christmas, friends, rest

here are a few pictures from Christmas at her group home

her direct staff (tiffany, in the yellow shirt), and jennifer (regional director, in brown sweater) helped brooke open her gifts. I'm grateful for her precious staff that dedicate their lives to reach out to children like brooke.

we also had a very special treat a couple weeks ago. Laura (one of brooke's therapist back up north came for a visit. she was able to see brooke (now almost as tall as her) at her group home. i did take a picture but i haven't downloaded it yet....but i will. however the first picture you see is of laura working w/brooke years ago and then w/me when she was here. ld...it was wonderful to see you. you are a dear friend and your precious little baby is a blessing! enjoy her! i love you.

==============

Mark 6:31 says "come away and rest awhile". personally, this is where i am. i have alot on my plate right now...a wonderful and yet raw plate.

some days i wish brooke and i could go on a trip and make up many years...however,

i had a very dear friend tell me recently something i have never thought of...she said, "dani, stop thinking so much....if i sat and thought of everything i would be missing out on then i would be missing what is in front of me and we are not guaranteed tomorrow." those may not be the exact words, but very powerful for me. i am resting....resting in what i have and loving it.

update 2110

I apologize for the delay in blogging. work has kept me on my toes as we have know transitioned into the boys cottage. we have 5 boys which makes 7...bill making 8 and me...yes, the only girl in the house. all is going well w/the change.

Update on Brooke:

this past season (as you have noticed w/no blogs) have been difficult, unmanageable, and for me personally sad. i have been grieving for some time now. you'll notice that about me. i don't blog when i'm really down. however things are looking up. let me give you the low down on all that has happened in the past few months.

brooke finally got off her behavior meds. a week later she started her cycle for the first time, she got a new roommate and she moved to another classroom. yes, that is alot for an autistic child. none of this was planned but it sure happened. thanksgiving and Christmas as i mentioned in an earlier post was difficult. i will post some picture soon. our camera has not been working well. i also wanted to get her new years eve/day....after her arriving to house for a 2 hour visit she left 45 minutes earlier. it was probably the worst visits to the cottage.

however, just this past weekend she came to the relief house w/us and it was like another child! she was happy and loving. i was able to sleep w/brooke and it felt wonderful to wake up beside her in the morning.

we are not aware of all the behavior changes going on right now but her staff are working hard to find the function of her behaviors. i am going to the school twice a week now and i'm learning so much which helps when she does come home for a visit.

even though life is a bit tough w/her at times does not change our love and attention to her. she is a beautiful child and i'm grateful God blessed me w/her. God has also blessed me w/many wonderful people that work with her at the school and i am a different person b/c of the love and compassion they show to children w/special needs.