After some searching the right house for Jon was found. A little house in the country with a big yard, lots of bush and a shed just for Jon. He was delighted with the place and as some renovations took place before he moved in, he was allowed to see the carpenters work their magic. Jon was right in there almost bumping elbows with the carpenters not wanting to miss anything.
Some walls were removed for bigger spaces, fresh paint applied, new furniture purchased..everything for a manly look. The day came that the house was ready and Jon could move in. This house was refinished for Jon's needs. The walls were finished with plywood and painted to prevent holes from head banging, windows were protected with plexi-glass, light fixtures covered with a 'nautical look'..really it's to prevent him from unscrewing the light bulbs. (isn't that a nifty idea??) And he has a built in box for a lava lamp and a marble maze in the wall..now that's what I call thinking 'out of the box':)
Another special feature of this house is that it has only a crawl space instead of a basement..Jon loves to open the trap door, lay on his stomach, peer into the empy space as he dangles ropes and cords.
That day when he first entered his new finished home you could tell the joy on his face..everything was in place, even his clothes were in the closet. He is happy with his new home and hasn't ever indicated that he didn't want to go back to his place after a visit to Mom and Dad's house.
We are so thankful.
I am so thankful with you that Jon was able to move into a place he loved as much as home. I love the part where he peers into the crawl space. Such a boy.
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in knowing what his daily schedule it like. Do they keep his routine exact? Also. .does his staff rotate?
Lovella, you asked the very questions that are planned for the next post:)
ReplyDeleteI too am so happy for Jon...there is no place like home!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to find a home that is home for Jon...
ReplyDeleteNow I can picture Jon's home...the perfect little place for him. I somehow thought he was in a group home...with many others.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing it is to have a home so suited for Jon. I'm so thankful that the resources and willingness were in place to provide it.
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine the relief and burden lifter it is to you to have such a safe place where Jon is happy to live!
This is so wonderful! I love that you could think outside of the box... to create a space just for him... and know that he knows it's special. He knows he's loved... and isn't that what you want most for him?
ReplyDeleteI read many of your posts with interest as I have an adult nephew, Mike, who was born with severe autism. He does not communicate and also head bangs. His front teeth have had to be capped many times under full anesthesia because of head banging incidents. It takes much love to allow a Jon or Mike to live in a group home, but it is the best way for them to get the consistent 24 hour care they need. This house is amazing! I hope Jon will enjoy living here!
ReplyDeleteBetty, you and Johnny are truly amazing parents! God has given you a gift of unconditional love, and you have truly expressed it beautifully! Jon is so blessed to have you as parents!
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