Saying Goodbye to Aldersgate Family

Last Friday Erik said goodbye to his family at Aldersgate Enrichment Center.  We were worried that he'd have a hard time doing that but to our delight, he handled it well.  He had been told a few days earlier that he was moving close to family and he seemed to accept it with no problem.   When we saw him for the first time he was happy, alert and "present".  So much so, we were wondering "What are we doing, moving him away from here??"   He didn't have the blank, vacant, depressed look he had over the holidays.  Many discussions ensued between my sister and me.  With difficulty, we ended up deciding that a move would probably be in his future eventually and since we had a new place for him all prepared, we proceeded with the plan.

The night before he left, Erik was getting plenty of teasing, hugs and attention.
These days were so special, I have to include many photos in this post.

We kept hearing how much people will miss him, from his Aldersgate family, his church, and the people at the bank who helped him cash his paycheck.  I'm so grateful he was surrounded by many sweet, loving people.   

We packed and loaded his things up on Friday while he spent one more day at work.  When we went to collect him he was working at his station, assembling plumbing parts for Kohler.

Erik really loves having something productive to do.

Everyone took off work a little early to give  Erik a goodbye party, with cake and singing.

Are you surprised that Erik had TWO pieces of cake and even asked for a third? (there was none left!)

Stories about Erik in the workroom started coming up, especially the time he moonwalked.  So we got a moonwalk demonstration!

One last hug from Michelle Thomas, the Executive Director.  She was there when Erik moved in 5 years ago this week.   Michelle, we will miss you a lot.

We hit the road.  Erik was doing well, smiling and singing along (with gusto) to Glen Campbell.  Always amazes me, Erik can't communicate at all but he can still sing because singing uses a different part of the brain.  He just loves it.

Then the DQ stop, and a blizzard.  

Looking back - this move, though stressful, couldn't have gone better.  The next leg of Erik's adventure was moving into Elmcroft Assisted Living last Sunday.  Stay tuned, more to come!