Gotcha!!

Many kids with special needs have little or no communication of any form so people often assume that these kids have a limited understanding as well.

I hereby shatter these illusions with the two following stories:

1. On sunday i stood at the kitchen counter preparing Yossi's morning medicine while he sat next to me in his chair with his nebulizer mask and a toy to distract him (so the mask will stay on). i glanced over to check on Yossi and i find his watching intently  while he slowly and deliberately pulled the mask away from is face. when i made eye contact with him, he burst out laughing!! GOTCHA!!
(thankfully he put the mask right back in place)

2. Shabbos mornings we don't have to rush anyway so its snuggle day in the zeichner household. Yossi was chilling in my bed and i was stroking his face and rubbing his back (fyi he LOVES foot rubs). my normally wiggly child laid very still with eyes closed for many long moments.  in surprise i commented to Dov that Yossi seemed to be falling asleep. As soon as he heard that, Yossi's eyes flew open and he laughed long and loud!! GOTCHA!!


 I've always treated Yossi as a regular kid as far as comprehension is concerned so I'm used to interpreting Yossi's body language. people who are around him less often are not. i love watching people's delight when they see him respond appropriatly.  not that he has to prove anything to the world but its just clear confirmation that he is taking in everything around him.  I'm absolutely enjoying this new stage where his thought process has  developed and he can understand and create humor. even though  he understands perfectly fine ,his comprehension level still develops below that of his peers because of his challenges. knowing that, makes these moments so much sweeter.  Baruch Hashem for the little things, they are a big deal!!

The Zeichner Hotel

there's this house on our street
that does not look unique
nondescript and plain
its just like the others, its exactly the same

but inside its a different scene
the likes of which I've rarely seen
guests from israel just landed
the keys to their room they are handed

now its friday well past noon
our  next guests are coming very soon
so we change the linens in the room
while singing a lively shabbos tune

the boss now vacation bound,
friends come in to watch the grounds
of course they need a place to sleep
so on the bed we put fresh sheets

then for the weekend we'll host family
so we prepare the room happily
we put fresh linens on the beds
for a comfortable place to rest their heads

on shabbos day,
 kids come to play
all are ushered inside
when the snack bar open wide
so the kids can choose their treats
and hungry moms can eat in peace

its shabbos again
what better way to spend
if not with sleepover friends
do you a see a trend?

tishrei is coming, do you hear,
suitcases rolling everywhere?
guest arrive from far and near,
do you have a bed to spare?

for each yomtov separate guests
the beds must look their best

seminary girls pop over
on their homebound stop over
while waiting for the connecting bus,
why not stay with us?


the pile of laundry now over my head
 i just want to lie down in my bed
the linens never see the shelf
Thank G-d i have help!

the linens are so comfy
and the food is so yummy
they come from worldwide
our door is open wide
welcome to the Zeichner Hotel



****This post is intended solely as a humorous take on the rapid turnover of guest we sometimes have. this post is not intended to suggest that our guests are imposing.  we are so thankful that we are blessed with space to host guests. because it is hard to get out with yossi, hosting our friends has given us the ability to enjoy  shabbos and yomtov like everyone else. Thank you to all of our amazing friends! we're praying for an upgrade so we can host you all more comfortably!****

perspectives II

Today i was reminded again, how fortunate i am to have a great support system at home, at school, and at work.

My boss assigned me a project and I told her that i'd like to take care of it next week once Yossi is back in school.

Her priceless reply: "no problem, I'm glad yossi is well and heading to school"

and she's right. with all moms (myself included) more than ready to send their kids back to school, I'm very very lucky that Yossi is healthy and able to attend.

Here's to many school days for Yossi - Happy Second Grade! :)

First day of school