Wesley always has bruises from pulling himself up to stand, then tumbling down. The accidents have been limited, the Hillings said, because they keep him under constant watch. Wesley spends each weekday in special education and mainstream classes at two Irvine elementary schools. After school is over, a college student helps out each afternoon, essentially to be an extra set of hands in the hectic household. Hogan had back surgery for a ruptured disc three years ago and is not supposed to pick up Wesley, who is heavy and shifts continually because of his palsy.
Weekends are the hardest.
Unless such care has been arranged at least days in advance, Tina and Hogan take care of Wesley and their other two boisterous boys with no break. It is tough just to leave the house. Spontaneity is out. Taking Wesley along means lots of preparation. Leaving him behind means one parent has to stay home.