Respite Care

Jon and I having been volunteering at through our church with a program called respite care. On the 4th friday of every month parents and caregivers of special needs children drop them off at the church and get to have a much needed break/ date night. Each child is paired with an adult who is their buddy for the night. Last night was our 2nd time and we both leave feeling so rewarded. They are such sweet children! We have had a passion for children with disabilities since our Down's Syndrome scare with Jack. Even though we have no idea what it is like to have a special needs child, we got a glimpse into their lives when we imagined ours that way. We have really enjoyed meeting their families. The first night I had a 12 year old girl with severe autism. She doesnt speak, but is very affectionate. There are 4 children in their family, 2 with autism but Gina is the most severe. Her dad cried as he thanked us for volunteering our time so that he and his wife could have their 1st night alone in 14 years. Last night I had a very precious 5 year old girl who has spina bifida. Her 6 year old brother also has spina bifida and come with her. Jon has had Gage both weeks. I have grown to love Gage through teaching him in Sunday school, but he and Jon connected instantly and are the best of buds. He is 11 and he is Autistic. His parents are really nice andare always so gracious. I know this program is designed to do good things for the families of these children but I think we get just as much out of it as they do. It also make us even more thankful to have healthy children.