We are looking for a male resident that would benefit from and fit in well to Merica House.
The applicant must be between the ages of 18 and 45 years of age and capable of directing his own care. The applicant must have, or be eligible for, the EDCD waiver. Round the clock care is provided for EDCD eligible individuals. Section 8 vouchers (Virginia Choice) are accepted. For more details, please call our office at: (703) 671-7991.
Garrett rode 1,818 miles in 61 days from July 1 to August 30 this year. He has written a very interesting report on his trip. Please read Garrett Porters Report. To see his online journal and pictures from the trip go to: Journal. (Be sure to keep clicking ‘next’ to follow his trip.)
Congratulations on a successful trip, Garrett!
Merica House will be gift wrapping purchased items for customers at the 7 Corners Barnes and Noble on December 18, from 9 am to 10 pm. Barnes and Noble is graciously providing wrapping paper, scissors, and tape.
You can help! Come and do some of your Christmas shopping and help Merica House at the same time. We also need volunteers to help wrap packages or bring ribbon and gift tags. If you can help out for a 2-3 hour length of time on the 18th, please contact Annette Porter by email.
Your help and support is greatly appreciated!!
For the third year in a row, Sydney Hale Candles has partnered with the APD/Merica House for their 2013 Holiday Fund Raiser.
Starting now thru Dec. 9th when you purchase candles on the Sydney Hale web site use the code ‘mericafund’ during checkout and for every candle purchased $10 will be donated to Merica House. In addition you will receive 5% off your total order.
Thank you again for supporting the many efforts to ensure Merica House continues to be an accessible and affordable housing opportunity for adults with severe physical disabilities.
by Annette Porter
“And He Will Raise You Up on Eagles Wings”
The Eagle who soars in the sun. The white tipped wings do not move but nevertheless, there is joy in the eagle as it dips up and down to it’s highest height.
Sean, himself, chose for his funeral the song “He Will Raise You Up on Eagles Wings”. He was so much like the eagle. While his “wings” did not move, his life was filled with the fullness of the spirit of unconditional love for others. He spoke with his eyes, his head, and his computer, words of comfort and love. Things of this world, like Sean’s handicapping conditions, will try to steal a person’s effectiveness. But Sean did not allow this to happen to him. The joy in Sean’s spirit was evident to all despite the circumstances that surrounded his life. He saw purpose in this world, and his place in it.
Sean’s Christianity was always a big part of his life. I can remember attending Sean’s Confirmation in the Catholic Church. Going to church was very important to Sean, and he quickly developed close relationships with many of the priests. One of Sean’s lifelong desires was to become a priest himself. While he knew this was not possible, he did know that he was able to pray for many people, and did so.
Merica House, a residence for the physically disabled located in Falls Church, Virginia, has a vacancy. The applicant must be over 18 yrs of age and capable of directing their care. Applicant must have or be eligible for the EDCD waiver or can bring their own attendant. Round the clock care is provided for EDCD eligible individuals. Section 8 vouchers (Virginia CHoice) are accepted. For application or more details, please call 703 671-7991.
I want to thank you all for coming here to celebrate the life of a most extraordinary individual.
Last Tuesday evening, as I was driving on Glen Carlyn Road in Falls Church, I found myself thinking about what I might say today. It had been six days since Sean died. I came to a stop at a red light, positioned behind an SUV. The SUV had a vanity plate which read “MEGASML” I quickly translated it as “Mega Smile.” I then thought to myself, “That’s not right. Sean was the one who had the Mega Smile.
You all know Sean. He was funny, kind, hopeful, and possessed the ability to laugh at himself. He was patient and smart and insightful. And he had that GLORIOUS smile, the Mega Smile, if you will.
In my capacity as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, I had the pleasure of bringing Holy Communion to Sean – in the form of a few drops of the Precious Blood – on Sunday mornings.
It was always an adventure entering Merica House on Sundays. I never knew how many questions Sean would have stored up in his computer and what those questions would be. The questions could be as simple as, “Are you going to bring ashes on Ash Wednesday?” Other questions were more philosophical. Whatever the subject, Sean’s questions were usually a challenge.
Sean Wawrzaszek, one of the first residents at Merica House, died on August 14, 2013.
A celebration of his life was held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church on Saturday, August 24 to honor Sean. Sean’s joy for life and his contagious smile will always be remembered. We thank Sean’s parents, Betty and the late Steve Wawrzaszek, for the many years they dedicated to starting Merica House and making it a successful home for the disabled to live with dignity. We express our sympathy to the Sean’s family and our gratitude to them for their continued support.
By Linda Hadley
On Sunday, August 4th, I had the privilege of attending Maureen Shields’ birthday party at Merica House. Quite the festive occasion, there was a delicious spread of goodies as well as bountiful beverage options. I enjoyed chatting with several of the residents and their family members while munching on chocolate cake and fresh fruit
As many of you know, the Civitan Club of Tysons, along with the District Foundation, has granted Merica House more than $50,000 over the past several years. Merica House is a home for severely physically disabled individuals located at Bailey’s Crossroads. Currently they have seven residents.
Merica House has put Civitan’s money to good use by renovating both kitchens at the facility, by purchasing specialized computer equipment so that non-verbal clients can communicate, and most recently, by the installation of beautiful new flooring.
The last time I visited Merica House, their flooring was a disaster. Not only hideously ugly, the floor tiles were cracked, buckling, and in some cases held down by duct tape or packing tape. The Tysons club and the Foundation provided the $9000 necessary to replace the floors. The results are stunning!
Beautiful faux wood floors allow the heavy motorized wheelchairs to guide effortlessly around the apartments. The floors are no longer treacherous for ambulatory staff, family members, and visitors. And best of all, they look fabulous! And who doesn’t want their home to look fabulous?!
See the lovely article with pictures that Linda published. My Visit to Merica House
See more pictures from Maureen’s birthday part. Maureen’s Birthday
Garrett Porter, a 23 year old, is scheduled to begin an amazing bicycle trip from Shanghai, China to Cork, Ireland starting on July 1st, 2013.
He is mostly riding for his own enjoyment, but wants to represent the Alliance for the Physically Disabled (APD). He sees it as a worldwide mission to showcase the APD.
He will post pictures, show maps, and narrate his trip on crazyguyonabike.com — his blog. He will give others less fortunate the ability to see the world through his trip and eyes. When he posts, he will make mention of the Alliance for the Physically Disabled and how donations can be made. The donations will not go to the trip expenses, but to further the work of the APD. Read more about his trip, A Short Background on the Trip
Garrett’s trip will take approximately 5-6 months. Bike riding is this young man’s hobby. He takes PLEASURE in riding over hills, mountains, and in all kinds of weather. He has ridden with others before but also by himself. Two years ago, while in college, he rode from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic in 5 weeks. He expects that the trip overseas will take approximately 5-6 months. Make sure you keep up with his travels by reading his blog on his website by bookmarking, www.crazyguyonabike.
