For Don and Debbie, Cedar Lake Lodge was always a familiar name, but they never imagined it would become such a vital part of their lives. Their son, Brandon, has always been the heart of their family—a source of boundless joy and inspiration. From the beginning, Don and Debbie devoted themselves to ensuring Brandon received the best care possible, making countless sacrifices and finding creative ways to manage his care between themselves. As they navigated the challenges and uncertainties that come with raising a child with special needs, they knew they needed to find a place where Brandon could not only be cared for but truly thrive—a place that would bring them comfort and allow them some respite.
The Cedar Lake Journey
Their journey to Cedar Lake began unexpectedly. A friend from church, whose son was already at Cedar Lake, invited Debbie to visit. At that time, Cedar Lake Lodge wasn’t even on their radar. But that visit changed everything. “I fell in love with the people there,” Debbie recalls, her voice full of emotion. “I was crying; it was so beautiful. But at the same time, I wasn’t ready to take that step.”
Encouraged by their friend, Debbie and Don decided to put Brandon on the waitlist, even though he was still in high school at the time. The decision weighed heavily on them, but it felt like the right thing to do, especially after a chance encounter with a stranger who reassured Debbie that Cedar Lake would be the best place for Brandon. “It was like angels were guiding us,” Debbie says. “That solidified our decision.”
After Brandon graduated from Ballard High School, he attended an adult daycare program at Apple Patch. However, it wasn’t the right fit for him. They kept calling Cedar Lake to check on his application status, knowing that was where Brandon needed to be. Caring for Brandon at home was becoming increasingly challenging, and they knew they needed help.
For years, Don and Debbie managed Brandon’s care themselves, taking turns staying home with him. Through the Michelle P Waiver, they were able to hire help, but the strain was still immense. In 2018, Don’s brother helped pay for Brandon to attend Stewart Home, a decision that was incredibly difficult for them. “It was hard to let go,” Don admits, “but we knew it was best for Brandon. He learned so much there.”
When the pandemic hit, Brandon returned home for six months, and the transition was tough on everyone. But by August 2020, he was back at Stewart Home, where he continued to gain independence. Still, Don and Debbie longed for a permanent solution closer to home.
Brandon Finds a Home at Cedar Lake Lodge
In January 2024, they reached out to Cedar Lake again to check Brandon’s status on the waitlist. When they received the call that there was a spot for him, it was a moment of profound relief. “We were so happy,” Debbie recalls. “It felt like everything was falling into place.” Just a few weeks later, Brandon moved to Cedar Lake, and the impact was immediate.
“He loves Cedar Lake,” Don says with a smile. “He’s doing so well. He’s really happy there.” The one-on-one attention and specialized care Brandon receives at Cedar Lake have made a huge difference in his life. He’s even working with occupational therapy to learn to use utensils—a skill that seemed impossible before.
For Don and Debbie, the peace of mind that comes with knowing Brandon is at Cedar Lake is priceless. “We feel so blessed he is at Cedar Lake and that he is so close to home,” Don shares. “We’re in our late 60s, and as we look toward retirement, something we didn’t think was possible before, we’re comforted knowing that Brandon is in a place where he is loved and well cared for.”
Brandon comes home once a month, and Don and Debbie cherish those visits. But they also appreciate the newfound freedom outside care has given them. “We’re able to go out to eat, see a movie, and just enjoy life in a way that seemed so out of reach before,” Debbie says. “Our stress levels are so much lower now.”
Their faith has been a guiding force through all the challenges they’ve faced, helping them keep things in perspective. “This too shall be revealed,” they often say, a reminder that stressful situations eventually pass and reveal the path forward.
As they reflect on their journey, Don and Debbie are filled with gratitude for Cedar Lake. “Cedar Lake has given us the kind of life that feels so much more normal,” Debbie says, her voice filled with emotion. “The staff is amazing, so dedicated, and they love Brandon just as much as we do.”
For this family, Cedar Lake Lodge is not just a place—it’s home. And knowing that Brandon is happy, thriving, and surrounded by people who care about him brings them the greatest comfort of all.
Cedar Lake Support Options for Community Living and Residential Care
Don’t wait, contact Cedar Lake today to learn about our support options and waitlist.
