Our new psychiatrist, Alexandra is wonderful. More precise diagnosis and medications have been a huge improvement in freedom and mobility for several residents. There were a few of the boys who had some "crabby" days during their change in meds. Also, vecause the new construction is nearing completion, we are cramped into even smaller quarters during the day.
The new girls dormitories and too common rooms are so close to opening. We also get a small yard and some avocado trees back as the construction finishes.
Wednesday we celebrated Father's Day. Very nice luncheon meal with small gifts and lots of laughter. Sonia gave me a great keychain holder and a male cardboard figure with a) Bowtie and b) two razors. I can only surmise that she channeled the bowtie thing and the razors is because I skip shaving many days. There are about eight males working at the center and I could not ask for a better group of guys. Yestrday, we hoisted the basketball backboard and rim into place. Not sure Bob Veila would approve of the approach or durability of our efforts.
Lot's of small benchmarks for progress. Ingrid can stuff a cooie in her mouth (eventually) and is drinking from a child's sippy cup. Anahi is almost starting to crawl. One day she had the sniffles and just wanted to be held. For ten minutes she clutched me and nuzzled my neck. That ten minutes she was not doing her autistic rock and endless monosylabic chant. Suzi is growing and putting on weight. She understand what we say to her. She is blossoming. Angelito has put on some weight and was actually laughing when we set up the wading pool. Just two months ago he was hospitalized for malnourishment and dehydration. The anti-depressants give him some appetite and that is huge.
Employee turnover has been disruptive, but long term beneficial. Some wonderful new folks have been hired and we are optimistic about the future.
En El Nombre de Jesus
