I was listening to my friend tell me her son was coming home from college for the summer.

I was also thinking about how much that changes, in a good way, the ebb and flow of the house. She was telling me that she has to think of food and activities and because he has some special needs, driving him to work and activities.

After we were done talking, I went about my day until it hit me.

That I too, need to be doing this same planning. For both Michael and Elizabeth.

Michael because his school year ends in June and he will be off and home more, which makes me happy but means making a weekly schedule to know where he will be, his work etc.

And Elizabeth, not because she is in school and will be off for summer, but because her work with Gymster’s is contingent on the school year schedule and will change one June hits.

Her guaranteed work on Tuesdays will not be there, they will be replaced by work another day.

And so it goes for all her work days at Gymster’s

Then her singing lessons (mouth work for her speech) will changes because HER kids are off of school and they have things they need to do

It is all changing.

And it really isn’t a surprise, I mean it has been doing this for years

But it seems like it is here quick this year or maybe it is just me.

But it got me thinking that I need to be proactive for her and I as we adjust to this change so that she is calm and productive and doesn’t have great gobs of uninterrupted time. This is because her disorders of SPD ( sensory processing disorder and global dyspraxia do better with a schedule.

And that open ended time is not her friend.

So she and I are going to be talking this week about what she wants to do with a bit more time she has and how does she want to use it.

We already talked about her goals for summer which include really focusing on independence and life skills.

We may talk about her getting another job? or maybe more hours on her current catering job.

The point in all this is:

Change is coming!

And taking a good, hard look at what will or won’t be constants in you and your child life is really important. As is having a Plan B, C, D and sometimes E, F and G. But the planning is all worth it to enjoy the time off the best you can.

For your child, you and well, let’s face it, the family!

So with IEP season also comes the entrance of summer!

Good luck to those heading into their meetings, remember you know your child better than anyone does and you are their voice.

I wish everyone a peaceful week,

Michele Gianetti author of Elizabeth Believes in Herself

4/28/23

I will start this blog off with a disclaimer that in no way am I bragging about anything at all. I am only saying that it all simply worked well this week.

I

LOVED

MY

TIME

WITH

ELIZABETH

There, I said it.

And for those who have ready any and all of my posts, you know that we have had our fair share of challenges in the 25+ years that she and I have been on this journey together. Her Sensory Processing Disorder ( SPD) and Global Dyspraxia have been challenging since birth. Sometimes one beats out the other for the forefront of concern, but trust me, one of them is there and present most days.

But she has worked.

HARD! Everday to grow and achieve.

So back to my exclamation prior. The end of the week off that we all had was when Michael and John headed to New York to see the sights. And well, let’s face it, that whole crazy there was not going to be a good fit for Elizabeth. So we decided to stay back and have “girls time”

And it was simply wonderful.

She was all in for this. We shopped, had coffee, got dinners in and watched movies.

I discovered the fun of clicking around Netflix and landing on a show that she and I watched.

I learned she likes getting her nails done in a salon. First time for her because there was always the thought that she liked it better at home.

I learned that she is simply FUN to be around. I mean I KNEW she was fun but to have nothing but time with her, no schedules, no appointments, no calls to make. JUST TIME was a wonderful and beautiful thing.

She picked the places and the pace, and I was like, YEP let’s go.

I loved seeing the side of her that others see when they are with her, and they don’t have to worry about the things I just said.

I got the fun! and it was great.

I love knowing that this Elizabeth is the one that she shows to the world because knowing how easy going she is and how much fun she has with the littlest of things makes my heart know she will be good in life with friends.

It was heart lightening to see all this.

When our time was done, we both could see that we can and will continue the fun things. And I have to say we will not forget the first really long and open ended “girls time”

I think of the young child who cried all the time. Who didn’t want to go here of do this. Who was afraid of the world. and I think how wonderful to see this young adult enjoy life.

She was an is a buddy to me.

And I am in awe of her.

and so proud of what she has become. We are a work in progress but celebrating the good is what we all need to do. Even the smallest of things should be shouted to the roof tops.

So, I am doing just that.

I wish everyone a peaceful week.

Michele Gianetti author of Elizabeth Believes In Herself.