Mike
Hi, My name is Howard and I have worked with Mike since 1996 when (age 22), he moved to Independence Street. Mike’s transition there was a little rough as he likes a routine, and at first he lacked both a routine and a key worker. I was hired by Kevin (House Manager) without prior experience in this field. As luck would have it, I have worked almost exclusively at Mike’s home since. I was trained by Mike’s favorite two staff people at the time, and I was able to help Mike adjust to living on Independence Street.
Mike loves his Mom, who visits often and also gets along great with his Dad, who visits once or twice a year. Mike also adores his grandmother and has an unpaid friend, Emily, who he worships. They have a special relationship. Mike would never do anything to disappoint Emily, and she thinks he is “the Man”.
Mike is very involved in his community. He is a member of the Wareham YMCA. Swimming is one of his favorite things, and he also loves going there because EVERYONE addresses him by name! One of Mike’s pet peeves is when people do not address him. That is why he prefers a set schedule where his activities are consistent from week to week, and he can build a relationship at all of the establishments he visits. He is very much people-oriented. Mike enjoys horseback riding. He is currently enrolled at Handikids, but previously rode at Wellspring Farm where he earned the nickname “Texas Mike”. Mike has a long-lasting relationship with a young man named Adam who lives in Onset. They enjoy lunch together once a week and do activities together in the summer, such as whale-watching, and swimming at Myles Standish State Forest.
Mike dines out at least once a week. His favorite diner rightnow is Fat Mike’s. Every Monday he goes bowling @ Ryans in Bourne. He is quite a good scorer. Afterwards, he has pizza from Nick’s and an O’Douls. His long-time doctor, Dr. Grace, permits Mike to have up to two a day. He is very happy when he has his beer. Mike purchases his own beverages with his State Liquor I.D. Mike goes to a consignment shop, Finders Keepers, at least once a week to pick up clothing to be organized and donated to the local Homeless Shelter. Staff there are always overjoyed to see him walk in the store. Mike gets a therapeutic massage in his home every week, and he also receives individual music therapy sessions. Mike is usually relaxed at both times. Mike even enjoys bringing paperwork to the CSI office because he gets to meet the lovely ladies there, particularly Shari, who always brings a smile to Mike’s face.
Mike also gets to do special activities, such as when Heather’s sister invited everyone to her waterfront estate for a barbecue and boating. Mike got to try a kayak for the first time. Everyone also spent a day at Canobie Lake Park. He went on every roller-coaster they had.
Mike takes a personal decision-making role when prospective staff are interviewed. If Mike does not approve, they do not work at Independence. It is so easy to see if he is comfortable with someone new. His judgment is invariably correct.
One of Mike’s joys is going on vacation. His first night away from home he is usually restless because of new surroundings, but he quickly adapts. He has been to Disney World (FL) twice, stayed in Provincetown (MA), Lincoln and Gorham (NH), Brattleboro (VT), and Newport (RI). He always requests a hotel with a pool and a hot tub, with an attached restaurant having a liquor license. He usually finds an activity he likes, such as a train ride, harbor cruise or dune buggy tour. He prefers to go on two vacations each year.
Mike had a long and close relationship with my late wife, Joan. They went on vacations together and had many a meal together. Mike invited her to be a volunteer at his home, a position she was honored to accept. I am sure he misses her. He now has struck up a friendship with Joan’s daughter, Deb, through her work with us at Wellspring Farm. And Mike has spent more than one Christmas with our family. Mike also has a bond with Missy, our family’s Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Missy is very protective of Mike and has accompanied him on numerous vacations.
Until recently Mike had been seizure-free since early 2002. I imagine this can be credited to his excellent medical care by his PCP, Dr. Grace, and his neurologists, Dr. Marks and Dr. Levesque.
Mike is a very happy man by nature and very loving, also. Everyone who meets or works with him becomes attached to
him.
He returns their affection many-fold. It has indeed been a privilege to have been Mike’s friend these last ten years. He has enriched my life and my family’s as well. He is a picture of courage and someone I deeply respect. He is my friend.
Sincerely,
February, 2007