esrosedotblog

The new freedom and rights of "intellectually disabled" people is very touching and, in fact, real!

Not some sociologist's vanity project. Almost all recent human rights legislation has included this category of support.

I can remember when, out of gratitude for our own children's health, my wife and I joined an association for the benefit of "retarded children". National Association for Retarded Citizens

We couldn't take it. The parents were so desperate and so dysfunctional that attendance at the meetings or any volunteer work was fraught with draining distractions. My take was that they didn't want to be helped. Certainly they did not want to let go of their self pity. And, it was hard not to feel that they resented our presence, not sharing their "problem".

This was not all of them of course, but enough. Also, because we were not parents of disabled children ourselves, our involvement was not needed unless we could do fund raising of a kind which neither one of us was prepared to do. That was my failing. I have since realized that belonging to any advocacy group implies a willingness to donate and as others to do the same. Money.

But, somehow, despite their dysfunction and with the help of some major advocacy groups, the fate of intellectually disabled children and adults has been totally changed.

This article is a good example. I challenge you to read it and not weep for joy. Which is a lot different than weeping tears of sorrow.

A Couple Gaining Independence and Finding a Bond

I am thinking now about Millard Baker who I grew up around. He was a wonderful young man. Handsome. Not a blemish on his physical exterior. But limited by a brain that didn't always want to function well in society. Occasional outbursts of inappropriate behavior balanced with quiet, almost mute, withdrawal. His parent's whole life was devoted to his care and support. They were the first people I met who were proud of their limited son and did everything to make him act independently as much as he could. They did not baby him. I remember the Dad saying quietly "Millard....." with a look of love and encouragement. Millard most often came through. They even sent him to a special school for awhile but that meant he had to live away from them. He came back. It was OK with everyone. He had loving brothers and sisters as I recall.

I have never forgotten Millard and his Dad, his family, the visible proof that love does not have to have any boundaries.

These kids getting married. Imagine. Supported in having a life of their own. Jobs, independence. Wow. They do live in a wonderful time. So do I. Just to see it happening is profoundly touching.

Labels: life