Kelsi, at 8 years of age decided she wanted her own apartment just like her big sister… so her mom Dawne Wilson Jakubik updated big sis’s old bedroom when she moved out, and then put cute little numbers on Kelsi’s ‘new’ apartment door. I am so excited to report that Kelsi’s dream just became a REALITY!!! I got this update from her mama…and just LOOK at the pride on Kelsi’s face!! This college experience is doing SO MUCH for our recipients, you guys. These updates just fuel my fire even MORE!!
“While Kelsi dungan loved being in college, when she returned from Clemson University to her family on the MS Gulf Coast, she seemed to just really want to make up for the family time she had been missing. So we decided to let Kelsi tell us when she was ready for the big move. Fall 2017, she texts me… “Mom, I’m ready to move out now.” I was thrilled, scared, happy and sad at the same time! Thrilled because this was another big lifelong dream of hers, scared of letting her live on her own (because of the scary world we live in), happy that she is fierce in wanting to accomplish her dreams, and sad like all mothers as they watch their babies leave the nest. But when she was born and I was told her diagnosis, I promised us both that I would never put a ceiling on what she could or couldn’t do and that I would always step back and let her show me her talents and strengths. In my heart, I feel we all have God given talent regardless of a disability. Also, as a graduate of the ClemsonLIFE Program I believe she has been well prepared through her curriculum there, her awesome instructors and experiences there.
After searching for a few months, we found a cute 1 BR/BA apartment for rent last week and arranged to see it. She happily signed the lease yesterday and is looking forward to gaining more independence! She hopes to some day marry her longtime boyfriend of 7 years, Derek.
She continues to work two days a week at the YMCA (we are hoping to find a second job soon!), and participates regularly in local unified sports, she also enjoys art and is a novice equestrian! “
I don’t know about you, but my mama’s heart needs more of THIS!!!! Happy Humpday peeps!!