Pants, pants, pants

A week or so ago, Dan, Jamie and I went to the 1/2 off -1/2 off store on Manchester to see what we could find. I knew Jamie needed some new sweatshirts and a pair or 2 of new pants. Trying on clothes for Jamie is a job... He feels he has to fully re-dress including belt and shoes each time he try's something on. I have shared with him many times -as I stand outside the dressing room door - just try on the pants- no belt, no shoes. This must have been how he was originally taught to try things on, so he fights doing this every time- and after a 30 minute wait outside the curtin... he still did not have the first pair on. Argh! I again reminded him... Please, no shoes and no belt. So, we finalized the deduction of items. 4 shirts and 2 pants. When we got home... He tried them on again. The one pair of pants- the zipper is totally broken. Dear me! 

Me: Jamie- take that pair off and bring them out to me. We will take them back next week and get another pair.

This was the conversation a week ago. 

This morning... I get out to the kitchen and am doing dishes... Jamie appears in the doorway- looking a little disheveled a little out of sorts....

Jamie: I have had a long morning! I have been trying on all my pants to see which one you were talking about with the broken zipper? 

Me: trying them on? To find the broken zipper? You must be looking for the pants on the dinning room chair- you simply could have asked me. Why did you try them all on?

Jamie: to find the zipper.

Me: you couldn't just look at the zippers?

Jamie: I had to put my brace and belt and then zip them.

Me: Wow.... I didn't know the Jamie process was so detailed in zipper useage. Next time, ask me what pants I'm talking about... Okay?

Jamie: I couldn't remember what color they were.

Me to myself.... OMGoodness.... Thank you Lord.... I have a full brain to use- even though it's said we only use 12% or so. Life is rough and a lot of extra work when you only have parts of one. We all need to be very grateful. 

Today, I have learned to be thankful for my mind. 

Amen.

Make your own Kind of Music

Mama Cass- "make your own kind of music, sing your own special song, even if nobody else sings along".... Hmmmm as I sit in the car waiting for Jamie in the parking lot at church... I wonder if God gives each of us our own special song and somewhere along the line- we let someone tell us- "that's a stupid song" or quit humming you sound like a goofus!" Or some other statement to squash that still small tune... Dream... Vision... We all have one, or 2 or 3... And something happens.... We get busy, we start making excuses, we let others kill our flame. Well, this year is my year to fan the flame! I know my prayer has been for the Holy Spirit to blow on that small ember of a dream that he placed in my soul. 

I'm here doing this job. Taking care of a man who most of the time, okay- a lot of the time seems very ungrateful, very privileged and very uncaring of the "people who live with me". I have been trying to teach a 58 year old man to live graciously, be thankful for the little things, respect people and their property, learn the value of the truth in everything you do. It has not been an easy - almost 2 years... But, we have made it through the fire and the hail. 

Thank you Jesus!

Cousin Visit - Sonic and Minions!

 This past Friday, Jamie and I took his cousin Ami out to lunch and on a quick shopping trip for her grandchildren. Ami is from France and there were some communication gaps- but, overall we did very well. She speaks French and Spanish mainly and some English. We decided to visit and go to lunch at Mimi's Cafe for lunch. 

We all enjoyed our lunch and as we sat as Jamie and Ami sang to each other-we looked at pictures of Ami's children and grandchildren- she says I need an American Toy Store! I said ok we will find one... She was looking for Minions and Sonic.... We found Minions at Walmart... Sonic was a challenge- we found the new Toys R Us Outlet in the valley and they had just what she was in search of for her grandchildren. We had a great visit and she came to our house to see where Jamie lives. We asked her to go to dinner tonight, since she leaves this week. Bon Voyage, Mon Ami!

As you can see Jamie looks a lot like his Mothers side of the family too!

Colds and baking....

This past weekend was Thanksgiving weekend and we enjoyed a quiet Thanksgiving with Dan, Jamie, my Mom, myself and the 2 dogs (Miss Izzi and my Moms dog Mini). We had a nice time - packed up Mom with left overs and took her back home. Then a day off before Saturday brunch with my brothers and Mom and Aunt at our place. It was a busy day off preparing for our brunch - but we all enjoyed the time together. 

Sunday was church and recovery at home. Monday was.... Miki has a bad cold and Jamie was her watcher/caretaker/hoverer. 

We had quite the day with me feeling terrible and Jamie wiping things down with Clorox wipes. Izzi on my lap under the covers and me just wanting to sleep. Which was never going to happen. 

Tuesday was another day of sickness still feeling terrible and knowing that we had to make something for church on Wednesday night - as Jamie goes to Choir practice, potluck and bible study. We decided on brownies- I knew it would be as fast as we could do. After a quick lesson in thorough hand washing- we were off.... Pulling out measuring cups and mixing bowls. Pans and spoons. Pre heating the oven... I was coaching and he was doing.

Over all it was not a bad day of learning. It did take 1 1/2 hours to make 12 cupcake size brownies - that would have taken me 10 minutes or less. But- he did it. I was proud. Cold and all!

Haircut time

Jamie loves the attention he gets in getting his hair cut. Usually Dan is the one who takes him on this adventure- because Dan likes to keep his hair very short too; this means getting it cut precisely every 4 weeks for these two. Since we have been living at the condo, Jamie has gone from long side burns to a more modern look of less and less to cover his cheeks. He said he likes them longer in the winter to keep the wind from his ears. I say wear a hat unless you are trying to look like Elvis?!?! So yesterday- I ask the nice lady at Great Clips to go a little shorter on top- as not to look like Lucy from peanuts. She agrees he has a fluffy look going on and they go to the chair to trim him up. She asks about his family....  He says he has no family. (Lie) she asks if he is spending any time with anyone for the holidays? He says, yes- church people. They are like family. He corrects his earlier statement to say all his family lives very far away. She asks about the length of his side burns and he says- take them off!( I'm floored) so off they go.  He proceeds to tell her that he doesn't see his family but, hopefully he will talk to them on the phone. She is kind and tells him that is a nice way to be together without being there physically. He agrees.  I pay for his cut and we get out to the car. He says to me, why was she asking so many questions? I tell him that's her job. That the stylists always like to make small talk and get to know their clients. 

Charles Shulz - the Peanuts Movie

Jamie, Cindy and I went on another matinée adventure to the Chesterfield Mall Cine to see the new Peanuts Movie. I was looking forward to some good wholesome movie magic - the kind Hollywood has seemed to place in a back shelf along with the golden oldies.  I'm not sure if this screenplay was fully written by Shulz or if it was a compilation of his short cartoons... But, it was a continuation of the story of Charlie- the beloved "blockhead" who can seemly do no right and gets nothing done.  Charlie, a form of all of us... Continues to attempt flying his kite, play baseball, skate and kick a football. In this duel story, we also see Snoopy as the "Red Baron" with Woodstock forever by his side... Fighting for the love of Snoopy Girl "FeFe" and rescuing her on his beloved dog house fighter plane. Charlie of course saves the day for his sister Sallie and galiently tells the truth about his friend Peppermint Patty as well as swings an award to get the "red haired girls" attention at the dance only to be stopped by the sprinklers. Charlie doesn't see anything he has done as good- only that he can only mess things up. This eventually gets him the attention of the dreamy "red haired girl" - which was his wish all along this tale. 

So, did Cindi and Jamie like the movie? 

I believe that Cindi loved the whole movie- it kept her entertained. Jamie slept through the first half but seemed to enjoy the second half. He stated that it had to do with how Charlie felt about himself and how others thought he was really a nice kid.  Profound, Charlie was thinking of others instead of himself. Hopefully, Jamie sees this as a lesson on looking beyond just how we feel- especially when we help others!

Oh what tangled webs we weave....

Today is Sunday. Jamie has wonderful people from church who have volunteered to take him back and forth to church on Sunday's since Dan and I are starting a church plant in the city of St.Louis. In saying all that, when Dan and I arrived home today after church. I received a phone call from a friend of Jamie's stating she had heard some disturbing news from Jamie just a few minutes earlier on the phone and she just wanted to see if I knew anything about it. Jamie had told her that someone had left him a note and it had stated that he was no longer to see her because if he did there would be consequences from the community. She also said that Jamie had just told her about "said note" and that he had it in his bedroom. In turn, I assured her that I would be checking right into it and that until now I had not heard any such story. I knocked on Jamie's door and said for him to please come out to the living room as we needed to talk and please bring "the note!" After about 5 minutes- I went back to his bedroom door and said please bring "the note" you talked to your friend about and let's talk. He cracked his door and was looking around for a "note". After he huffed and searched his pockets and looked around his room. No note. We walked to the livingroom and I started the interagation. 

M: Where is this note?

J: I tore it up and put it in the dumpster behind the other buildings across the street.

M: Why?

J: I was upset by it.

M: Let's go find it- I need to see the note. 

We march ourselves to the dumpsters behind the condos across the street (see picture) 

J:I put it in the back of this one, but, it no longer exists.

M: Why does it no longer exist? Did it ever exist?

J: Yes, but I put it in here the other day after my walk.

M: What other day? Thursday when you went to Jackies?

J: Yes, that's when I found it on the porch out front. 

M: How did you not explain to Dan or I about this note and you just brought it up 3 days later? The dumpster is full- so you and I get to dig through this dumpster to find this note?!?!?

J: I don't think it's here. What if we don't find it? 

M: Ever? Or ? If we don't find it? Did it vaporize? Is it an invisible note? If this note is not here- we have no proof anyone is threatening you! Does the note have legs? 

J: I don't remember where it might be.

M: As in which of the 3 dumpsters? Do I have to climb into all 3? Jamie- if there is no note in these dumpsters- you need to tell me right now! 

J: I don't think it's here.

After this we went back inside to have another hour long conversation about the note and how he was going to talk to his pastor today incase another note "shows up" on what he should do about it. All the while the note is said to be typed, then handwritten, then it said his name, then it didn't.... 

Confabulation is a big word associated with TBI Tramatic Brain Injury. It means lying and believing that it's true. Anyone who knows Jamie- knows he is quite a story teller....and not in a good way. After an hour or so discussion and my restating we could go through the dumpster again. Jamie admitted he had lied. No note. Really? 

I called his friend and apologized for Jamie and asked her -in the future to please call me if a story seems untrue. 

Jamie no longer has use of a phone in his own room - he now has to use the kitchen phone- as he cant be trusted - behind closed doors- to tell the truth. 

Lesson is - in this house- if Jamie is near- you might smell smoldering pants. Please check with Dan or myself with all possible "miss statements" - I also say Jamie is working on his "truth vocabulary"! This may sound harsh and uncaring. I assure you it is neither of those things.  Anyone who knows Jamie - understands his difficultly with telling the truth. We are trying to teach him that his words have consequences. He has said "mis-statements" that can effect himself and others around him. Jamie's mind will not let him think beyond a 2 step process. So, we are working on his process to see the immediate response of his words and actions. It is my job to teach him that his thankfulness and joy in living everyday be his top priority. 

Honesty is the best policy, it shows you have respect for the other person.

Amen

Dance, Dance, Dance....

I This past Saturday night, Jamie and his "friend that's a girl" - Cindi went to the monthly Special Needs Dance across the street at St. Clair's Catholic Church - put on by the Knights of Columbus. The theme for this month was "costume" for October- which seemed to suit both of them fine. I asked Jamie what he would like to dress as- and he was not sure- so, I told him to think about what he has in his closet and we would try to come up with a "no cost" costume. After a few days thought - we decided he could be a Cardinal Fan since he already had the shirt and hat. He spoke to Cindi and she decided it sounded like fun. We took Jamie and Cindi out to dinner at Red Robin for burgers and then to the Dance. Here is the picture I took of them as they went in.

As you can see... Cindi was a shirtless fireman and Jamie was a true Cardinal Fan! Jamie and Cindi made it through the evening- a good time was had by all!

Mission Impossible

Well I can say.... Tom Cruise has still got it for an action movie. 

Jamie, Cindy and myself went to see the new "picture" (as Jamie calls it) it was a good day as we picked up Cindy and went to the show- we were early so, we decided to go get a snack. After that we went to the new "fork and screen" where you eat there while you watch the movie. Burgers and fries were the lunch of choice!

After the food was served and the previews creeped us all out... We ate our lunch and enjoyed a fairly clean spy/espionage movie with a car/motorcycle chase and screens in Monoco and London. 

After the movie we headed to drop Cindy off at home and head home ourselves. 

If you like a good action "picture" this one is for you!

Busy Week

Last week was busy for us both. Jamie finished off his week with Thursday being a full day of prep for a colonoscopy and finished his week with the actual colonoscopy event. All went well, no pollips and no signs of any abnormality. Great news- don't have to run down that road for another 10 years! As you can only imagine- Jamie waking up from sleepy meds- is quite an adventure on its own!

A Dance

Last night was a time for Jamie to step outside his comfort zone, meet new faces and hopefully make a new friend or two. He was going to attend a near by Dance. A nice neighbor and friend Bill C. Had invited him across the way a nearby church has a monthly dance for people with disabilities. Jamie was not thrilled with the idea... but, after some chatting with me, he decided to go. I had told him to find someone who looked alone and go chat with them. Give them a compliment... Which I knew he knows how to do and start talking.

Jamie got himself all cleaned up, during the course of the day yesterday. Looking sharp!

As we arrived at the dance- there stood his buddy Bill, he was welcoming people to the dance and keeping an eye out for Jamie!

When we picked Jamie up - his first comment was that he would go again. He said he couldn't even get out on the dance floor because it was so crowded. He won a Cardinals lunch bag for a door prize. He is going next month, he has invited his friend Cindy- it's a costume themed party and as of right now- he is going as a Super Cardinals Fan! He said he would bring his new lunch bag! 

Labor Day Fun?

Labor Day fun? We left the house to see what deals were going on for furniture. We went out and about to a few discount furniture stores. Jamie got to try out all the reclining lift chairs... Making sure to find the most comfortable.

Dan was also checking out a recliner or two...

After looking and hunting, and looking and hunting... We had not made up our minds. We decided to find a place for LUNNER! Also known as combo lunch and dinner.... We found a place that had a great Pizza pie! We chatted about what we wanted to get... So we are still pondering about furniture and if we would be judged to harshly for 3 recliners in the living room?!?!?

Back to "the Bridge"

This past Saturday, we were the crew of volunteers at "the Bridge" which is a day shelter downtown in St. Louis. They provide truly amazing services for the homeless and underprivileged in the city. We went early to help prepare and serve breakfast and lunch. 

Jamie, Kathy, Dan and myself, helped Chef Felicia prepare a breakfast of toast, fruit and boiled eggs. Lunch consisted of chopped bratwurst cooked with cabbage and roasted potatoes, fruit along with buns and dessert. Everyone was cheerful and grateful for our help. Jamie had so much fun and such an early morning that his break was a little more like a nap. 

Overall, we all had a great time and we were blessed to be a part of this wonderful ministry here in St. Louis.

Summer Church Picnic

Yesterday it was a beautiful day for the Annual Church of the Resurrection Picnic. We joined the group to sit and enjoy each other's company, meet a few new friends and catch up with a few old ones too! 

Jamie had quite the day and of course had seconds of the great homemade goodies brought by all the families at church. We brought a big tub of watermelon and cantaloupe that was sweet as sugar. 

We left a little early because Jamie forgot his noon medicine and I forgot to remind him to bring it! Oh well! We missed Bingo! I am sure everyone had fun!

Stretching and Pulling

In the last few weeks Jamie and I have been to visit all his doctors for his regular check ups. Well, all but the dentist- which Jamie must visit every 6 months like clock work!

In visiting his primary care doctor, I asked if he thought that some physical therapy would be a good idea for Jamie to try? I went on to say, that we had been doing some work and exercise stretches in the pool while the weather is nice and hot! His doctor agreed that PT would be good for Jamie, as I have noticed some stiffness in his gate and also some unstable walking when he is getting around at home and when we are out and about. Due to Jamie's brain injury he has overall problems with use of his right side. My concern is that over time and with aging- Jamie would possibly end up not being able to continue with the flexibility he has now and not be able to carry himself around with much more assistance than just his current cane.

We have visited the PT this week and last week. He is doing exercises daily and likes the attention he is getting from his therapist. She is very good and understands Jamie's condition and the strains it puts on Jamie's core and right side. She is working with him to try to relax his right side and straighten out his leg and ankle so that he doesn't have more problems with his hip and knee later on. We are currently checking on a professionally fitted brace for his weak ankle to straighten out the now turned leg and putting it in  proper alignment to walk much more sturdily.

As I stated, Jamie loves the attention and is sure to tell you quite a tail of how he has been doing all his physical therapy exercises daily..... You might just want to remind him when you talk to him!

Humble Hearts

Last Saturday, we visited Jefferson Barracks Cemetery to go see Victor and Yvette's graves as well as Dan's fathers grave and his great grandfathers.

If you have never been to this amazing and mournful place - you must visit. We are blessed in St. Louis to have it so near. Even if you don't have friends or close relatives buried there- it is well worth the trip! It is a truly humbling experience, to be among all those who have served in some form of military for this country- all freedom fighters! We all owe an unimaginable debt to the servicemen, servicewomen and their families for serving our country in such a brave yet, thankless way.

It's such a peace filled place and such an honor to be buried there. Every time we go- we see deer happily grazing and a grumpy groundhog or two, or the occasional scampering skunk... The view over the Mississippi River where the older soldier graves are is completely breathtaking. So many stories have found their resting place there. As you look over the graves and the names, families started and ended with each one. You have to wonder, what's his story? What is her story? Some died so young - ages 15 or 19. Some, like Victor- saw 99 years here on this side of glory.
We all miss him and all his countless stories.

Humpback Whales! Oh My!

Today was another HOT day in St. Louis - so we decided that our day date with Cindi (Jamie's Friend) we would go to see the Omnimax show at the St. Louis Science Center. We picked up Cindi and headed out to have lunch at Applebee's on the way. Jamie and Cindi have been friends for many years- they met each other working at TJMaxx and became good friends. Cindi calls Jamie every evening.

After lunch we headed off to the Science Center.... to see what was happening with the dinosaurs and to do a little whale watching.

We went to the 1pm show which is 45 minutes long... some of us saw the entire show and some of us watched a little from inside his eyelids....

After the show- which was amazing! I had no idea that in some countries it is still legal to hunt these amazing creatures! They are amazingly graceful creations.... it made me want to go to the Tongan Islands, Hawaii and Alaska...just to see them and be in their space.  The males of the species are great singers and they sing with each other...it was so cool!

We had quite a time seeing all the exhibits- learned about electricity and weather from Jamie (the expert!) and dodging all the little kids! I guess we have a few more weeks of summer fun till everyone goes back to school!

I hope you all enjoyed your day as much as Cindi, Jamie and I did!

The Bridge Kitchen and Day Shelter

Jamie was our official greeter, counter and silverware passer outer!

This past Saturday we were asked to get a group together and help out at "The Bridge" - it is a homeless day shelter and kitchen for those in need in the St. Louis area. On Saturday's they provide breakfast and lunch to anyone who comes in and also a place to rest between meals with water, bathrooms, a/c and a free phone for their use.

Jamie, Deacon Wanda and Myself looking cute in our hairnets and aprons!

This is an amazing place to witness God's grace and mercy in action. You are so humbled by each second of time there...  you realize how ungrateful we really are each and every minute of everyday and for everything we have- we are so blessed to have a home, clean clothes, to not have to worry about where we are sleeping and if  we can get a drink of water or use a restroom. As I got up that morning before we left, I thought about how I would normally say, if I had slept well or not? now-MEANINGLESS! I get up in the morning to my own bathroom, hot shower, fresh towels, AIR CONDITIONING or HEAT... to my comfort level, toothpaste, my medicine and vitamins, my skin care routine and make-up, pick out what I want to wear.... and get my day started in my own car. REALLY? I hardly ever even stop to think about these things. I may thank God for all He has given me...but, to really understand being grateful for everything God has given... you have to see what it is like to NOT have those things or anything. We were all blessed to be there.

Jamie and Deacon Wanda passing out smiles after wrapping silverware!

 We got there in time to help serve breakfast, help prepare and serve lunch. They served grits and toast, plus an orange or apple or banana for breakfast. Fr. Dan and Fr. Greg helped slice up and cook some beef and gravy. We cut up peppers, onions, tomatoes and cucumbers for a salad for lunch, along with mac and cheese and greens, and a dessert and bread. It made a good looking and smelling meal- thanks to Chef Felicia!

Chef Felicia- pray for her and the other staff of "The Bridge"!

Fr's Greg and Dan helping serve!

There was a special older lady in a wheelchair that Fr. Dan had seen there before... She was one of the last people "guests" to come in for lunch. Her smile and countenance touched my heart. You could tell she knew Jesus.  She said thank you to each of us and greeted Miss Felicia (the Chef) with a big grin and a hug. As she got her tray of food, she rolled over and filled her water bottle and went to a table by herself. Fr.Dan went to see if he could help in anyway... she declined. As she got herself settled, she opened a plastic bag filled with plastic containers with lids. She would take a bite or two and then fill each item into a small tub... seal it up and move to the next item. She was taking with her... either for herself for dinner or for someone else who couldn't make it to the day shelter to eat. It was Jesus in action.

Jaydon 4 y.o. that we got to take our break with loved to make things out of blocks!

We will be doing this again.... Jamie enjoyed the day and felt grateful for his friends and family!
It is such a blessing to serve the basic needs of people and the people and services at The Bridge are Jesus's hands reaching out to everyone!

Make Over Monday #2 & #3!

We went last Monday to a magical and mysterious store in our area called "Menards" -this place is a mixture of all kinds of wonderful and odd things. We purchased a can or 2 of paint (we are re-doing a cubbie in the kitchen as our information station) 1 can of chalkboard paint and one of white spray paint, a couple of brushes, and a box of cereal, a pair of swim trunks for Jamie and a nose/ear hair trimmer. The variety of items this store carries is insane!

We will post pictures soon of our new cubbie info station soon! We need to paint the shelf and get the cork board moved over to that area.

Today was Monday Make Over Day...as Jamie got a new haircut. We are trying to get him to go a little more modern in his style.... take up the sideburns an inch or so and go a little shorter in the back. So far, this has been a vain attempt. Ha!

P.s. He needed this new haircut because we are headed out tomorrow on a date with Cindy! To the Science Center and to see the Whale movie at the OmniMax!

Post haircut... Pre-prep for date tomorrow!

Yesterday- Strawberry Shake!

Jamie and I were out running around yesterday... We purchased some shirts for Jamie and one for Dan for $2! It was a very hottttt and muggy day, so we decided to stop at Steak n' Shake for lunch. The place was packed! Jamie had a foot long hotdog with fries and a strawberry shake- he said it tasted like strawberries! Really? Strawberries? Who would have thought that? Bananas? Nope! Strawberries! After that wonder- we went to the bread store for Jamie to pick himself out some treats. Then home for swimming and relaxing for the evening. We hope you all had a great week! Thanks for reading!

A swimming we shall go!

Swimming, swimming in a swimming pool...when days are hot, when days are cold... in a swimming pool! (sorry, it's a song is stuck in my head from back in my girl scout days!)

Jamie and I have been swimming in the pool in the condo complex at least 2 times a week. Jamie likes to swim. It is easy on his joints and muscles. He has such limited movement on his right side, that it is much easier to move and lift his arm and leg in the water. We had a great 2 hour workout yesterday (I got a little fried). He kept busy as I directed him in keeping moving and stretching out those tensed up muscles.

We will soon be joining the local gym- the beginning of August. We will be going at least 2 times a week to do weight training too.... keeping you all posted of our progress.

Have fun in the summer sun!

Jamie's getting a "Make Over"

It's Monday Make Over time and we decided to go to the local thrift store to see what we could find to update Jamie's look... preferably away from polyester and into some cotton! We spent 2 hours looking, hunting and trying on. To leave there victorious in our finds. 3 polos (Izod, Polo and Columbia brand), 1 button down short sleeve seersucker shirt and 2 pair of casual Dockers pants.... all for under $50! Here is the pics of the fashion show we had once we got home:

cheesy grin!

very nice, sir!

n

summer breeze!

As you can see- he was done with modeling!

On Monday Make Over days...we will be updating wardrobe, bathroom, hair, and so on! Keep posted for changes!

Big News! Jamie's News has begun!

Welcome All to Jamie's Blog News! This is a place where we can share what Jamie's activities are and what keeps him busy day to day.  This is also to be a place where his family and friends can check up on him and find out what fills his days. Jamie has been known to confabulate and our concern is, that many people do not know when he is being truthful and we want you to get the full picture of how blessed Jamie's life actually is. We want to make sure that ALL the people Jamie knows will know what he is doing and can then talk to him about all the great things that are happening with him daily.

First, let me introduce myself. My name is Miki Kinkead. Myself and my husband Fr. Dan Kinkead have been house parents for Jamie for the past 16 months. We were friends of Victor and Jamie through church. Victor had relied on Dan's expertise for help with issues concerning Jamie as Dan works for the Dept. of Mental Health in Missouri. In that year plus of time, Dan, Fr. Paul and myself as well as other independence workers that are in Jamie's life, have all come to the conclusion that he needs more supervised support. Dan and myself were both working full time jobs and working on planting a church in St. Louis. This proved to not be the best for Jamie. I am now his full time independence worker, blogger, driver, chef, coach, and so on....

Saturday 7/18/15 St Johns Cathedral - Quincy, IL