Our Family

Hailey was adopted from Romania and became part of our family in 2000. From the start we knew she had some challenges ahead of her. We made 2 trips before we were able to bring her home. After visiting Romania our eyes were opened to how lucky we are to live in the United States.

Early on we became involved with early interventions to do physical and occupational therapy. We quickly found out she liked deep input as it grounded Hailey and she was able to focus better. probably the reason she likes horror movies and rollercoasters. Anything like that allows her to focus. She also becomes very vocal afterwards. Hailey would much rather shake her head than speak most the time. As a child Hailey’s teacher would spin her in a circle. After spinning she would get right back to her schoolwork. We take her to Disney world, Seaworld or Universal Studios and Hailey is a different person. She starts talking and telling stories, it’s very special. The other place we see her open up is during and after going offroad in the Jeep.

Originally, she was diagnosed with a cognitive delay. It wasn’t until much older that she was diagnosed as on the spectrum for Autism as well. Hailey has some sensory issues that we work with and around. When we were younger, we would water ski several times a week. After adopting she went with. We finally realized Hailey could not handle the wind. Once we figured it out, we changed our priorities. We started competing our Vizslas in pointing dog Field trials, bought our first horse and a motorhome and eventually sold the boat for lack of use. Competition and travel became a family affair. Through pointing dog competitions, we were able to visit many places across the country we had only heard of. Our vacations became a reason to explore places we had glimpses of when we crossed the country.

From our earliest days we have been a family on the run. We would pack up and go. Would it have been easier for Pam and I to stay home? probably. That wasn’t for us. Hailey grew up trying new things. She became flexible to change early on. That’s one thing many children with special needs fight with. We have always been active in Special Olympics. Hailey has competed in many sports and is always practicing for one or two.

When we make plans, Hailey has always focused on one activity. Until we do whatever she is fixated on she can’t enjoy anything else we do. This is very common. We found having her help plan our trips and make the schedule allows her to enjoy the journey. Sometimes plans change we talk it out with Hailey so she can help make the decision.

Hailey like many with disabilities needs her downtime. She becomes over stimulated. To decompress, She likes to watch a movie, play on her tablet or phone. We give her the time to be alone. The motorhome is perfect because she can separate from us to get her downtime and still explore. Our friends we travel with understand Hailey’s disabilities. sometimes she is quiet as a mouse and other times gets excited and she talks up a storm. Normally her preferred method to communicate is by text. She can take the time to form her thoughts. On most of our trips you will see a short section for what she enjoyed or didn’t about a destination. usually this will be her writing unedited.