I just want to give a “Praise the Lord” about our visit with Ben 2 weeks ago.  We went…not knowing what to expect, or how we would handle what we found (since his last visit in July when he got so upset).  He looked good in his eyes and being, and was calm and peaceful when he greeted me/us with a hug.  We felt confident enough to take him out overnight to a hotel like we always have in the past. I told him that was what we were going to do, and that we would eat at Chili’s and go shopping…just so he’d know what to expect.  At the Hotel, we got him cleaned up (home clothes), trimmed (neckline, ears, nose, etc.), and let him take a nap for a while.  We rested too–from our trip, and the stress the “wondering what might happen” aspect involves.  Then, we set out and went shopping at several stores, ate at Chili’s (he gets chicken fingers, mashed potatoes and gravy, and corn-on-the-cob each time).  Then,  it was back to the hotel to watch the Royals and the Giants in the World Series (Ben likes watching baseball, and we’re from Kansas City)…so that was pleasant and exciting.  Then, it was time for bed and a good rest.  We were blessed to find a hotel that has a 1-bedroom suite…the bedroom separate from the living room…which has a pull out divan for Ben (because he snores…LOUD).  He slept well too, and the next morning, we ate at the hotel, and then took him back to his living unit…having told him that we would come and take him home for a visit at Christmas.  He went on to his room peaceably to hang up his jacket, and we have not gotten any calls to the contrary since then.  I checked with the Social Worker recently, and all was going well. What a relief and blessing! They DID “up” his Risperdal by .5mg. about a month ago, as he was still having problems then.  Whatever happens, it was wonderful to see him doing so well again, and to continue with the pleasant visits we’ve so long enjoyed.  THANK YOU LORD!

The “Colony” where Ben lives…a church in the center, cottages all around