Luke & Levi's Journey

“Luke and Levi celebrated their 13th birthday with their first live theatre experience—an unforgettable night of laughter, props, and courage.

Luke & Levi’s Journey

Luke and Levi are two amazing brothers learning, growing, and discovering new adventures with Double Joy Respite. From faith-filled courage to everyday victories, their story shines with joy, resilience, and hope.

For the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside two remarkable young men, Luke and Levi, now age 13. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD, the boys have faced challenges head-on with resilience, humor, and faith. Their family and I have been church family since before their birth, and today they feel more like family than clients. I’m honored to not only work with them in my role as a respite and enrichment care provider but also to celebrate their journey of growth by launching a special sub-blog here on Double Joy Respite.

A Two-Year Journey of Growth

Luke and Levi and I spend one or two full days together each week. During this time, we’ve worked on developing functional life skills, academic progress, and social confidence. Our days often include hands-on learning—cooking, community outings, yard work, and recreation—but they’re always grounded in the boys’ individualized developmental goals. Over time, we’ve seen behaviors decrease and positive, functional habits flourish.

From sweeping a yard to building conversation skills, every small step has added up to big progress. Most importantly, Luke and Levi have discovered the joy of encouraging others by sharing their own brave experiences.

Faith and Family

Because our connection runs deeper than scheduled sessions—we share a church family and a history together—the boys’ faith has been a foundation for their growth. Their early walk with God gives them courage to face challenges with hope, and it inspires me daily to see how much they lean on both strength and grace.

Celebrating Milestones: Their First Theatre Experience

One of the highlights of this past year was celebrating Luke and Levi’s 13th birthday with a trip to The Great American Melodrama. It was their very first live theatre experience, and what a night it was! Not only did they get to enjoy the show, but they were also invited backstage into the costume and prop department. The smiles said it all—an unforgettable evening of laughter, discovery, and confidence building.

Looking Ahead: Encouragers for Others

Luke and Levi are excited to share their voices here through this new blog space. They hope that by writing about their adventures and the progress they’ve made, they can encourage other kids (and parents) walking a similar path. Whether it’s learning new skills, exploring new places, or celebrating birthdays in brave new ways, these boys are proof that growth is possible—and joy can be found along the way.

Stay tuned for stories, photos, and updates from Luke and Levi’s world. Their courage is contagious, and I can’t wait for you to meet them through their own words.