It was February 14th, 2024. My 35th Anniversary of the day, Mark asked me to marry him. A gig on Valentine’s Day, was not my favorite. It was a Wednesday evening, and the night before had been Fat Tuesday. So, one of the band’s, Mark plays in, had a gig. This band plays a New Orleans style of music and the plan was to play a slightly belated Fat Tuesday.
The weekend before had been a huge success for Teale. On Friday, Teale had gone to The Night to Shine Dance. Tim Tebow puts this dance on internationally. It is a beautiful mission of love, he and his wife do for people who are diagnosed with any kind of disability. They are treated to a lovely dance and so much more, the details of the night are wonderful. Teale has loved this event and her bestie, Katie, went with her both last year and this year.
They got ready at our house and then, afterwards, Katie spent the night. This year, the weekend had been especially fun, because, there was also a Valentine’s dance, on Saturday night. So, Teale’s bestie, was staying over for the entire weekend. The plan was for them to go to both dances. On top of that, I was taking them to a musical at Teale’s DayHab program. Teale’s staff (and others) put on The Greatest Showman. We had tickets for Saturday, afternoon, before the Valentine’s Dance. Both dances and the musical, went off without a hitch. Teale and Katie had a fantastic weekend together, seeing so many of their good friends at the events.
It was also a “high” for Mark and I, to see Teale have such fun, in a community of her peers. Teale having friends has always been one of our most important goals, far above many of the typical goals. We have just wanted Teale to feel like she was part of a community and had friends, besides, us, her family.
Late nights are not Teale’s normal routine, so I was thrilled when everything went so well. One of the medications she takes before bed, really knocks her out. It makes her so tired, that she needs, 12 hours of sleep, to really be rested. Teale getting enough sleep, is really important to keeping her mentally stable. We are very good at keeping a routine for Teale, when it comes to sleep. But, this weekend was so special, that we wanted to take the chance, of having her off routine, so she could experience the joy, of both these dances.
Ironically, this was also Super Bowl weekend! After Katie had gone home, we were invited to my niece and nephew in-laws‘s house, for a Super Bowl/Birthday party. A third late night in a row, for Teale, could be disastrous. The plan was to drive separately, and I would bring Teale home early, to get to bed. Super Bowl does not mean nearly as much to me, as it does to Mark, so he would stay and enjoy the game with family. This night would go later than I should have let it. We were enjoying the family and Teale wasn’t acting tired. So, another late night would happen.
On Monday morning, I had decided to let her sleep, as long as she would, and then take her to her DayHab program myself. Sadly, she did not sleep in. Monday night we would finally get her to bed early!
Tuesday night, would be later again, though. The Mighty Dunks, basketball league, was new for us. A basketball program, for people with disabilities. Teale loves going and seeing some old friends from her school, and the new friends, she is making. It goes into the evening, past her usual bedtime, but has been well worth the effort! After the weekend of 2 Dances, a musical and a party, it may have been a bad decision to go to basketball.
Wednesday, Valentine’s Day, was the next day. Teale would get up early, excited for Valentine’s Day. She was taking treats to all of her friends at her DayHab program. Teale loves a holiday!!! After her program, our Respite staff, was picking her up, to take her to a Zumba class. Katie, goes to the Zumba class and it is another chance for them, to see each other. After Zumba, my plan was to pick Teale up and take her to Mark‘s gig. Because of all the late nights, I had planned on leaving during the band’s break. That way, I could get Teale in bed at a reasonable time and start getting her schedule, back on track. This would prove to be a huge mistake…
To be continued…
