Now that his recovery from foot surgery is well along, we are deep into preparing for Ben’s Life 3.0. 1.0 was his first dozen years at home, before moving into 2.0 and the Oconomowoc Developmental Training Center (now Genesee Lake School).

3.0 is the rest of his life, “Adult Services” replacing school district funding, with very different rules, regulations and resources.

In (very) brief, dozens of “packets” have been sent to potential service providers (aka group homes) containing voluminous information about Ben, sort of a massive resume, including pictures, video, written descriptions, test results, medical information, etc. etc. etc. The goal is to find a good fit between a residence and Ben. We’ve gone on a few visits so far, with more scheduled. Ben turns 22 on July 30th. Deadline.

To put it mildly, it’s an emotionally draining process, and there’ve already been anguish and tears, along with some hopeful moments. Everything is unknown -- short term, medium term, long term. Really, really unknown. If that sounds like a recipe for stress, it’s gourmet.

Onward.

Karen pushes Ben toward the ducks in a Cleveland Metropark, April 11, 2015