Susan's Blog

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

No Break, Make Boxes

I found this lovely email in my inbox this morning, from Nat’s teacher, about his first day of work at a local restaurant:

Hi Sue,
I just wanted to let you know how Nat’s first day went. I was able to go with the job coach and see how he did (I tucked myself away in a corner so I cold see Nat and the job coach but they couldn’t see me). He did AMAZING!!!!! The job coach had him change into his new [restaurant] shirt and visor at school and we made our way to the restaurant. When we got there, there were three other people getting the restaurant ready for the day. Nat shook hands with all of them and introduced himself. Joe (the job coach) showed him where everything was kept and they brought everything he would need to assemble out into the main dinning room. The original plan was to only go for twenty minutes or so to just show him around, introduce him to the staff members, and show him the different assemblies. Well, Nat was so great that we stayed for a full hour. The job coached asked him a couple of times if he would like a break and he said “no break, make boxes”. Nat got to pick out a soda at the end of the shift (he chose orange soda) and we made our way back to school. After we came back Joe commented to me how calm he was and that he seemed very happy because he kept whispering and smiling. – Therese

If only all people (Therese, Joe, Nat) were as dedicated to their jobs…

8 comments

. . . . you mean like your job as a mom, a wife, a daughter, and an inspiration to countless thousands of others?

: )

— added by Don on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at 9:48 am

Hi Susan! Doesn’t it just make your day when your kid adapts to a new challenge so beautifully? Way to go, Nat! – TPeacock

— added by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at 10:28 am

That’s a day maker Sue.

“No break, make boxes.” Wonderful.

— added by Someone Said on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at 10:47 am

After being around autism for 11 years I have always surmised they should be the first hired, especially in something like checking baggage at the airport. They will do an incredibly thorough job, will never get bored with routine tasks, will always show up for work, and will not constantly ask for time off or call in sick. None of this surpises me a bit and my heart sings for both you and for Nat, Susan.

— added by Sharon L. on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at 3:16 pm

Yea! 🙂

— added by Judith U. on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at 4:51 pm

You must be so proud!

— added by Mom to JBG on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at 6:34 pm

I am so happy for Nat and also for you and Ned. What a great day!

— added by Donna on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at 6:43 am

Way to go, Nat! Barbara Fischkin showed video of her son Danny at his job at a stables on Long Island during her presentation about autism and “aging out” at Autism One. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as we cheered for Danny pushing the wheel barrow and following his job coach so well. Then she showed him working with a speech therapist who got him to say, “Muuuummmm.” Can you say flood of tears? Savor the success, Susan. Yours and Nats.

You know I’m thinking of you.

KIM

— added by Kim Rossi Stagliano on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at 8:09 am