May 2008
Robert celebrated his 27th birthday in Las Vegas! All
of his friends and his girlfriend were present. Robert
loves the excitement of Las Vegas. He enjoys playing the
slots, checking out the shows and, of course, eating at
the buffets. Robert was especially happy because this
trip his girlfriend, Kelly, also went to Las Vegas. Last
year she was too sick to attend. Robert continues to
enjoy the work he does through his day program. Robert
likes the volunteer work he participates in and feels
very good about the contribution he is making to his
local community.
Update: February 2008
Robert loves to wear a suit and tie. He doesn't have that many occasions to dress-up but he takes advantage of every opportunity. Robert would like to find some kind of work in an office or business setting where it would be appropriate to wear business attire every day. Currently Robert dresses up for his quarterly meetings with his social worker as well as for church and on some of his dates with Kelly.
Robert continues to enjoy his volunteer work with SUCCESS day program Monday through Friday. On the weekends Robert bowls with the Special Olympics, goes to the movies and attends church. Robert also visits with Kelly several times a month. Robert has a very full life and we are thrilled to see him so happy.
November 2007
Robert continues to attend church every week. He loves getting together with his new friends. He hopes to join a small Bible study group soon. Robert also enjoys his weekly bowling league. Robert has made lots of progress on his bowling skills. Last year Robert started out with high game scores in the 30-40 range. Now his scores are usually between 100-120 points per game. Robert can be very competitive and really loves going for an improved score each session. Of course, Robert and Kelly are still an item. They go out on dates at least once a week. Robert is definitely one busy guy!
September 2007
Robert was excited to get baptized earlier this month. He has been attending church locally and meeting with a Christian men's group afterwards. Robert enjoys going to church and everyone has been very encouraging and supportive. We are very happy for Robert that he has found a group from church that he feels welcome. This has not always been the case. In the past, at other churches, Robert has felt excluded and not welcome possibly due to his developmental disabilities and speech delays. It is great that Robert is included at this church and made to feel am important part of the church community.
August 2007
Robert had a wonderful time at the wedding of his biological sister, Brandy. Robert saw many of Brandy's family members who have know Robert since he was a little boy. Most of these family members haven't seen Robert for a long time and were very impressed by Robert's speech and mobility. The last time many had seen Robert was when he lived in a skilled nursing facility and was unable to walk, talk, or toilet himself. Imagine their surprise when Robert told them that he was an actor and had a fiance! Many of the people at the wedding were so impressed because they remember the drowning incident and the less than favorable prognosis for Robert at that time. It was a great experience for Robert to see his sister get married and to here all of the praise for his own progress and successes.
April 2007
Robert continues to work hard with the SUCCESS Day program. He volunteers at a number of locations including the Orange County Food Bank, the Westminster High School Farm, and the Huntington Beach Humane Society. Robert sorts the donated food at the food bank and prepares boxes for different organizations supporting the homeless of Orange County. At the Westminster High School Farm, Robert help care for and clean-up after the various farm animals. Robert works very well with the high school students and the other volunteers. At the Humane Society, Robert helps wash the soiled linens and he even gets to help walk the dogs. We are proud of Robert as by his volunteer work at the animal shelter as he is helping the stray and abandoned dogs and cats become more socialized and adoptable. Robert really enjoys providing needed service to his community.
February 2007
Robert enjoyed a day trip to Murango earlier this month. He and Kelly along with his brothers and friends in supported living. Robert helped Kelly with the slot machines, and were each others cheerleader when one or the other won a little money! Both were definitely very excited with all the bells and whistles associated with the casino. Everyone in the group enjoyed a big lunch at a local buffet in between slot machines, and of course
Robert fed Kelly her whole lunch!
December 2006
Robert is already for Christmas. He is excited about taking off some days from work and relaxing at home. Robert enjoyed a few Christmas parties and gatherings. He especially liked the parties where Kelly attended. Robert is hoping to hear from his biological sister and see her during his holiday break. Robert will continue his volunteer work through the SUCCESS day program during the week and bowl with his Special
Olympics league on Saturdays in 2007.
October 2006
Robert recently joined a bowling league. Three of Robert's brothers are also on his team. Robert enjoys bowling and especially enjoys improving his score every week. Robert has made many new friends through this Special Olympics sponsored activity. Robert is also excited about the up-coming holidays. Robert is excited about all of the activities and events associated with the holidays. Though the holiday parties haven't started, Robert is using his time to make out his Christmas wish list.
July 2006
Robert is unhappy with the heat. He says he doesn't feel like working or going any place. We have to remind him to select clothing appropriate to the weather as Robert prefers to dress in nice business attire. Robert enjoyed a trip to the local casinos for Anthony's 21st birthday. Robert loves to gamble on the nickel machines. He especially feels lucky when Kelly watches him play the slot machines.
Update: March 2006
Robert (24) continues to plan his wedding with Kelly! Robert enjoys
looking at wedding-theme magazines and making guest lists. He also loves
discussing honeymoon options. Currently Robert is looking into cruises.
Although Kelly's dad wants them to wait at least ten years before they get
married, Robert is not ready to give-up. Robert is constantly talking about
Kelly and looks forward to every moment he can spend with her.
February 2006
Robert is enjoying living in Huntington Harbor. He and Jonathan get along well. They enjoy the "harbor life" and continue to make friends with the neighbors as they learn to negotiate their community. Robert continues to be in love with Kelly and they enjoy visiting each other frequently. Robert also enjoys visiting Kelly's parents at least once a month. Kelly's mom and dad are very supportive of Kelly and Robert's relationship which has been quite a self-esteem booster for Robert!
Robert recently enjoyed a visit with his biological younger sister, Brandy. Although Robert joined our family at the age of seven, he has always maintained a connection with his biological sister. Now that both Robert and Brandy are adults, and Brandy can drive, they don't have to wait for us to set-up visits. Brandy has always been a very supportive sister, even when she was a little girl. Robert is very lucky to have such a positive relationship with a biological family member.
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