Even though Johnny did well off the medication and was finally released from physical therapy, it seemed as though life had been put on pause for the DeSoto family. It was now the beginning of June, about two months after the accident that had changed all their lives. John still struggled with his balance, which wasn't helped by the shaking induced by the myoclonic seizures.
The one positive sign that could be seen was his nightmares were getting fewer and farther between as Johnny became more comfortable with the DeSoto family and the Station 51 A Shift crew, along with their family members. However, it seemed that although Johnny wasn't aware that the face in the mirror reflected someone different from who he believed he thought he appeared to be. John also fought against going out in public and each attempt to take him somewhere would often lead to tears, as well as frustration for everyone involved. The once vivacious, fun-loving, 'grab onto life with both hands' person had disappeared and had been replaced by someone scared of those unfamiliar to him, especially in places he couldn't hide out. It seemed that no matter how often Scarlett tried to work with him on getting him outside, John's anxiety level rose too high each time. Even Doctor Duncan wasn't sure what to do since Johnny felt as though something was off with himself and people were staring. It didn't matter how often or in what ways the accident and the changes were explained to Johnny, he just couldn't seem to grasp why it should matter.
"What are we going to do?" Joanne whispered harshly to Roy one morning. "We can't keep going at this rate! I love Johnny to death, but how is our other family supposed to function considering we have to plan everything around Johnny and how he might react?"
"I know, I know!" Roy ran his hands through his hair, pacing. "I'm just as frustrated as you are, especially now that we aren't getting as much help as we did. I just don't know what to do either. If I could, I'd help out more, but…"
"You have work, I know," Joanne sighed.
Hugging one another, both sent prayers that someone would find something soon to make Johnny more comfortable out in the world again. After another disheartening two weeks, Dixie showed up with Scarlett one morning.
"Hey, Dixie, I didn't know you were going to come with us today," Jo greeted her.
Shrugging as she and Scarlett sat down, Dixie admitted it was short notice, "I actually invited myself along. I've been searching for ways to help you guys out with the issues Johnny has being out in the world. I came across a group and I think it might actually be good for him."
Curious, Joanne's eyebrows raised up, "Let me just go get Roy, he's working in the den. Coffee's fresh in the kitchen so help yourselves."
Returning with Roy in tow, both Jo and Roy saw Dixie had gotten coffee for all of them. Knowing it meant this could be a long session, Roy called in Jenny.
"Honey, do you think you could go play a game or read a book with Johnny for a bit?" he asked.
"Sure," she shrugged.
With that out of the way, Roy turned to the two women and glanced towards Dixie.
"So, what did you figure out?"
"Well, actually Kel pointed out that there is an organization called NAHMI," Dixie admitted shamelessly. "It hasn't been around long, just since 1979, but from what we uncovered, even though they are small and are mostly made up of volunteers right now, I thought they might have something which could help you and/or Johnny out. It turns out, one of their more successful ideas is gathering groups of individuals with different special needs and doing activities in the communities."
Her interest peaked, Joanne questioned, "What sorts of things?"
"Well, from what I found out, it tends to vary with the group. It seems that if there are enough people to split into more than one group, then the group is divided into similar abilities as they call it. The volunteers ask the people what they want to do, what they'd like to learn, find special events in the area, figure out fun trips to take the adults on. I guess last month, one group was able to tour a bowling alley and then bowl before going out for pizza. They were even able to help make their own pizzas."
Surprise and a smile lit up Joanne's face at the thought. Roy, however, frowned.
"But what if it gets to be too much for one of them and they need to leave in the middle? Or can't go? What about the cost?" he fired off.
Dixie held up her hand, "I asked about that as well. The group will hold bake sales, craft sales, and also sell hot dogs, hamburgers, and sodas. Sometimes it's just a small sale like a barbecue sale, or craft sale, but sometimes, it a combination. That is where the volunteer part comes in. A lot of stores actually will help with the barbecue sales by donating the meat and buns, along with the soda, or reducing the cost. The adults who can help out and are supervised by others. The items in craft and bake sales are done by whoever is able. Also, a lot of the time, when places realize this is a special needs group, they often open their door at a large discount rate or charge nothing. It's really quite amazing.
"If there is an activity someone doesn't want to participate in, they don't have to go. You get a schedule of events for the month and sign up for what you'd like to; they understand if at times you miss a day without notice, but if you miss too often, they will not allow you to continue in the group," Dixie read off her notes. "It doesn't matter if the person goes, but ends up not able to finish. There are always extra staff and an extra vehicle or two in case that happens."
Impressed, Roy sat back, "It seems they thought of everything."
"I couldn't believe it either," confessed Scarlett. "I honestly think this could help Johnny. He'd be around people his age, some younger, some older, but all with various issues. I think it would help him feel less self-conscious and since it seems the places tend to allow the group to come in during non-business hours or are more flexible, it seems perfect."
"In addition to that," Dixie added. "They will take them to places and teach them some life skills they need, such as going to the grocery store. That was a field trip one group had a few months ago. The manager showed them around and how to pick out food to make something simple for dinner. His son is ten and has Down syndrome, so he is always welcoming these groups there."
"I guess the only thing left to do is see if Johnny would enjoy this, or at least be willing to give it a shot," Joanne smiled brightly for the first time in a long time as she felt there might be hope.
AN: I based the group and the activities on what occurred when I was in a special needs group designed to get me out and about. We played softball, got to go to EAA museum and fly in a plane, hold sales to raise funds for our activities, etc.
To learn more about NAMI, visit there site. Just search for NAMI!
