Always Something...: One mom's amusing unusual journey!

By CJ Warner

This author has a wealth of experience in the field of disabilities and special education. She is the mother of an adult son with Down syndrome. Their combined adventures offer a humorous view of life. If you are a parent with or without a child that has a diagnosis you will enjoy their stories. It could change your view of those with disabilities and parenting in general.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Mar 20, 2021
• ISBN: 9781736269114

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Copyright 2020 by CJ Warner

Always Something...

One mom’s amusing unusual journey

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Although the author and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this book was correct at press time, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

Adherence to all applicable laws and regulations, including international, federal, state and local governing professional licensing, business practices, advertising, and all other aspects of doing business in the U.S., Canada or any other jurisdiction is the sole responsibility of the reader and consumer.

Neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility or liability whatsoever on behalf of the consumer or reader of this material. Any perceived slight of any individual or organization is purely unintentional.

The resources in this book are provided for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the specialized training and professional judgement of a health care or mental health care professional.

Neither the author nor the publisher can be held responsible for the use of the information provided within this book. Please always consult a trained professional before making any decision regarding treatment of yourself or others

ISBN: 978-1-73626-910-7 (paperback)

ISBN: 978-1-73626-911-4 (ebook)

This book is dedicated to Jer, Granny,

Paw and Shortie

I could not have written it without their

shenanigans.

(or the critters!)

Contents

Introduction

Unexpected Beginnings…

Terrible Twos And Then Some…

Elementary Escapades

Middle School Madness

High School Hijinx

Adult Antics

Other Entertainment

THE CAMP MONATUK SUMMER

Introduction

My life has never been regular. I don’t know about other people, but I know that all my life strange things have happened. God has saved my life twice, once as a teenager and again as a mom. I’m convinced He has something for me to do. When my son was born it was clear that God had other things in mind for me. I haven’t had a regular job since my son was born in 1986. I have worked part-time, made my own hours, worked full-time and been self-employed. I went to college not once but twice. The first, for interior design. The second, for education with a specialty area of developmental disabilities while my son was in elementary school. I’ve been a single mom for thirty years. Yep, the single mom of a guy with Down syndrome, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder), sleep apnea and other assorted stuff. After graduating from The Ohio State University, I was offered multiple teaching positions. Anyone who knows me, understands that isn’t something I can do. They would either fire me for doing it my way or I would quit out of frustration. I chose a different path not knowing where it would lead and it has been the best choice I could have made.

When my son Jer came out of elementary school I was torn between the new school that had just opened and homeschooling him. We chose homeschool. The new school was a mess and because of redistricting he would only know three other students. I tutored on the side to pay the bills. Eventually most of the parents of children I tutored wanted me to homeschool them also. We worked from our home for middle school and from our church for high school. The students were always a mixed bag of abilities, personalities and shenanigans. Many times, the shenanigans were the best part. I always told them that it’s a good thing I appreciate ornery. When I left the school and moved on, we occupied five rooms and the students had all graduated. Jer was ready for an adult experience. So was I.

Jer’s life was never the regular life most people with Downs have. After elementary school he was homeschooled for middle