Update: Pray for Dom- Dom has passed, His Services, Thank You- Page 48 post 949

It's like he's a plant or something. :sad1:
:hug:

I'm so sorry about the lack of stimulation from the staff, but I could tell in the video that you're doing a great job. I definitely felt like he was trying to communicate!!

Are only family allowed to visit? If not, I was thinking about something. - Around here, high school kids have community service requirements. I wonder if that's also true where the facility is located? If it is, maybe you could get a couple of kids to go in on days when you can't, and play music or watch TV with Dom or something like that?
 


I like PollyannaMom's suggestion. What a gift that could be if it is allowed. I wish we lived nearby. I would take turns visiting Dom. Hugs to you and your precious nephew.
 
Happy to see your post

Sad to read it has become two steps backward for Dom

You are a saint for all the attention and care you and your family are providing

Continuing lifting Dom and family up in prayers
 
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:hug:

I'm so sorry about the lack of stimulation from the staff, but I could tell in the video that you're doing a great job. I definitely felt like he was trying to communicate!!

Are only family allowed to visit? If not, I was thinking about something. - Around here, high school kids have community service requirements. I wonder if that's also true where the facility is located? If it is, maybe you could get a couple of kids to go in on days when you can't, and play music or watch TV with Dom or something like that?

I was thinking the same thing! A church group might do it too, or a homeschool group.

And thank you so much for sharing Dom's story of addiction. No one will judge him for that, but it truly might help someone else who reads it. My dh's younger brother died a drug-related death when the brother was 18 (and we were in our early 20's). This was about 25 years ago. My 20yo foster son was doing a lot of pills over the past year, and has been clean (from pills, he still smokes pot though) as far as I know for the past couple of months. But it's so scary to me. We even had an intervention with him, which didn't help. He needed to want to stop the pills on his own. Anyway, there are very few of us who are without hard times, and Dom's sound like they were very hard for him.

You sound like such an amazing aunt, and your husband an amazing uncle. Dom is very lucky to have you both in his life. The video of him responding to you brought me to tears. I'm praying for progress and comfort for Dom. Many, many hugs to you. :hug:
 
Sorry about the latest update on Dom. Hang in there. It's so hard with family sometimes, everyone wants the best for him, but everybody has different ideas and expectations. You are doing a wonderful job of advocating for him. Don't ever give up. Dom seems like such a gentle soul. I will pray for all of you. Hugs. :grouphug:
 
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This is sad and frustrating for you. All you can do is keep repeating that you think Meadow View is a better facility and you think it's best if she starts things long term.

Hugs to you for hanging in there and being a good aunt to Dom. Looks like he likes having you there. :)
 
Very sad viewing the videos, Teresa. Bring tears, seriously. Hoping Dom's mom comes around as to what is best for him, now.

You and Harry are so, so good. :hug:'s for you both. Continued prayers for you all, especially Dom.
 
Oh Teresa my heart hurts for you guys!!! What a wonderful idea PollyannaMom has. We have a college youth group and that would be right up their alley. I am truly praying for you all Teresa. This Wednesday I am doing a fast during this Holy Week. I will spend some of my prayer time specifically for your family. Prayers for strength, hope, changes in hearts and circumstances. :hug: I will also share this with my prayer partners!
 
I hear what you are saying, and I did give it a lot of thought before I posted it. Everyone who knows our family already knows this story, and the circumstances that have occurred over the years. I believe more people may be helped by knowing how things like what happened to Dom & our family can happen to them, than may be hurt by it. I've seen firsthand the damage keeping "family secrets" can do. I don't want people to think Dom was just another spoiled, lazy, over indulged kid who grew up to be a drug addict. He wasn't. He was a nice, kind, quiet, considerate, adorable young boy who was subjected to an extreme amount of stress & pain, although I'm sure not intentionally. Instead of growing into a confidant young man, he was the least confidant person I know, had low self esteem, and obviously thought he was a loser. He was never given the chance to stand on his own, to learn to make his own decisions, & follow his own path. He was always too busy trying to keep the peace, and keep everyone happy. He was trying to escape his world, his pain. At least, this is what I believe.

@TeresaNJ I first send Dom,you and your family all the good energy and love I possibly can. I started following this thread a couple months ago and sending good vibes like many other wonderful posters here on the DIS. I now know after your recent post why I was so drawn to your story though. This was my life...and unfortunately where Dom started leads to drugs even harder..where I ended up. Though I am a lucky one who got out. I think bringing stories like this to light can help more addicts be the very rare 10% that get out like me. You are so very right, secrets are damaging, I know this, I lived this. You have all my respect, love, compassion, empathy, good energy and prayers for the journey that is and is ahead. Dom will forever be on my mind for so many reasons close to my heart :hug: Again, SO much love headed your way.
 
This must be so frustrating for you. Keep up the visits and stimulating him. You are doing a great job. I wish we lived closer also. I would definitely look for volunteers. I can't imagine what he must be going through. Does he/do you think he blinks once for no and twice for yes? Can he squeeze/make any touch with his hands/fingers. He looks like he is definitely trying to communicate. Can he be taken outside with a family member? Keep fighting for him. Not easy - hang in there.
 
Oh Teresa my heart hurts for you guys!!! What a wonderful idea PollyannaMom has. We have a college youth group and that would be right up their alley. I am truly praying for you all Teresa. This Wednesday I am doing a fast during this Holy Week. I will spend some of my prayer time specifically for your family. Prayers for strength, hope, changes in hearts and circumstances. :hug: I will also share this with my prayer partners!

Thank you so much! I can't ever explain adequately how much this means to me.
 
Just wanted to stop by and tell you I have been thinking of you and Dom. Hope things are well and Dom is where he needs to be.
 

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