Category Archives: News and Events

Drenched in Joy and On Their Way to a Lifetime of Firsts

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August 13 2023

Horrible photo, but I got ‘em. Thomas got home last night about 11:00. My mama heart is drenched in joy and happiness that they got to have this experience. Here’s to you, Thomas. A beautiful, talented, creative, sweet, kind human. ❤️❤️❤️

August 18 2023

Thomas was off to Senior Sunrise this morning. First day of last year of high school, first day of second year of college. Last end of summer at home with me. This is the school year of “lasts”, leading to a lifetime of firsts for this beautiful, amazing person.

I’ve tried to enjoy all the moments with you, Thomas. I always see people saying that “it went so fast.” That was not my experience. I can’t explain why, but it doesn’t feel like your life from birth to now went fast. I hope it’s because I slowed down and tried my best to be mindful and be in the present moment during our time together.

I know this for sure. You have been the most amazing blessing to me. You literally changed my life, my world view, my opinions, shifting the lens through which I view others and life events. My love for you cannot be described using mere words. It’s the feeling one has when witnessing the miracles in life. Stunning sunsets, sunrises, the birth of a child, the quiet of the snow, the sound of the ocean, the twinkling of the stars, the loving touch of another.

I had only intended to post Thomas’s photo with a brief message. But there’s no stopping the words when they want to flow. Hope everyone has a lovely day, enjoying all the moments.

Give Me All the Vacations – Camilla in Lake Tahoe

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August 12 2023

Lillian and I did it! We successfully navigated one night, at home alone for Lillian! I’m thrilled for us! Thank you to Matt and Julie Miller for the inspiration and the ideas. This moves us one step closer to me getting a longer vacation. Next up, we will try 2 or 3 days, then a week, and the sky’s the limit after that. (First time since about 2008!!)

Here are all of the South Lake Tahoe photos in one post. I stayed for one night, on the beach, with an amazing view. In my opinion it was THE BEST lake view room on the property. Don’t know how that happened. But, hell yes! I mostly just relaxed and enjoyed the view. I met up with my South Lake Tahoe friends for live music on the beach at the property next door to where I was staying. It was an absolutely beautiful night. The next morning I went to the beach early before everyone started arriving. It was perfect! And there was a bear sighting. But it was just out of my view.

For those that don’t know Nevada and Lake Tahoe. This was about an hour drive for me. We can get to North Lake Tahoe in about 30 or 40 minutes. South Lake Tahoe is about double that.

Camilla in Color – Bolder and Brighter as I Go

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August 9 2023

Who is that wearing something other than black?

I’m stepping out in color …. Slowly. 🤣 I’m also losing weight so I can’t buy too much just yet. I don’t think I’ve worn these colors since I was a teen. 😆 I plan on getting bolder and brighter as I go.

Thank you lovely therapist for helping me get past that stuck place in my brain. 💥💥💥

Way to Go Thomas

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August 9 2023

I’ve had a lousy couple of days. This just lifted my spirits. Thomas has received their first scholarship! Go Thomas Go!! I’m so proud of you, I feel I could burst.

Fear and Worry Nearly Stopped Me

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August 5 2023

I have reserved a lake view room for myself in South Lake Tahoe for one night next week. Fear and worry nearly kept me from doing it. In fact, I lost the room I was going to reserve because I kept putting it off.

I will spend a morning at Nevada Beach, go to a live music at the beach event, and enjoy my day and night to myself. I’ll be reaching out to a few helpers to text with Lillian, making sure she’s okay. Thanks again to Matt and Julie Miller for sharing your method for making vacations without our self-advocates work for them and us. I’m a bit worried, but I will work on that between now and when I leave. 🖤💋🖤 (Photo of Lake Tahoe, taken by me in 2018 or 2019)

I Appreciate YOU

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August 5 2023

With gratitude. I appreciate you. Thank you for seeing me. Thank you for supporting me, and sticking around while I experience all facets of myself. 🖤💋🖤

Rum Sugar Lime with a Brazilian Jazz Band

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August 4 2023

I’ve been wanting to check out @rumsugarlimereno, the Brazilian Jazz Band, and both drink menus. Finally made it there last night. Loved everything!! 🖤🎉🖤

 

Chad Basil the First Update

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August 3 2023

Chad Basil the First appreciation post. Basil misses Thomas but he’s powering through Thomas’s absence with lots of naps. 🤣🤣🤣 I’m going to miss my grand kitty when he and Thomas leave for college next summer. 🖤💋🖤

The Stanford Working Group – Finished

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August 2 2023

5 months of working together
Brainstorming a new name
10 assignments
Reviewing 10 videos
Writing 7 scripts
Producing 7 videos
Generating many ideas

We just finished the last Zoom meeting for the Stanford working group in revising and updating job coach training. This work culminates with a ND Employment Community Conference.

The working group had members across the US. I think there were 30 of us.
🎉🎉🎉

Step Eleventy Billion Towards Independence

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August 2 2023

Step eleventy billion on helping Lillian be more independent.

A fancy toaster with no knobs as Lillian’s poor motor skills prevent her from effectively using the toaster oven we have.

And most importantly does not make a loud noise, popping the toast up when done. It slowly rises, also having a button for checking the toast. My toast making duties are officially over!!

This is working towards our goal of me getting a vacation, with Lillian staying home alone, with helpers checking in on her. I haven’t had a vacation since about 2008.

Thanks to The Millers for sharing how they went through this process with Macy.