Autism is a multi-faceted condition. It is an alternate way of looking at the world, appreciating its beauty and interacting. Jeffrey shared beauty and laughter and sometimes his pain to our world for almost 40 years. For we who knew him, loved him, and nurtured him - we are grateful. We will continue to honor what he taught all of us. And so: welcome to the world of Jeffrey.
Jeffrey was plagued by seizure disorder. In the midst of his projects, or the peace of sleep he would suddenly be stricken by a seizure. This is a frightening thing to watch, left him drained and in pain and was very unsettling. He would seek his blanket and ultimately relax into sleep. It took some time for the sparkle in his eyes to return, and the confidence in his place in the universe. He would say "home" if we were away, and "bed" if we were already home. Each re-awakening and re-adjustment was a beautiful small miracle of existence.
One of Jeffrey's favorite ways to sort out his world was with his scrapbook. It was a world of photos - of himself, his birthdays, his favorite people, and all the places Mommy and Daddy visited. Jeffrey traveled the world in his pictures. He connected and organized his perspective. This website is an extension of that scrapbook. We hope that you will peruse it often. We hope that you will add your memories and your treasured interactions with Jeffrey for all the world. We will make Jeffrey's world ring in the hearts of all those who struggle to find a place of acceptance. For Jeffrey's world was a world of LOVE.
I have wanted to write a book to share our experienes with other struggling families for 30 years. This is a more effective way in our fast-paced world. It is flexible and open. We encourage you to share with others so that the place for those with differences is not clouded by fear and anxieties. Nor should the outlook of care and dedication by the families involved be clouded by guilt.
We are Sandra Peticolas and David Schoorman. We have been married for 47 years and Jeffrey enriched our lives for almost 40 of them. We welcome you to submit additions to our page through the email link. Please contact us with your photos and memories !