News from the Pines

February 18, 2009

Well, let’s see.  There’s a French saying, “People count up the faults of those who keep them waiting."  Then again, British satirical novelist, Evelyn Waugh wrote, “Punctuality is the virtue of the bored."  For those of you inclined to align with the first, I beg forgiveness, acknowledge my many flaws, and humbly ask you to consider the latter.  Life is NOT boring at Seekonk.  I continue to strive (and struggle) to bring our news in a consistent and timely fashion, still searching for from where I might steal a few extra moments.

The last weeks have been as full and rich as always.  In a definite highlight, several here attended the SPROUT Film Festival, seeing many short films written, directed and/or starring folks with special needs.  They were poignant, informative and inspirational.  Perhaps we have an actor or two but recently we’ve discussed the potential for a great original and contemporary soundtrack, inclusive of both individual and collective vocalizations.  There is a unique, perhaps avant-garde vibe in the Pines.

Recent weeks have also been particularly rich in parent/family visits, phone calls and correspondence.  For their part, our friends enjoyed making and mailing Valentines for some of their loved ones.  All are enthusiastic for opportunities to share with those close to them, their life and activities at Seekonk Pines.

What stands out as emerging strongly in these weeks, is evidence of our ever developing relationships.  As we’ve come to know each other more deeply, expanding our sensitivities to temperaments, our tapestry of expression has become interwoven with a glowing golden thread of humor.  Our crew of friends love to joke, tease and play.  In the freedom and openings they have to do so, they have created, sometimes unexpectedly, some pretty great moments, surely to become classic memories.

January 27th

Yikes, it’s been two weeks already since our introductory installment! Today, aside from a few runny noses, we are all well and “bug” free, but alas, Seekonk Pines has not been immune to a virulent, albeit blessedly brief flu. Four of us have been viciously visited during this time and fingers are crossed everywhere that the others will be spared. We are, however, a resilient bunch and life has been full.

Mondays and Tuesdays bring much loved horseback riding lessons at Blue Rider Stables. Ben is becoming more confident and rides primarily unaided. Willie loves to share his adventures and is greatly invigorated by them. Caroline is quickly learning skills like sitting tall and new this week, proper grip. Wednesday, often a home day, brings chores, indoors and out. Though, not necessarily always a house favorite, all friends this week included in their work, vacuuming their rooms and much enjoyed the accomplishment and results. Thursdays bring another favorite, drumming and singing at CATA. Ben, our natural, introduced a rhythm around the holidays that inspired a whole class. This week both Ben and Will performed brief solos during a rendition of James Brown’s, I Feel Good. Caroline, our most ardent music fan who often chooses to continue her listening pleasure at home, expressed sadness at having to leave. Friday brought a house first with all friends experiencing their first yoga class which benefited all, particularly impacting Ben who loved the deep breathing. Yesterday, all but one of us checked out the warm pool of Berkshire South and mutually agreed it was definitely to be returned to regularly. Very Nice!

In between, we tucked in Dr. and family visits, trips to the market and car wash, letter writing a nearly all day inaugural party and eventually, ourselves, pleasantly tired and ready for sleep.

January 13th 2009

Welcome to the first installment of News from the Pines, a weekly glimpse of life at Seekonk, a sharing of moments, mundane and miraculous.  As the new year begins, house parents John and Penny, their children and resident friends Caroline and Will have welcomed a third friend, Ben and staff members David and Lori.  Along with a small menagerie of pets, all are settling into a rhythm of life together - life sharing.  Already, whether going for a walk, working outdoors, blessing and eating a meal, singing or learning together, the connections that have brought us together and that are forming newly, have proven well that "The more we share, the more we have."  Our home is large and as we look forward to adding to our number in the summer, it is moving to experience that the communal heart of Seekonk is even bigger, emerging indeed as a High Spirit.