I have finally put the finishing touches on a project that was on my mind for awhile. It’s all about providing an introduction to Juliana. Business cards and personal cards can’t touch this! Juliana now has her own greeting card that we use to introduce her to people who are new to her or our family.
Many special needs parents come up with ideas out of necessity—this is one of those times. So, before I tell the story of what prompted this idea, I want to make it clear that we have a great church and an amazing staff of volunteers who look after our kids during church service.
Last year, we noticed that when we came to get the girls, Jessa was off playing, but Juliana was sitting happily enough at a table by herself. I didn’t think she was being isolated, but when we noticed it a third time, I knew it wasn’t a coincidence. I told Lamar “If Juliana is sitting alone again today I’m going to say something to the nursery coordinator.” “Yep, I think you should,” he responded.
So when we arrived after service, there Juliana was again. I pulled the nursery coordinator over and told her my concern. She assured me that Juliana wasn’t being isolated or ignored; that someone had been helping her and she had a good time. She said that Juliana had just finished her snack and seemed content to watch the other kids play. I knew that was odd—Juliana sitting still that is. “So she didn’t want to get up?” This confused the coordinator and then I explained to her that Juliana can’t get up out of her chair on her own—unless she scoots and then falls hard onto the floor.
The nursery coordinator was mortified! And I felt bad because I made an assumption that they had figured this out. It is really hard to tell your kid’s story in a five second drop-off before church. And with even the best volunteers, it’s hard to figure this out with a room full of screaming toddlers.
My creative thinking kicked into high gear. Instead of trying to tell Juliana’s story over and over again, I created a little card that does all the work. I won’t bore you with all the text, but here is the introduction:
I so love this. Now, each week I check to see if there is a new volunteer and if so, the new person will read Juliana’s greeting card. I go into church feeling that her needs will be met and people will know what’s unique about her since she can’t tell them herself. I’m feeling good because I finally got the card out of my head and onto paper. But, I feel best because now, when we meet someone new I don’t have to re-tell Juliana’s story.
“Here, read this,” I said to a friend of mine last week. She knows Juliana’s story, but I wanted to get her reaction on the greeting card. “What’s this?” she said. It’s Juliana’s story in a card.
“Oh, wow,” she said as she began to read. And then her eyes welled up with tears.
Juliana is a lucky little to have such loving parents and a genius mom like you!
Thank you guys,
I think we are the lucky ones ’cause she is a joy and keeps my mind active!
You are truly a unique gift from God to us all, Sabrina! Never did I realize when Lamar told us he had met a really “cool” girl, did I realize what a treasure he had discovered! Even tho I don’t reply, I read each entry with eagerness, admiration for you all, and inspirations for my own life. Even tho I know Juliana’s story from the day you got the telephone call of her birth, I would love to read her entire “card”. Thanks dear one!
Tami,
I am so glad that you are stopping by. Thank you for the sweet words and praise. I am truly blushing. Lamar tells me all the beautiful things that you say when he posts something new on Facebook. We are so blessed to have a great network of support in friends like you.
Friends are the best….near or far, you are ALWAYS close in our hearts!
Thank you Tami. I agree 100%. Your support has meant so much to us. I am always reminded of you coming to the hospital when Juliana first got sick. We appreciate you always being there. Even when you are far away.