Ben

It is not often that I get a picture of Ben, especially with a smile, but here is one during the latter weeks in November.

After living in apartments for the past 16 months with varying levels of success, it was decided by Ben and the entire treatment team that it was a good time for Ben to move back home.  Hopefully by easing off some of his anxiety he will be able to build some more skills for the next time he is ready to move out on his own.  He is doing better at home even though transportation is more difficult.  The bus is about 1 mile away and only comes once an hour or so.  It doesn't often work out very convenient for him but he is managing it fairly well.  We give him rides when possible, but we have other commitments as well.

He is on a fairly low dose of medication as we are trying to not have major impacts by side effects.  This creates a situation where he must tolerate certain symptoms and still managing his life.  So far it is okay but he is in a very low stress situation.  He is working about 10 hours a week at DEO doing janitor work at night at the CRU.  We are all looking forward to him trying some additional tasks like school or more hours at work.  We will see what life brings for him.

Jena is thrilled.  She was not happy to see Tosha gone and to be the only Hall at home.  She likes her siblings around as much as possible.  I don't think anything makes her happier than that.