Why Don't You Put Her in a Group Home? - Q&A
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 มิ.ย. 2024
- It's time for another Q&A! This time, Val answers the follower-submitted question: "Why Don't You Put Her in a Group Home?"
Welcome to our page! We are an atypical family dedicated to sharing a joyful life alongside things like autism, blindness, complex medical histories, and mental health disorders. We hope to take some of the mystery out of what it is like when special needs children grow into special needs adults. This life can be good. Beyond challenges and frustrations we find even more joy, entertainment, laughs and good times.
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BLOG: autisticinterpretations.com
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The rest of us see how much progress Jessica has made and just how happy she is as well as everyone else in her life.
I'm sorry you have to even address comments like this. She is a beautiful person and you're a beautiful family. I see a family full of love, that's thriving. God bless you all. 💐
Totally agree!
ABSOLUTELY 💯
Absolutely agree!!❤
Val, you are a great example of grace with your audience! We are the fortunate ones that your family chooses to share their life with us and we love it!
Val, it breaks my heart that you have to deal with these types of questions but I’m in complete AWE of your composure as you responded to them. I’m a long time viewer of your channel and it’s amazing to see the progress Jessica has made from your early videos to recent ones. It’s SO obvious that she is thriving in her environment surrounded by those who love and support her the most!!! Keep doing what you’re doing Brooks family… you got this!!!!! Much love, DeeAnn in frigid CT (a transplant from springlike GA) lol
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How generous of you to share and educate we who watch / follow your adult child ( and yours) daily life … it’s important to learn there are different paths for every individual and you explained it so well ! Thank you
My heart goes out to you. I see the sadness on your face. People can be so cruel and insensitive. You're a terrific mom and your family shows so much love to Jess. My prayers are with you all.
Amen to that!❤
I hear this too, I have raised my 24 yr old grandaughter who has MR and autism, since she was a baby. People who do not live in our shoes have NO idea about our lives! Not every disability is the same! I am going on 70 and we have no one else to take care of her. Just my husband and I. I fear group homes because of the horror stories I have heard! I love her so much and I am worried about when I die where she will end up! I do most everything for her and will continue as long as I can, she is my heart and a joy in my life!
What's wrong with people?? I have heard all about the 'group home' option ever since my son was a child. I used to get angry with people but now I respond with, "That might be a good option for him.....when I'm dead!!!!." Formal education and therapy is important and valuable, and are available to special needs kids till age 21. Love is a great catalyst for teaching and learning in a home setting. So many consider special needs children a burden, and there are difficult days. Many parents, such as myself, feel honored and privileged to share our lives with them.
You always respond to these less than kind comments with such grace ❤️
I love your videos, and I think your family is wonderful. I've skipped over this video many times because I knew it would make me cringe. I have a beautiful daughter who has just happens to have different needs. She was in public school and seemed to love it, until she didn't. She is verbal, but her expressive language just isn't there to tell me why. I think these teachers didn't understand her, and made it a stressful environment for her. I pulled her out, and we homeschool. I know her better than anyone, and I push her to her potential. She is not grade level, but she is learning continually. I love her, and do my very best. My family is amazing, and they often tell me how far she has come with me teaching her. It's hard because I have lots of things to do, and little time. It's stressful bc some days i feel like im failing. Its also rewarding. The time I spend with her is precious to me. I know, and more importantly, she knows that she is safe and loved. There are also people who think she needs to be in school. These are ppl who are relatives who never see my kids, acquaintances, and educators who have no idea what is best for my family. I get Momma bear rage, and I will dwell on these comments for....well, I'm still dwelling, so I can't tell you just how long, lol. Just know that so many people think you are doing the best job with Jess. She is kind, loving, funny, and smart. You are so lucky to have her, and I know you all agree. I myself suffer from anxiety, so I fully understand the value that comes from living in a low stress environment. I hope one day ppl will understand the power behind their hurtful words. I hope ya'll have the best day. Can't wait to see your next video!
Thank you for sharing ❤️
Oh my goodness! People are so rude. 🙄. You do an amazing job. It’s obvious how much you have worked with and love Jessica. You have a kind spirit because I would come back in not such a gracious way toward those people. Your patience with these ignorant, ill-informed people impresses me. They haven’t watched all your videos which have so much information and explanation of Jessica’s past and education. You have done an awesome job working with your precious daughter. She’s so much fun to watch. I know we only have a glimpse into her and your lives. God bless you. I understand when you put your life out there some people feel it is their “right” to say whatever they want and judge a situation they have very little understanding of about what you do on a regular basis. Hang in there. I look forward to watching and getting a laugh and having a little entertainment on her good days. Love y’all.
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Hello. I just wanted to say that what your family and yourself are doing for Jess is absolutely the correct care,help and support that Jess needs. From watching your videos on your channel,I see that Jess is in a loving,caring and very supportive family and that is where she needs to be and where she should belong. Jess is learning what she is comfortable with and people's saying that she needs to be in a Group Home is totally incorrect and their thoughts and comments are truly very negative and hurtful. Keep doing the good work that you are giving to Jess and please try and ignore those nasty comments from people. I love your videos and your content is enjoyable and lovely to see. ❤.
Well said, Val. I commend you for your demeanor. I would have been a bit more mamma-bear. Jess (and the rest of you) is wonderful to watch and it’s clear she is valued, loved and a contributor to your family and the community. The work you (and team) do is so important to educate. Everyone has value. Don’t for one second let uneducated comments get to you!!
I know you get a lot of people saying “you are so patient with Jessica.” But, I have to say, how are you so patient with these ugly comments?” Thank you, Val for explaining so much to all of us, and for sharing your joyful life with Jessica and the whole family. I don’t know any of you personally, but as a long time viewer it’s plainly clear how Jessica thrives in your home. ♥️♥️
Her family and living day to day life is her "group home"experience!❤️❤️
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Who in their right mind would even ask such questions? Not their child, not their business! Keep doing what your doing! You all are amazing!!❤
I can’t believe how rude people are! Do they not watch the videos?! I feel like these people watch 1 video and make assumptions! You guys are great, all of you do a wonderful job with Jessica! Please try to ignore the rude comments!
You are amazing mom, Jessica is thriving because of you and your family.... God bless you and your family...
I am so sickened by these questions and desperately fighting back tears. How could people be so cruel?
My thoughts exactly.
These questions are just mean!!! Im appalled at the ignorance of these people and judging 😢
You are the epitome of God’s grace. Your kindness is immeasurable. In whatever reason or attitude these types of questions are asked your response is on point and educational. Thank you for not being like the rest of the world and attacking when hard questions are asked. You are amazing!
I’ve always thought since I’ve been watching your videos that I’ve learned some of Jessica’s disabilities by just watching her react to different situations I feel that like anything relationships are taking time to understand the person and get to know them ! You’ve done wonderful with her as well as the rest of the family very loving and caring ! I enjoy learning from you and find Comfort that everyone is different and we shouldn’t expect anything from folks except what they have to offer ! Thank you ❤️
I admire your ability to answer cruel comments with such grace. I find it hard to believe that people feel they have the right to question you about such things. It's obvious to those of us that watch you and your family with Jess that you are always guiding and teaching her with loving support and acceptance. Being in her own home, surrounded by people who love and understand her is exactly where she needs to be. She has come such a long way because of the way she is nurtured. Your family is exactly what Jess needs.
If people would just STOP and watch your videos, they would see just how many teachers Jess has in her life. Every single person that Jess is in contact with is a teacher for her. There is not one single group home that has that many teachers. She is learning so many different things from so many different people. Mom teaches her things that Dad doesn't teach, Dad teaches things that sister doesn't teach, sister teaches things that Marlow doesn't teach, etc. etc. etc. AND the things that are being taught is different. Mom may teach how to hold a bowl one way and Dad may teach her how to hold it another way. She is in the perfect place for her. You guys are awesome and it shows. Is it easy? I'm certain that it is not easy but I am also certain that you guys wouldhave it no other way. #FamilyFirst #LovingCaringHappiness #YouveGotThis
we love you Jess. Jess your amazing. we enjoy your daily Progress. keep up on your good work. Jess has an amazing family.
The people making those rude comments need to watch all y’all’s videos and then maybe they might see why Jessica lives with her family!!…..
You are a great mother & family!!
Your family is heartwarming. The great majority find such joy with your videos. I guarantee people who write such things live sad sad lives.
O M G. I can’t believe how cruel these questions sound. These people are obviously not paying attention to your channel. You do a beautiful job with your sweet Jessica. She’s living her best life with you!
Peggie Schneider I agree with you 💯 percent !🤔
Oh gosh, seriously. You are so gracious in addressing these types of questions and so patient. The tone of these questions, the familiarity as if they know anything. How hurtful some of these comments and questions. I'm sorry, just rude, intrusive, insensitive. Because you love Jessica, period. Being a caregiver is a labor of love, and it can be emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausting, but we keep going.❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you for sharing you are so blessed to have Jessica and she to have you and her family. You explained it so well, I have special needs grandchildren and people can be really cruel with their comments!
My heart breaks listening to you read the comments from those people who thought they had the right to judge Jess, and your family without really knowing about you guys! Jess is doing great! And if they had been watching your videos they would see she is making such great progress! And that is because of her loving and very understanding family. And it's very obvious she loves you all her ( family) to. Why would anyone even consider putting someone in a group home when they have a much much better support system at home!
Some people need to "learn stuff" themselves! Thanks, Val, for handling this with education and class!
I am shocked that some people feel the need to ask you such questions and imply not so nice things regarding what you do and dont do for Jessica ! You have such class and dignity to handle the " crap " they dish out they way you do, I would be slinging swear words at them lol !! I for one am impressed at how your whole family comes together in such a loving way to help Jess every day,bless all of you
We as humans are all on a spectrum, with all the teaching of skill and schooling I could never become an aerospace engineer, it’s beyond my comprehension and ability. But by no means does this make me less of a person.
Keep spreading awareness and understanding💗💗
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You guys are all 100% amazing! I believe God has a very special place in heaven for folks like you. Keep living the dream. ❤️🙏🏼🤗
You do such a great job and Jessica is much better with you surrounded with love and the attention she deserves.
Im a caregiver to my Mom with Dementia... which is quite a bit different of course but people always ask me why don't you put her in a nursing home? People just don't understand until there faced with the choice of caring someone they love no matter what the disability or illness may be.
You're right ❤️
I had a great uncle…my uncle June. He was born in 1928. He never had an official diagnosis but his parents were told he would add no value to the world, be dead by 17 and he should just be in a group home. Being a medical provider myself now I would probably say he had cerebral palsy and learning disabilities. He never went to school so I can only assume had he been born later I don’t think he’d have the degree of learning disability that he did. I remember when I was little….I was say about 5+ I’d sit at the table while he ate. He used a spoon because his hands shook so bad. By the time he got the spoon to his mouth there’d be no food on his spoon. Finally I just started taking it from him and fed him myself😂. Until I was about 10-11 I ate ALL my meals with a spoon. Why? Because I thought my uncle June was the bees knees and wanted to be just like him. He used to walk me and my sister to the gas station for Candy even though my parents said no. When he was about 45-50 he discovered golfing and when I say “golfing” I mean golf balls. He loved them. So he’d walk a mile to the golf course and walk around trying to find lost balls. He pick them up, wash them and would sell them back to the little store that was at the golf course. Everyone is different and just because they are different doesn’t mean something is wrong with them. He taught me to look outside the norm and that everyone deserved to be loved and treated with respect. He passed away at the age of 78 even he was told he wouldn’t make it past 17. To this day when I see a spoon I think of him❤❤❤
Something else that really strikes me from listening to you speak about this is the (wrong) idea that disabled people or anyone needing support from a caregiver are just taking. Taking time, taking energy, taking effort. A comment like the one you address completely misses what Jessica adds to her family and community. She is not just a receiver of caregiving, she’s a loved and valued member of her family. Of course she is.
Very well said!
I think the nail on the head is people asking stuff because they don't fully understand and can't relate on any level. It is nice of you to address that for the sake of educating and also explaining your feelings a bit. I thought you might mention that you're not interested in a group home because she's your daughter/family member, you have the means and time, and it's what you prefer, too. There's nothing wrong with saying that's what fits for her and your family. Unfortunately in life there's always going to be negativity, but hopefully the positivity far outweighs that! I hope the word patience is less grating for you. It's really an admirable quality and often times I think meant to be compliments. Not everyone has good temperaments either. And you all really do! It's been fun to see Js growth and happiness. She seems much less anxious in general. Thanks for sharing and God bless!
Omg! Val I’m not sure how you are so calm and patient when filming this video . These comments make me very mad! Any decent parent would not put their child in a group home unless it was a last resort and necessary! Jessica is her on person and does things her own way. These are some very ignorant people making these comments. I love your family and think you all are angels ❤ I have a lot of respect for the WHOLE family.
Sending lots of love to you, Val, as well as the rest of your family. What a shame that anyone would see Jess and all that makes her the lovely happy spirit that she is, and would see how much joy she brings you all and everyone who loves her and all they see is a person that is in the way. It really annoys me so much I about jumped out of my skin. The fact that you kept your cool enough to explain this calmly to educate others PROVES that being with YOU in YOUR HOME, is definitely the very best place for her to be living.
I’ve never met Jess, just learned from videos, but I feel like a group home would be her downfall, one where she would not ever thrive or live life. I think you’re all doing a great job, Jess included!
I have Septo Optic Dysplasia. Which caused me to be born totally blind, and because of SOD, I have autism, I have no sense of smell, I have trouble regulating my body temperature, and I have complex PTSD. People have given me the whole, “you don’t look blind. So therefore, you must not really be blind.” SOD has nothing to do with the physical eyes, it has to do with the brain. My husband also has SOD, and we live with my mom. But we are working on being independent. I used to think I was crazy and that I was alone.
Thank you for sharing ❤️
Thank you for being so candid. Beautifully and simply stated. I was a speech therapist in the NYC public school system for 33 years. I worked predominantly with children who had multiple disabilities. No two children were alike. Each student had his/her specific issues and presented accordingly. People tend to make assumptions without realizing the complexities and interactions of those complexities specific for each individual. You explained this so well. And, as you said, learning is ongoing. Thank you for educating in such a straightforward, clear way. And, I particularly loved your explanation of self directed plan with such love and that allows her to learn at her own pace in a comfortable, low stress environment. She is a joy. As are you, your family, Marlow and the puppies.
Val your family is amazing. Your love for your children shines through in everything you do. Keep doing life the way that fits you guys best. You are doing a wonderful job.
EVERYONE has different abilities. Me included. I was born with spina bifida. I may not do things the so called (normal) way. But I do it. So does Jess. So do all of us. We are NOT all the same. Be kind ❤️
I am so sorry that you have to even address such ignorance. People who make such comments are so self-centered. I can't imagine them, if put into a similar situation, how would they process it. A loved one who suddenly became disabled through an accident or illness. Someone they love having a stroke and having to teach them how to function again. An aging parent or spouse who no longer could function as before. Would their first reaction be to send them off somewhere for someone else to care for them? Your family shows unconditional love, not only for Jess, but each other. That's what it is all about. You know what is best for each other and you handle it with the utmost of care. It is truly a blessing to watch Jess grow and thrive because her family knows best.
You are kind for addressing these questions graciously. When I see your videos I think about how atrociously people w multiple disabilities were treated in the past. Your family is one of many that are caring for Jessica and folks like her w love, empathy, and knowledge. Y'all are a modern reflection of how much humanity has advanced in understanding the variety of the human experience. Thank God/s we no longer consider everything to be demon possession or curses and shut people away. Jessica is such a blessing and she is teaching the world thanks to a loving family.
Thank you ❤️
God bless you and your family, for your patience, knowledge and love in advocating for Jessica. My heart pains when I see the ignorance, even rudeness, of individuals. You showed yourself on this video to be composed, even ‘respectful’, to the questions and statements you shared, while discussing Jessica. You have every right to be disheartened at the ‘insinuations’ and ‘abrasiveness’ of those who message you. You are a beautiful woman and mother and it’s a privilege to follow and learn from you all.❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️
I admire your calmness in your reactions. 👍
I would go mad and block them all.
I’ve been watching y’all for a short time but I will tell u y’all are a loving caring family . Jess is right where she should be with her family. The care y’all all give her is more than she’d get any where else . From the little time I’ve been watching Jess seems to be very happy and she does do things that y’all are showing and teaching her things to help
her be more independent . Who ever is asking all these negative questions much not have any thing better to do and a heartless person . It breaks my heart for someone to ask the things they are asking . I just want to say Jess is a beautiful woman and I think she does well and u and the rest of the family should be proud of what y’all teach her snd there for her . Jess knows she’s loved and taken good care of . I think y’all are a amazing family !!❤
Thank you!
I can’t believe people say the things they do. I am new to this channel and I watch at least 1 video a day. I already love Jessica. She makes my day when she talks about her “dirty garbage mess”. From what I’ve seen so far she does wonderfully trying new things and wanting to be more independent. Good job Jess! And good job to her family for pushing her to get better with her skills everyday. She’s as lucky to have you guys as you guys are lucky to have her! ❤
Thank you so much!! Welcome!
Val,you absolutely do not
Owe anyone any explanations…. The best way anyone can learn is from
People who truly love them and have their best interests at heart… I think your family is awesome as most people who suggest a group home are people
Who would not have the selfless , loving patience that you have.. they wouldn’t have the ability to lovingly teach and deal with frustrations every day!! You are awesome and you owe NO explanation for your loving choices ! Jess is a lucky girl to have a family that cares enough to help
Her thrive in this life we live!!❤❤❤
I think that people think 🤔 she is more able because of her verbal skills! And it’s a credit to your family that she is the way she is! And her !
This is your child they are not in your shoes people are so unbelievable I would do the exact same thing your doing amazing!!God Bless!❤
I loved when you said “some things that Jess can’t do that”. I love that it was subtle and easy to miss. That’s exactly the point. It so perfectly captures your spirit: quiet and unrelenting.
You handled this beautifully. People are horrible on social media. Everyone’s family is made up of unique individuals and most people do the best they can for their own family situation. Thank you for sharing your family with us❤
Jessica is very blessed to have her family all of who love and understand her. She is also a very loving person who I can tell is easy to love. Isn’t it sad that some do not have the ability to see past her disabilities to who she is as a human. I think y’all have probably learned as much from her as she has from you. I have honestly learned a lot from Jess and the rest of you and I am 71 never too old to learn thank you.
Awesome answers to these questions/comments. I have watched only a short time and can see that Jessica is learning a ton, but most importantly is that she is loved! No other explanation is needed. LOVED...
Thank you for being vulnerable enough to share your family’s life with all of us. You each have inspired me in different ways. I hate that there has to be such negativity from strangers. Anyway you always handle it with such grace. Again Thank you so much for sharing your lives with us and turning negative into education.
Thank you ❤️
Graceful, you are always so graceful.
Individualized Service Plan (ISP) or Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Individualized plans for whatever, are at the core of all programming. Each person has different set of diagnoses, with different trajectories, with different needs, with different abilities, with different ways they each excel.
I am always baffled at people who think YOU should be doing something different that will make Jessica better. And in a hateful and spiteful way. Why?!?! Seriously, just go back to some of the earlier videos and compare those to the videos she has now. The gains and independence is mind blowing!!! For example, look at all the different foods that she has been touching- a very sensory aversion she has had all her life- overcome because the reward at the end is WORTH a couple of minutes of something unfavorable (dirty hands). And she is on video, showing people. The ability to show people how brave she can be to earn independence is HUGE for her.
How about using a hot oven or the mini oven thingy. HUGE accomplishment. She is deathly afraid, in her bones afraid of getting burnt (and also very afraid for other people getting burnt), but she has overcome this with Shrek sized oven mitts and being very careful. She verbalizes her own fear and her fear for others, BUT she still does the task. HUGE accomplishment.
I could go on and on about the difference I see from 4 or 5 years ago to now. It is mind blowing.
I've worked in group homes. While I busted my butt, I had fellow staff members who did not have the same goals in mind that I had, to say it lightly. Most group homes have hidden horror stories. Physical abuse (I've heard the stories, luckily I never witnessed that) neglect, I witnessed plenty of that. Sexual abuse BY STAFF MEMBERS. Don't get me wrong, the large majority of dsp's have their clients well being first and foremost in mind. I've worked with some amazing staff over the years. But! Because of the low pay scale this position offers, there's a huge staff turnover. A lot of people get in to that line of work thinking it will be easy money. Those people don't make it a week. I've seen that more times than I can count.
I've also worked in family homes. If at all possible, she needs to be home with you guys. The success these guys reach is so much easier for them to obtain than if in a group home and or even an independent living situation. (I've worked independent living as well)
You guys are mind blowing amazing!!!
Thank you for sharing ❤️
This is so SAD !!! Val you and ALL of your family are doing a GREAT JOB !!! They aren’t living in your shoes and I can’t believe PEOPLE could be so hateful !!! People that are watching your videos should see how much Jess is LOVED by EVERYBODY that’s in her life !!! Your doing a awesome JOB, please don’t let those hateful comments ever get you DOWN !!!
So sorry that you have to deal with that kind of CRAP !!! Love your family and your wonderful videos, that help other people to understand Jessica’s illness !!! Keep up the great job !!!
God bless you and your family. I so love watching your videos ❤
You could not have said it any better! Straight to the point!
Keep on doing what you are. I look forward to seeing your videos. May God bless you and your family. Thank you for inviting me to see your wonderful family.
I have worked in many group homes…Trust me, Jessica is in the BEST place she could ever be!!…..I get anxiety thinking of Jessica living in some of the group homes I’ve worked at….Moving her to the “un known” could/would rock her world….Not for the better either!!….You and the family are AMAZING care givers!!….Kudos to you all ❤
I Love love love your explanation of the disability spectrum. It is how I always explain my syndrome because though rare, none of us is exactly the same.
Of course those people just dropped by your channel. The questions are ridiculous. They are just asking questions about something they have no background info about. You explain the needs of Jessic in a way that is easy to understand. I can’t believe anyone would even have some of those questions. I guess they don’t have any real world experience with the huge world of special needs people and their families. I’m getting mad so I’ll stop writing any more comments.
Why must people compare, this is something that really works my last nerve. We are all unique in our own way. You are Jessica's family and you all know what is best for her. A person on the outside looking in should never question yours or Jessica's abilities. Everyone is beautiful in their own way. Bless you Val because I don't think I could Q & A so nicely when it comes to the judgemental questions.
Beautifully explained, Val. I have seen Jess make huge gains in the past year I've been following. She is working with the best team - her family, Marlo, and the pups.
Val you and all the family are just what Jess needs. Jess has all the guidance and love. She is in a great place. I love following your family.🌸
Well said Val. Jess is where she needs to be in her loving home with family and friends. Jess has made so much progress, and I am so proud of her. She is a beautiful person inside and out.
Jessica Brooks is a TRUE BLESSING not only to her family but also all of us #GOODONES Xoxoxoxo I’m so glad I found your page, been following you guys for about three years. Sending so many blessings your way♥️
I am more than shocked that people would be so judgmental when they haven’t walked a mile in your shoes. It breaks my heart when you do all you can to for your daughter because you love her! How dare they say such horrific comments. Keep up your great work with Jess! Spread the love and keep educating all of us.
Val, you are an amazing woman, an amazing mother. Don’t ever listen to the negative or ignorance that comes your way. Jess is thriving because of you! ❤️
You handled those ignorant comments with such grace. If they watch your videos and still can’t “see” who Jess is, and all she CAN do, I feel sorry for them, They’re missing out on seeing a wonderful human being and her loving family.
Kudos mama!! From someone who has worked in special education and group homes for 30 yrs … you’re doing it right!!
You do you! Y'all are doing a great job! 🥰 We adopted our grandson..he's special needs due to drugs in utero! He has ADD ADHD and OCD...I home school for the simple fact, can't sit still in a traditional classroom... I refuse to put him through the stress!
I try to watch all you videos..
I don't know why you're back at bad daddies but, i do feel it's a great family environment..
I think Jess does great with her family’s help. Why would she need to go to a group home. She’s doing so well.
Good video. I’m glad you are taking care of Jessica.
My question is why are people so STUPID? What gives them the right to say anything at all. Unless they have lived with you and Jessica and know the situation first hand they need to but out. You keep doing you Val and be proud of yourself. You are the childs mother and know best always.
Thanks for explaining! I was curious about her blindness. Keep doing what you are doing. You are doing great!
I'm sorry people are ignorant. You know what's best for Jess. I look at ya'll like a team and a great winning team.
Thank you Val for posting this video. I feel bad that some people will question you about Jess and family things. It is good that you can explain things but wish people would think before they speak. Val, you are the best! Hannah is such a caring and loving sister to Jess and a great daughter for you. Val, bless you and your family. 💝
People can be so cruel. I have muscular dystrophy and use a rolling Walker and can barely walk. Sometimes I stay inside my house because I can’t deal with the stares and questions and Rude remarks.
I’m sorry 😢
Hello. I'm sorry you have to deal with that from people when you go out.
Val…I love an respect you so much…There are no words to describe how I feel about you as a Mother…you are an awesome human being🥰🥰
You are so gracious to explain this in such detail… I like others cannot believe the audacity of the questions asked. Watching just a few of the videos of your lovely family would answer most of those questions. ❤
Questions like these show some have no idea what Jessica’s disabilities are. She is amazing and so are you, Hannah & your entire family.
Dear Valerie, thank you for your clear answers and explanations. I wonder why it is difficult for some people to ignore other people's possibilities and only judge. You make a positive difference by just continuing to do what you do. And how beautiful is that! Take care, greetings Angela
Val this made me cry why would anybody want her in a group home you can see the love and the care that you guys give her just since I have been watching I have seen how smart and how much she has learned. some of the questions just made me mad and I thought you handled them really well because I would have not been as nice as you LOL. I think when people ask questions like that they need to just quit watching you .anyone watching she is getting the best care and everything she needs right where she's at you guys are doing such a great job ,and I'm so thankful I found this blog and to be able to watch and how much it helps us .i hope you know the majority of your followers see what a great mom caretaker Hannah as her sister and bad daddy and Marlowe you all do great ❤️we appreciate you all so much you are family to us just keep blocking the heaters .we love you and keep up the good work. I can't imagine where Jess would be if you put her in a home.without the support she has with you, it shows so much thank you for sharing .❤️hugs
My thinking is very similar to you, Val. I assume people that ask these types of questions aren't familiar with your life, or have never had interaction with people with disabilities. As far as a group home, I have a hard time sending my neurotypical children to college! I can't imagine trusting anyone else to my child with numerous cognitive and/or physical disabilities. As you know, I love your family and have ultimate respect for you all.
How bout it's none of there dang business I'm so happy that jess has such a loving supportive family. 💗
I give people 1 day in your life and see if they'd be asking those types of questions then! It's like to saying to them "I have a friend who's a doctor, so why aren't you a doctor"? I get this too with my daughter, and it really is offensive to be honest. Val, you and your family to amazing and I'm so grateful for you.
I’m sorry that you needed to make this video. My son had a speech delay and was later identified as being autistic. A few well meaning people asked if we did x, y, z to help with his speech, and they zone out when I stated explaining about speech therapy and ieps. It’s the same now with his limited food choices, yes we’ve tried everything and there is no quick and easy solution for it.
Wow, you’re doing a wonderful job trying to keep the mean people at bay and not letting it affect you. I know sometimes they prob do, but I’m so glad you have such a large heart and Jess is with you. Maybe in the future things will change but she seems to be happy and thriving with you.
Val, Jess, Bad Daddy, Hannah et All
I am sorry that you would get negative and hurtful comments. It breaks my heart for you each time you've done videos addressing these comments. People are so disrespectful, they should see with each video you are doing what is right for Jess
No children/adult is exactly the same. Everyone learns at different rates. I for one appreciate how you have shared you life experiences to help others.
On a side note I am a grandmother who takes a potato masher to my food and eats with a spoon as that is the texture I prefer
Val, you did great keeping your composure while discussing this "gut wrenching" subject. It's true that love never fails.
I don't think they realize how much Jessica does I mean I think the fact she can cook is amazing!!and she is very talented
hi val all i can say is wow , i cant believe some of those questions or comments , you and your family have raised jessica into such an outstanding human , she is very intelligent and jessica wouldnt ever get such a better life being away from all of you , thats outrageous , you should be so very proud of the support youve given jessica , jessica is such a bright light in my day shed be a joy to watch her grow with all her skills x
Comments like these are slightly triggering I’m sure, but maybe some need answers for themselves. I’m sure so many go through these things (not necessarily the same but similar) and just don’t know what to do.
I support y’all so much! Hoping one day I get to see y’all! It’s so inspiring how your family runs! Thanks for always being transparent! ❤
Ps Val, did you get your hair done?! It looks great, not that it looks terrible ever, but maybe the light is just hitting right.
❤️ You are doing a great job.