Our youngest "social butterfly" penguin

It has been nearly a year in preparation progressively building to this transition week.  We took it slow, interviewing with different support options, helping Maddie to choose where she wanted to live and her supports.  This is a significant adjustment for all of us, and I needed to be confident that her support system would respect and protect her, allowing her to continue in the activities she values while enlarging her growth.  Sabrina, her former respite provider, has been also very instrumental in helping her prepare for this change, helping her make decisions, talking with her about her worries, and encouraging her decision-making abilities and building her confidence. Maddie is well loved in her church community and wants to maintain attending with people she knows, trusts, and love her.

I am already seeing positive changes in the past 10 days.  She is waking easier in the mornings, retiring earlier to bed, and planning ahead for the upcoming week. While she has too much clothing and too many possessions (cosmetics), she already is sorting, choosing what to keep and what to part with, and where to donate. She is making decisions about her apartment, and putting her "home" together.  Today, she asked if I was proud of her.  A resounding Yes!!  

Will I miss her in our home?  Absolutely!!  She brings me so much joy and laughter to my life, in spite of a fair share of worry. We plan to keep our Sunday family together day attending church and playing board games. We have secured tickets for our next season at the Couer d'Alene Summer Theatre. We each have a "warmey" to heat and snuggle when we are missing each other.

I am so glad she has progressed to this move while we are not in crisis.  It's been very busy with multiple trips from home to apartment and back, but it is not a crisis.  I am grateful for this and so much more.