Mosaic Saved My Life
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A message from Linda Timmons, Mosaic President and CEO
I have been privileged to hear from many grateful parents over the years, but never before did I hear someone say, "Mosaic saved my life."
As Rhonda Gray told her story, I was moved to tears. She shared that her son, Rusty, who at the time was a healthy and precious two-year-old, suddenly started having 30-40 seizures a day. He also quit talking and no longer responded to her, not understanding her words. Rhonda's world changed almost immediately.
"I began grieving the little boy I once knew," Rhonda said.
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"He would use his fist and any other object that he could find to strike me with," Rhonda said. "I became a prisoner in my own home."
Rhonda tried to get help, but Rusty was placed on the state waiting list for services. In many states, it can be years before someone gets to receive the services they need because the waiting lists are so long. For Rhonda, it was seven years before she was able to get help for herself and her son.
Then she got a call from Mosaic that an opening was available. Even with the violence, it was a hard decision for Rhonda. Although he was now a young adult, he was still her son. But more than that, Rhonda had concern for Mosaic's staff. She knew how violent her son could be.
"I decided I would place him in a group home with Mosaic," Rhonda said. "Now it was Mosaic's staff that had to deal with Rusty, and they became the target of his blows."
Now you know why Rhonda says Mosaic saved her life.
It wasn't easy for the staff. But Mosaic staff members receive training to work with people who can be violent. They know how to minimize the behaviors while protecting themselves and the other person. They were persistent and compassionate.
Today, nearly 10 years after Rusty came to Mosaic, he is a changed person. Mosaic has taught him to communicate with sign language, so he no longer feels the isolation he once did. His angry, violent outbursts have become rare, as have his seizures.
The relationship between mother and son has changed too.
"I now have a life that includes wonderful, wonderful times with my grown-up son, who laughs and teases, and now he finally enjoys life again himself," Rhonda said. But, "Mosaic is Rusty's home where he feels safe and loved."
Rhonda's story still makes me cry. Sometimes I cry tears of sadness, imagining that young mother and her feelings of grief. Other times I cry tears of joy, knowing the relationship they have today. I've also cried tears of gratitude in thanksgiving for the great work so many Mosaic employees do to change lives for people.
I am thankful also for people like you, people who support Mosaic with prayer and gifts. You are a part of this success story.
Mosaic needs your support in order to continue to provide the extra staff and professional training that help people like Rusty make changes in their life. There are many people on waiting lists across the country. Their needs are great and we want to help them.
You can make a gift to Mosaic here. Your gift helps people like Rhonda and Rusty know joy in life again. Your gift also affirms the great work that our staff members do.
Thank you!
