Blessed

So, our Child Service Coordinator (through the Health Department) recommended we go through a local mental health provider for services since Squeaker will age out of the Health Department's program once he turns 5 (October 31st). I figured that since they were a counseling service, etc., that it would cost us quite a bit of money, but I went for it anyway just to see what they had to offer. We had our evaluation meeting a couple weeks ago and then met with a case manager today.

When we asked about how much it would cost, we were thrilled to find out that the services would be state funded regardless of our income. I told the woman there how much a relief that was. While it looks on paper like we should be able to afford things, we have a huge stack of medical bills already. They offer in home services to help with behaviors at home, which we really need. They can also help us out in the community with getting Squeaker, for instance, to socialize with other kids on the playground. And they offer respite services. I feel we are truly blessed to have stumbled across this service.

She's going to be calling around to see which organizations would be able to help us sooner. They work with places like The ARC, RHA, and Easter Seals. He's not eligible until he's 5 years old, but that's right around the corner. We're so thrilled that we're going to be getting more help for him. And let's face it, for us. We need some help with him at home, because there are days when we just don't know what to do with him. Days like this past Saturday, where The Manager was holding him for 20-30 minutes at a time just to keep him from hurting himself. Thankfully, today was an exceptionally good day for him. But, exceptionally good days don't happen nearly enough. Not at home. So, for our own sanity, for our marriage, and for Squeaker's own good, we really need to figure this out.

The Manager said something today about how he didn't know how I kept finding these things for Squeaker. The truth? I've somehow been able to hook up with amazing networks of people. People who point me in the direction of resources. All I had to do was follow through. Make the calls. Set up the appointments. And, even when I feel like it might not work out, try it anyway. Something I've learned over the past couple years is that you don't know if someone is going to be able to help you until you ask. Pursue things and see where they take you. Don't just neglect to go after something because they might not help you. You just never know...