My Buddy Daniel

Daniel was our second child and son, born in 1978.  He had a rough start in life right from the beginning.  It took many years and doctor visits before he was diagnosed with a mild case of Cornelia de Lange syndrome, with its variety of physical and mental handicaps.

For the most part Daniel has been mainstreamed in school and activities through the years, though he did attend a different elementary school which had more resources for a couple of years, and was in a special program in high school.  He earned his Eagle Scout award with only very minor accommodations.

One of his heavier burdens in life is epilepsy.  He is prone to clusters of seizures, typically six weeks or so apart.  He is not able to drive a car, but does manage to get around via the public transport system.  He lives at home with us and is independent with many things, but not everything.  He will always need an assisted living environment.

One bright spot in his life is Quiet Waters, a retreat for special needs adults where he goes for a weekend every few months.  Here is a link to a video about the program (which includes some clips with Daniel and Suzanne):

Quiet Waters

He likes his regular routine, which includes watching TV and movies in his room, “reading” library books, walking around the Oak Hills loop each morning, doing his laundry every Friday, emptying the dishwasher, volunteering at the city library each Thursday, going to his sister-in-law Emily’s house each Wednesday (and volunteering at Springville Elementary), attending church each Sunday, and looking forward to dinner every evening.

Here is Daniel working at the Beaverton City Library

I try to bring Daniel along when I go places (he likes Home Depot, as well as the food samples at Costco), and we sign up as a team for various volunteer assignments.  Recently we covered two volunteer shifts at the Portland Temple cafeteria.  In September we flew down to California together to spend a week with my parents, and we took in a Dodger game.

Cleaning the church last Saturday

Though Daniel can be a bit impatient and blunt at times, he really has a heart of gold.  And he has many friends and neighbors who watch out for him and bless his life.

I am enjoying the chance to spend a little more time with Daniel, my good buddy!