Travis, we will miss you!

Last night team Hill gathered to say goodbye to the last original member of the team.  Travis worked his last shift yesterday.  He is moving out of state to begin a new chapter in his life.

Travis was the only staff member left from that original meeting in December of 2010.  I wonder if he sensed my desperation that day.  Did they all know that I was at my wits end?  Did he know what was in store for him?  Did he know that he would become a member of our family?

He's been with us for 3 years.  He has seen it all….the poop, the vomit, the wandering, the throw-downs…all of it.  He is the one who can tell the new team members, "You have no idea what it was like in the beginning."  He has also seen the celebrations….the sentences, the chores, trying new things…. all of it.  He's been the recipient of both Nate and Noah's anger and aggressive behavior.  He's seen us through a death, 2 of my surgeries, and many sick boys.  He has been with us on vacation.

Travis is also the record keeper of the group.  He has taken countless pictures of the boys and all the staff members.  He has turned these memories into photo books and calendars that we will always cherish.

I always knew that he would move on.  His course work was finished and he was ready.  Still, when he  told us he was moving, I cried.

We had a great dinner last night.  Many former team members stopped by and we spent so much time talking about the boys.  It is always so fun to hear some of the fun stories again!  There was so much laughter.

I know that even though Nate, Nick, and Noah won't show it, they will miss Travis very much.  Maybe as much as Tim and I will.  I hope he know how he helped all of us, not just the boys.  His being on our team helped change 5 lives for the better.

Dear Santa,

Dear Santa,

Here's my wish list for this year:

1.  A Lopez Waiver for Nate
2.
3.

Actually, that's all I want. Our new insurance company follows the law to the letter, $40,000/ year per child. $40,000 is a lot of money, so it should buy a lot of ABA services , right?

Wrong. It's about 14 hours a week. When you have a 15 year old that can't be left alone, that's not a lot.

Our DMH case manger called me yesterday and said, "Christmas came early!"  I almost started to cry. I thought Nate got the waiver. No such luck. She was calling to tell me that Nick was awarded some funding.  I don't want to sound ungrateful......however, what about Nate?  He is much more severe and needs funding for more help.

So Santa, please help. Nate has come so far in the last three years with the help of 20+ hours of staffing a week. Cutting it back will bring setbacks, not more progress. I wish these people making these decisions would come visit and meet the recipients of the services before they put a cap on services or pass him over because he doesn't appear needy enough.

Please give me a Christmas miracle,

Stacey