a backround check done too.

CPchick

10-05-2006, 01:20 AM

I wish you all the best. Let us know how it goes. I too want to move out someday (hopefully not too far away, parents driving me nuts!!) and go flatting with a mate or two.

Jack'sMom

10-06-2006, 12:09 PM

wheeliebird

10-06-2006, 01:22 PM

Hi Robin, it's Angela, Jack's mom from PA.

I am so very excited for you -- just know you have many friends here online that you can share your feelings with!

It is a major life altering moment you'll be going through. NJenn said it best! We really all do feel this way when our lives change. It's perfectly normal to be anxious and happy, sad, excited all at the same time!

GOOD LUCK! i will be sending lots and lots of +++++ vibes your way!!!!

Thanks Angela!!! :) Oh darn, do you know I was in Hershey at the "Chocolate World" a few weeks ago. If I knew your e-mail addy we could have maybe met up there together, oh well, next time!! :D Thank you for your encouraging words, that was so sweet!

Robin

Firewing

10-06-2006, 01:27 PM

Congratualtions Robin, I think you are going to do AWESOME!!!!!!

wheeliebird

10-06-2006, 05:02 PM

Thanks Cara, your so sweet! :)

Randiscan

10-06-2006, 09:26 PM

Hi Robin,
I think your going to do just WONDERFUL!!!! You know what a strong human being that you are with the biggest heart too! And maybe someday Kody and I :) can come and visit you in your new place.

Randi

wheeliebird

10-06-2006, 09:49 PM

Randi, I'd feel honored to have you and Kody come stay with me when I get my own place! :)

Tracy Sheppard

10-06-2006, 10:44 PM

Geeze dear friend, I just realized I posted to this on another site, but not here. I am so proud of you Robin. You are such and inspiration to me. I thank God for putting you in our lives. You are gonna do great. One step at a time, it is all going to be so wonderful for you. You know I love ya deary, and am always here for you.
Love
Me

Nikki_Poohs Mom

10-07-2006, 10:22 AM

Oh, Robin, I'm so happy for you! You are going to do wonderful. Wishing you all the best and prayers go forward.

Hugs~

Nina

http://bd.lilypie.com/KnPum4/.png

wheeliebird

10-07-2006, 04:57 PM

Geeze dear friend, I just realized I posted to this on another site, but not here. Oh Tracy you're so sweet, check out page #1 you did reply to this one dear, but I'll always take more replies!!! ;) You've been my "rock" through this whole thing, your always there with an ear to listen and I value your feedback!!! Thanks dear friend, I love ya! :)

Thanks "Grandma" Nina! :) I still can't believe Nikki is about ready to have a little one! :)

1234alex

10-07-2006, 05:05 PM

wheeliebird

10-09-2006, 01:37 AM

this is just the coolest news I have heard in a long TIME!! Robin, I am so happy for you....what an awesome, brave soul you are!!!

I would be nervous too after 25 years in the same place. Keep taking deep breaths.....

Barb, Are you still in Pennsylvania, near the PA/NY border line?? I'm just curious to know what services the UCP in your area offer for adults. I'm in the south/central PA area and here is the link to the kind of services I'll be recieving after I leaving the nursing facility http://www.ucp.org/ucp_localsrv.cfm/137/11281/11281/667 It's amazing how every UCP is run a little differently. At one point I was considering relocating to Illinois but when I heard about UCP's services out there I quickly changed my mind! :eek: They are more into group homes VS independent living, sorry but group homes are not for me, they are to structured! Anyway, I was just curious to see what your UCP is like up your way! :)

1234alex

10-09-2006, 03:50 PM

wheeliebird

10-09-2006, 08:43 PM

I am not sure how much our MECA/UCP does for adults. I know they do alot for kids, and help with ramp building.
www.ucp.org/ucp_local.cfm/134

I hear alot about Voices for Independence. They do much in the community to get people out of institutional living and into an apt or their own homes.

www.voicesforindependence.org

Barb, The Voices for independence sounds like an awesome, awesome group, looks like they do great things to promote independence, that's cool! :) It's really amazing how each UCP opporates differently concerning services and programs for people with disabilities! Thanks for sharing Voices for Independence's website, I'm interesting in reading about things like that. :)