Due to this new way of life for now I felt the need to figure out more creative ways to continue to stay connected with my adult special needs daughter. My daughter has been living in a residential setting for quite some time now. If this is a situation that applies to your life these are some of the ways we manage to stay connected. On a periodic basis I send her care packages to remind her how much I love her. In the box of goodies I send some of her favorite items like shower gels, lotions, and body sprays. Attached to each bottle I write a personal note saying “here are some items to pamper you and keep you smelling sweet”. Sometimes I send some clothing items she may need too. I’ve also learned to tap into one of her many talents. She loves to draw. I’ve send her sketch pads, crayons, colored pencils, regular pencils and storage cases for those items. As an added bonus I always remember to send her a few of her favorite snack packages of mixed nuts with cranberries, her favorite mints and vegan chocolate candy.

On occasion we get the chance to face time. We talk on the phone to check in with each other at least 2- 3 times a day just for a quick chat. When we visit in person I sometimes bring lunch or we go out to eat and do a little retail therapy shopping. The one thing we agree on most is we are both looking forward to our home visits once again but in the meantime being able to figure out how to stay connected has made our relationship just that much stronger.