Tag Archives: Mung

Lasting impressions

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By Jeanine Johnson

Easterseals has a way of building lasting impressions and lifelong friendships both among employees and employees and the families we serve. If any of you have read my blogs in the past like here, here, here, here, and here, I periodically give updates on one of my favorite graduates of Easterseals. Since it has been a while, I thought I’d fill you in on what Mung has been up to. 

Covid has put a damper on my semi-annual outings with Mung, but we have managed to stay connected. Thank God for modern technology. It was vital in helping to not feel isolated. His mom texts, sends pictures and short videos of him. I send him gifts now and again to let him know I haven’t forgotten him. It’s hard to believe that he is 10 years old already. While I really enjoyed getting the texts, I was missing the live interaction with Mung so we set up a video call with him, me and my daughter Autumn (school nurse and big fan of his). It was so great to hear his voice and see his face in real time. I am so happy to report that he is still the vibrant, outgoing character he has always been.

He immediately asked how Easterseals has been since he left. He truly misses this place. When asked how he was doing in school, he fell a little silent. So I asked if he is still talking too much in class. (He is quite the talker) He leaned his head to the side, looked at us and exclaimed “I’m really popular at my school”. Autumn and I burst into laughter (as seen in the screenshot his mother took). Autumn responded, “we know Mr. Mayor”. We talked about school, what’s going on in our lives and the prospect of getting together. I won’t lie, I always worry about our children after they leave the nurturing environment of Easterseals. It is quite a special place. It brings me much joy to see he is doing well.

With restrictions lifting and vaccines completed, I am hopeful we will be meeting for an outing sometime when the weather warms. It’s one of the things I look forward to this summer. I am so grateful that his family continues to share him with me. Stayed tuned for more updates!

FaceTime with Mung

The Love Affair Continues

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by Jeanine Johnson

Those of you who have ever read my blogs know how much I love Easterseals, the mission, the staff and the children. You probably also know that I have spoken in the past about what I hope to be a lifelong bond with one student who graduated in 2017. Periodically, I have the pleasure of being able to meet up with Mung as his mother is gracious enough to share her son with me. Mung stole my heart from day one and I am so glad I get to check up on his progress and achievements. You always hope that the personality and happy spirit still remain after the children leave the nurturing environment of Easterseals. It’s a special place and we all know the outside world can be cruel.
Before Winter Break, my daughter and I planned an excursion to take him to see Trolls the Musical. Won’t lie, I wasn’t really interested in the show, but the opportunity to catch up with the little man outweighed the thought of sitting through the program. I have to tell you, experiencing his reactions to the show and his interactions with my daughter Autumn (who used to work at Easterseals and they were as thick as thieves) brought so much delight to me. I don’t know who enjoyed the experience more. Afterwards, the three of us headed out to have lunch where we could catch up properly.
While Mung was a student, he forged several strong relationships with various personnel at Easterseals. One of those people is Eric who was his bus driver at the time and is now our Transportation Coordinator. Eric had the opportunity to get to know Mung and his family over the period he spent transporting Mung and other students to and from school every day. Well, I had one more treat for Mung that day. While we were having lunch and catching up, Eric made a surprise appearance to see Mung. His reaction was priceless. He was at a loss for words, which I have only witnessed one other time with Mung over the years. Once he gathered his composure, he first said “it can’t be” then he went into silly mode and said “I don’t know that man”, all while smiling ear to ear.
By keeping the connection with Mung, I get to see firsthand that Easterseals was a strong foundation to prepare him for what lies ahead. People often say to me that it’s nice that I keep in touch with Mung. His mother thanks me and tells me it means a lot to her and him. Honestly, it’s partially selfish. I get as much enjoyment out of it as he does. I already have ideas for our Spring/Summer outing. Stay tuned!

Mung and Jeanine
Mung with Eric
Bracelts for the musical
Autumn and Mung