Words Galore!

I know, I know, I have been slacking on the blog, but in my defense I have been working on Max's power chair reconsideration and organizing stacks of other paperwork and filling out forms and writing letters regarding Max's diagnosis.  For someone who doesn't have a desk job I spend an unusual amount of time at the desk in our office doing paperwork.  It seems never ending.  Between billing screw-ups, appointments, and denials...you get the picture.

Anyway, we are proud to announce that Max has been talking like crazy over the last 2 weeks (Lord, knows where he gets it from?).  It all started with quite possibly the cutest "o.k." in the history of toddlerhood (no bias...at all).  Now he is saying airplane, big ball, bubbles, all day, apple, kick ball, pool, floor...the list goes on.  He is even copying us when we talk (uh, oh daddy...time to watch it, everyone knows only sweet words come from mommy's lips ;).  His speech therapists are ecstatic to say the least.  This has been a long time coming and we weren't sure it was ever going to get here.  It is such a joy to hear his sweet voice actually tell us what he wants.  He told me yesterday, "I want choo-choo." 

Now on the more serious side, the Medicaid waiver that Max is on is looking at severe cutbacks in the next couple of months.  This would affect a great many families (5,700 in South Carolina).  For us, specifically, it caps the cost of a wheelchair at $8,000 (I may have mentioned Max's will run about $25,000...talk about beating a dead horse).  There are a lot of other cutbacks that will affect families far more profoundly.  In an effort to save money it only makes sense that they would take from the weakest in our society.  I know there must be cutbacks, but the caliber of the "proposed" changes are insane.  Some families will not be able to appropriately care for their child in the home environment and may be forced to place them in a residential facility.  This will cost far more money, which Medicaid is willing to pay.  Another example of cutting off your nose to spite your face.  Max and I are planning on attending the meeting on Thursday night, while I don't know that it will make much difference at least they should have to look at the people their decisions are directly affecting.  Hopefully, other families will be able to attend.  I do know that some are planning to caravan over to Columbia.  The irony is that a lot of these families are unable to attend because of their child's illness/disorder.  Traveling for these families is very difficult given their family members medical needs.  I do feel that it is important for those that can attend to do so.  It is very last minute.  I was given the proposed changes over the weekend from Max's service coordinator, who received them from another parent and the meeting is in 2 days (it's almost like they didn't want us to make it, darn).

Needless, to say, once again our week has gotten a little busy.  I'm not sure how this happens every week.  I will update when I hear anything. 

Comments

[Jennifer Walker]

Praise God for the words!!! You will be in my prayers for the upcoming travels. God will provide.
Love you all!
The Walkers

[April Lawhorn]

That's awesome that he is talking more and more!! I know it's a joy and blessing to hear your little man tell you what he wants instead of you having to guess! Good luck at the meeting.