Our daughter’s face rises to the iPad display. Seconds pass before her joyful shouts fill the screen. She is using her unique language to tell me, “I see you, Mom”. Our 43-year-old daughter, Jessica, has severe intellectual disabilities. Though she cannot speak, she fully understands and participates in virtual connections like FaceTime.
FaceTime with Jessica is unfiltered singing, laughter, and bliss. Her housemates frequently join in, singing all of Jessica’s favorites. And, I often wonder what the staff in the background think when my full-volume, off-key singing fills the call. For me, our chat is also a mom-to-daughter check-in because Jessica is unable to speak. “Are you okay, Jess?” (This story reminds me of the first post I wrote about FaceTime with Jess in 2020- So much has changed including how I post a blog!)
Her dad has a nasty virus, and I cannot risk an in-person visit to Jessica’s home, where she and her housemates are medically vulnerable. FaceTime allows us to connect and communicate. And for us to feel reassured that Jessica is okay. Just look at that face! 💖
For an inspiring stories about Raising a Child with a Rare Chromosome Deletion, check out 3-time award-winning memoir, Raising Jess: A Story of Hope!
Discover more from Vickie Rubin: Special Educator, Advocate, & Mom
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You are amazing for crossing every divide in order to reach Jess and others! Hope Mitch is feeling better! <3 <3 <3
Thank you, Wynne ❤️❤️❤️
When tech comes together and makes such a positive impact like here … it’s such a beautiful thing. This is awesome Vickie!
Thank you! And yes, Tech does have some beautiful life changing impacts!
One of the great things about digital technology is it it lets us stay connected when an in person visit is not possible. What a joyful update for this snowy day. Hope you’re all surviving this generational storm. And hope Mitch is doing better!!!
Yes! That’s exactly it – there are so many possibilities and positives about digital technology ( along with the so many negatives 😉)
Mitch is slowly improving- it will be awhile
How’s the snow near you? No school for T?
Stay warm ❤️
Glad to hear he’s improving. Take it a day at a time.
T got a snow day today! 🙂 He was a pig in mud watching tv all day while we worked, thankfully at home.
🐷🐗😂
My cousin has to be among the best people in the world. Your patience and love always shines through.
Which beautiful cousin wrote this beautiful comment!!!! thank you ❤️❤️❤️
Love this, Vickie! I almost felt like I was face-timing with Jess, too! Sending all of my love — hoping everyone stays healthy and well in the midst of wicked winter weather, viruses and more. xo! 💝
Thank you, Vicki!!!
Your comment made me smile on a cold and snowy day.
XoV
Aww! I’m so happy to hear that! Xo! 🥰
This picture is worth a thousand words!
Thank you, my friend ❤️