Moment she shined.

The first two weeks of Maddie's transition to her apartment, she was up in the morning, ready to try new activities.  Since then, Maddie has been staying up late and sleeping in late, and fairly indecisive and ambivalent about activities.  When we started talking about the "open house" she was pessimistic that any of her friends would come and recalled the poorly attended 16th birthday party at the park.  We all encouraged her with greater enthusiasm than she, except she was certain that she wanted to serve "mummies" (aka pigs in a blanket, or crescent wrapped hot dogs.)  Between her support staff and I, we planned, prepared, and set up the event receiving approval from Maddie for our plans.  Maddie invited her friends, the BOG's, and some women from church that she felt connected with and were supportive of her.  I followed up with an email invitation that included time, location, and parking instructions. 

Maddie held her "welcome to my apartment" party yesterday. When the staff arrived that morning, she was awake, dressed, and greeted them at the door.  She had energy all day long and styled her hair with Elexa (main support person).  That afternoon, as guests arrived, she greeted each one and asked them to join the scavenger hunt that would help them tour her apartment. With a small prompt from me, Maddie took charge by introducing her guests to each other, requesting a volunteer for prayer, invited them to enjoy the food prepared, and outlined the sequence of activities planned. Throughout the party she kept her guests engaged and facilitated connections. More than half the people invited attended the entire party and Maddie demonstrated a happy, bubbly, confidence. As they parted, Maddie thanked them for attending and for their gifts.

Maddie's Innerspark (support staff) were amazed to see this side of her. Maddie was "in her zone." They were giddy with excitement of how Maddie interacted and engaged with everyone. As they spoke amongst their selves, they asked "why is she doing dishes for work?  She should be doing working at an activities center!  We should talk about a job change."  

Perhaps, if Maddie is willing to explore a change, she may work her way out of the "dish pit."