Something that happens occasionally when I take Ethan to appointments with the education, social service or medical systems is that they are really impressed by something I do that I don't think is all that impressive. When I knew that valium was a benzodiazepine, one of his neurologists asked me if I was a medical professional. I remember talking the on-call neuro resident at Children's Hospital who was really impressed when rattled of the names and dosages of Ethan meds and twice told her, no, Ethan doesn't that one anymore. My reaction is always, well of course I know what his meds are.
Another neurologist said "wow, he's really compliant with you." Again, my reaction was well of course he does what I tell him to do. What else would he do?
Or the social worker with DVR (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation) who seemed almost shocked that I arrived at the appointment with all of the paperwork filled out. I was a little shocked at the idea that everyone doesn't arrive with the paperwork filled out.
Or the school district sign language teacher being thrilled that I showed up for Ethan's sign language lesson's so that I could learn what he was learned. That one didn't surprise me so much. I know that I have an unusually flexible job. Lots of people can't leave work mid-morning for an hour every Wednesday like I did.
I am profoundly thankful that I was able to do all these things for my son. I am also profoundly grateful that non-profit that runs Ethan's group home now does a lot of this and it doesn't all rest on my shoulders anymore.
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