Navigating Life's Detours
Finding the right path for a teen with special needs
Tag: disabilities
The J.P. Story: Uncertainty before birth
Dad’s note: In honor of J.P.’s 12th birthday, I’m beginning “The J.P. Story,” which looks back at our journey through birth and now approaching teen-hood. I hope you enjoy. The first chapter looks at life before the trip to the delivery room. It came…
Walkin’ ‘n Rollin’ to support Canine Companions
To say that the addition of a service dog has changed the lives of J.P., Paige and I would be an understatement. Earlier this week, Paige said she was at first hesitant about getting one but now wishes she had done it years ago….
It’s International Assistance Dog Week
I feel kind of old tonight. Why, you ask? It’s because there’s a new group of families at Canine Companions for Independence in Orlando this week being matched with assistance dogs. The timing is impeccable as the group kicked off training as International Assistance…
Staycation memories bring smiles
The summer staycation ended way too fast, and my sister, Catherine, and my niece, Abbie, are back home in Missouri. Goodbyes are tough, but the memories made during the visit will have me smiling for weeks to come. The all-important Great Doughnut Survey was…
J.P.’s staycation adventure
It’s been a busy few weeks with schedule changes at work and numerous special appointments — both personal and business. Through it all, I’ve been looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. That’s when my sister and niece arrived for a…
Vacation all I ever wanted …
J.P. just completed extended school year, and the start of fifth grade for him is less than a month away. Most would be thinking about summer vacation, but with much of my vacation time used for training at Canine Companions, it’s time to get…
Friday Fun: Karina assists in therapy
Hi everyone, it’s Karina. My facilitator, Jeff, told me he’s been getting many questions about how things are going as I’ve settled into life with the Cousins family. I thought I would try to fill people in on how a Canine Companion goes about…
Karina gets clean
It was a big week for J.P. and Karina as we passed the one-month mark after graduating from Canine Companions for Independence. One month later meant Karina got her first bath, and we had to file our first report with CCI. The report asked…
Praying for healing
I’m not sure what to title this post, so I’m going to write it first and see what comes to mind. I am very lucky to be surrounded by some amazing people in my life. I hold them in high regard and thank them…
Enjoying the everyday
After more than a month of chaos, even doing household chores seems relaxing. It’s really nice to be settling into our new normal in the Cousins’ household. Over the past few days, there’s been an effort to get things cleaned up inside and outside…
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