home full-time soon

Jenny Moss and I hung out with Suzie this morning at the Stuyvesant E. River park. Her mom (and a few of her aunts) met us outside their apartment in StuyTown and then Suzie, Jenny and I wandered east until we found a table and some chairs by the river, where there weren't as many distractions.  We chatted, did a little stenciling, played some word games and had a good time. It was the best visit I've had with Suzie in awhile, partly, I think, because we were engaged in activities, initially, and we talked about those activities, rather than trying to have open-ended conversation. It was the first time in the past few visits that she really seemed to be answering questions, rather than just saying "yes" "no" or "absolutely" and she really seemed to have a good time. It really felt like we were just kind of hanging out, which was fun.

When we returned to their apartment building, I asked her mom if she would bring some of the "games" Suzie has in Queens home so we could continue to work with her here the way we had been working with her out there. That's when her mom told us that, as of this Thursday (June 4), Suzie will be home full-time. I don't know the specifics of the therapy and the nursing help, but I know there is something. And while I'm hopeful Suzie continues to work toward more in depth communication, her being home seems like a really good thing. She seemed really happy when her mom told us about it and her mom and aunts seem really happy too.  

What it will mean, hopefully, is that she'll get more visitors. If you haven't been to their building in StuyTown before, take the L train to the 1st Avenue stop, walk to Avenue A and instead of walking downtown on Avenue A, walk uptown into StuyTown.  Their building is the 3rd building on the left (1 Stuyvesant Oval), just before you get to the Oval.  Their phone # is 212 598 0467. Obviously, call before you go, though her mom seems very excited for Suzie to have visitors.  

kevin

The Weekender

Had a good visit w/ Suzie today, along with Leona Brown, Jenny Moss and Scott Peehl.  It was great to see her after not having seen her for many weekst, although for me it was odd seeing her in a group - I'd grown accustomed to seeing her on my own.  She's a lot more shy/reserved in a group.  Still it was fun, it was just a side of her I don't see very often.  We did sit outside for a bit, which was much nicer than I expected considering it's right next to a highway.  And it's really great knowing that she's at her folk's place on the weekends now, from about 4:30pm Friday until Sunday evening.  She seems very excited about it too.  Since they live in Stuy Town (just above 14th Street, E of 1st Avenue) it will be a lot more convenient for most of us.  Excellent news.  k

SUZIE IS HOME ON WEEKENDS!

Hi All,

As of last weekend Suzie will go home on Friday nights to her parents home in NYC and not return to Park terrace till Sunday evening. Last visit i had with Suzie she was very shy but still rocked her pink shades when we went to get some air... Let's try and plan a trip to the Moon's soon..

JANINE