Dean

Our special needs son, Dean is moving.
Again.
He was at the same home for 5 years,
and because his needs weren't being met,
his social services case workers and our family
decided to move him.
We interviewed the perspective caregiver,
and was assured that it would be a great move for Dean.

I worried about it, truthfully,
because I wanted it to be a good fit,
because it's a single man in his 50's--
but again, was assured that this man was qualified to care for
a special-needs person and had over 20 years' experience.

Yesterday morning,
I rec'd an email from the caregiver that Deans needs
exceeds his ability to care for him,
then he proceeded to list all of Dean's needs
as though they were something new:
"he seems to function as a three year old"
"he needs constant supervision"
"he let the dog out and didn't tell us"
"he has a mean streak and can be rude in his language"
and on and on.

I read it and thought,
Didn't he know that already? Isn't in Dean's files?
All of this stuff is known about Dean.


Maybe he did know,
and maybe he just didn't understand?

My heart sank at the email.
We have to move Dean. He just moved in there September.
I hate this.
I wish we could bring him home.
That's what I want, more than anything.
But Dean's needs to exceed my ability.
He is violent, he does throw things, and hit others
for no apparent reason.
He has psychotic episodes which frighten us.
But he's also funny, and fun, and has a great sense of humor
and loves to help others,
and participate in Special Olympics.
I love him and if I could, I would just bring him
home.

I have to go up to Loveland next week
and interveiw another caregiver.
This time, it's a couple.
I pray it works out for Dean.
He is my soft spot.