The “Dybbuk”or Blogging the Truth and Down Syndrome

In writing this blog I have committed myself to “tell it like it is”. No Pollyanna whitewash, but a true view of life with a teen with Down syndrome, both the good and the not-so-good. This morning was one of the later. I only ask that if you are new to this blog, that you read some of my old posts, to gain the perspective that this morning’s behavior was not typical at all for Ricki.
It is 8:26 am and I feel like I need some R&R. This morning’s “getting Ricki off to school” was wrought with arguments, disappearances, and the throwing away of her $2000+ hearing aid. (Don’t worry, I found it) And the only possible explanation is that Ricki got less sleep than usual. (Although in general this week, she got more than normal, as I have tried to make getting her into bed on time a priority.)
The morning actually started pretty well. She woke up a bit early (and went last night to sleep a bit late after cleaning behind her bed, see below…..). She promptly went to shower, and got dressed. I gave her medications to her, and she had breakfast. She was fine until that point, but then it was as if a dybbuk had flown into her.
She had dressed with flashy, non-standard boots, a pair way too small, that are “leftovers” from three years ago. I told her that these boots are not appropriate for today; it is not raining, and please go put your regular shoes on. She grumped a bit, but went to change them. Then, since she had several minutes left before her ride to school was due to arrive, she started collecting trinkets to take to school. First was her bracelet. I explained that the school does not allow bracelets, please take it off. After a bit of arguing back and forth, I warned her of a “consequence” should she continue, so she reluctantly gave in. Then a few minutes before she was due to go down for her ride, she started stuffing all sorts of junk into her school-bag. Two pieces of junk I allowed, the rest not, and I finally, with a lot of commotion, finally got her out of the door. She went downstairs, and as she exited the building, I waved to her from the window and wished her a good day. It had been a bit grueling to get her off, but I wanted her to go with a smile and a wave.
The next thing I know, the driver is honking and honking. I call him on his cell-phone and Ricki, it seems, is no where in sight. I explain to the driver that she IS downstairs, and is probably on the corner. A minute later her aide shows up (she takes the same ride), and she goes searching for the wayward child. She finds her taking a stroll just around the corner. I thanked the driver for having the patience to wait. But by now, having been frantic that Ricki would miss her ride (and where is she?), I felt like an old rag doll.
Ten minutes later the aide phones from the school. Luckily this aide is “on the ball”, and when she noted that Ricki was without her hearing aid, asked her about it. Ricki confessed to having taken it off in the stairwell, and throwing it down. The aide of course suggested that I go looking for it, which I did. I found it, but now am aware that Ricki is willing to throw away recklessly, this $2000+ apparatus. GREAT…. Now I have to dream up of a good, enforceable punishment for this behavior, to be handed down on her return from school.
I just hope that the dybbuk finished, and that she will be OK in school today. And I wish I had time for a nap. I feel drained, and the day is just beginning.