Ben, our 25 year old son, who is disabled, choked again on Tuesday. We usually keep the refrigerator door locked, but forgot one time. He got in there and got some chicken strips. He had crammed some into his mouth. I was downstairs and heard his weird coughing upstairs and went racing up. He was just barely breathing, standing up still, and while I was trying to get him to cough it out, I called 911. Then sometime in all that I did the Heimlich on him and it worked! Praise the Lord! Oh my gosh, you can imagine how my mind was racing, and time just gets warped. I told them on the phone he was okay, he had cleared it. But then he wouldn't let me get it out of his mouth and swallowed it again. He can't spit out. It had to be a huge slimy glob of unchewed chicken. He pooped his pants (I nearly pooped mine - LOL) The deputy sheriff came by later that afternoon to make sure he was okay. We try to always be with him when he is eating, so he doesn't stuff his mouth too full and choke. But, then something like this happens. This is maybe the 5-6 time like this with the bolting and choking and us having to rescue him. We have to not only cut up his food into tiny bits, but also make sure he doesn't put too many tiny bits into his mouth. Praise the Lord for saving him again! He does keep his guardian angel very busy! This is Ben with Mac, our African Grey Timneh parrot.

God bless you and your family, dear Friend.

What a relief everything turned out well. Don't know what I would do in such moments. Lucky you remained calm. Happy Easter to you and your family !

ThanK God your son is OK. Sure it was a big scare, but you handled it like a hero. Happy Easter! Hugs and blessings, Rachel

Dear Jan, so glad everything is well and that Ben is now safe and secure. Love and blessings Chris

Thank you ALL so very much for your encouraging words. I think I just needed a big sigh of relief from my Cute friends. I appreciate that you care. That's one of the things that makes Cuties so special! Hugs and thanks, Jan

I know the feeling. My son Zac, 21 & has Down syndrome is exactly the same. He eats like a horse but is skin & bones. He is ALWAYS starving and shovels his food in. I too have to cut food into bits like you would for a todler and sit with him while he eats. Every time he chokes it gives me more grey hair. Hang in there. Lots of love, Lyn. xx

1 comment

by hightechgrammy 30 Mar 2013

WOW, another mom of a special needs "kid." Our kids really help us appreciate the simple things in life - like eating - LOL. I'm wondering how many other Moms of special kids special needs we have on Cuties. Ben is not skin and bones though, and can stand to lose about 15 pounds. He's only 5 foot 1 inch, so a little weight goes a long way. I know about the grey hair!

Mar 30, 2013 - Whew, what a close call! But, thank the Lord, your instincts were right on target and he is fine.

So glad this had a good ending! I bet you scaled those stairs in record time! Nice photo of Ben and Mac.

1 comment

by hightechgrammy 30 Mar 2013

Hi Grace, I did make it up there fast! The craziest thing is I stayed pretty calm. It was afterward that I was suddenly exhausted - LOL How are your baby calves coming?

Your son has very gentle eyes. I am sure that despite all the stress he adds to your life, he also fills it with love and purpose. What a blessing that your ears are so attentive to his sounds. He is very lucky to have you as his mom. 25 years is a lot of time to be a caregiver. I am delighted that you have machine embroidery to counterbalance those demands. Blessed Easter.

wow that must have been terrifying for the both of you! I am sew glad that you kept calm enough to know just what to do, sometimes we panic & then become immobilized with fear, you did great & our Lord worked through you. A wonderful blessing as is Ben, hugs Loralye

Thank God for His goodness and mercy that is always following us. May God's hands continually be upon you and your family! May your son ALWAYS experience the presence of the Lord! May his angels ALWAYS help charge over him and may he suffer NO DANGERS OR HARM! May nothing hinder or stop this prayer in Jesus Name, AMEN!

*Your son is so happy and full of joy :)

1 comment

by hightechgrammy 30 Mar 2013

Ben is quite unique. He does have a gentle spirit. He himself, prays "Dear God, please....." for lots of things and people. When he hears someone is sick, or injured he immediately prays for them! He prays when he loses something too. Every night when I tuck him in he prays, "God will take care of you - me." Pronouns are still hard.

That must have been horrible for you, again. So glad you could help him in time. It must put an enormous strain on you to be always watchful he does not get into trouble. Hugs, Martine

So glad all is well now, Jan! I have experienced a few frightening moments with Cindy, but, thankfully, too, issues were resolved quickly. But, not before I nearly had a heart attack!!
This is a sweet picture of Ben, and the parrot actually appears to like the camera! Hugs to you, and give Ben one for me, too!
Angel

1 comment

by hightechgrammy 30 Mar 2013

Angel, did you see that LYNS also is a mom with a child with Down syndrome?

oh dear, that must have been scary, but you did so great by using the Heimlich, And I'm happy he has a special guardian angel and you to watch over him., hugs Gerry

Jan - thank goodness Ben is all right and that you managed to help him. I can imagine the state you must have been in. When Josh was little I was looking after him and I gave him a finger of toast. He started choking. I took him by the ankles and shook him - luckily the offending piece shot out. He was never allowed toast again while in my care. It is a very scary thing to witness. Hugs Sarah.

Jan I am so glad this scary moment is over. That must have been so frightening. I am happy you and Ben are OK.

Jan, I'm so glad he is alright after the terrible experience. Some of our young children keep the guardian angels very busy! You and your son is in my prayers too. Love and hugs, Yoriko

That's got to be some kind of scary! I remember my son choked all of the time when he first started solid foods and I would just freeze in a panic. Got to the point I wouldn't feed him solids unless his daddy was home to run a finger down his tiny throat. Bless you for taking such good care of this cutie pie! He's a lucky boy.

If it wasn't for our guardian angels we would all have to many close calls! Glad that all is ok! This is a great picture

What a scary situation for you both..I was holding my breath reading, not a nice experience to go through again...glad all ended well.

So glad the Lord is watching out for you and Ben! You must be one of his angels. You remain in my prayers -- always.

What a beautiful picture! I am so glad Ben is OK after this frightening experience.I am so sorry you both have been through all too often. He is certainly loved by God and by his Mom and Dad.

Well praise God some of us keep our angels working over time lol .Give
Ben a hugs for me ok Carolyn

Oh, dear ones! I felt panicky reading and relieved to know that you are all restored now. Blessings and praises to get through it all. Whew! love and hugs, Joan

Oh, Jan, I was so hoping this issue with Ben had stopped or let up...I am so sorry you all had to go through this again.......you are so right, his guardian angels are thankfully on duty al the time!! Love & hugs....

Delighted to know that Ben is now safe and well.

What a heart stopping moment for you but so glad to hear that all is now OK. I think ever careful we try to be there are times like yours that we forget. Great picture of Ben and Mac