Gen. George S. Patton, The "Sarge" and the Retard.

Hi there Gordon!

Its my first time visiting this board, and the first time posting. Reading the headline for your post, I actually slammed my mouse down. It was the second time in 24 hours I read someone using that term "retard" and quite frankly, I was peeved.

Then I read your opening paragraph, and relaxed a little.

Then I read what you told those poor, uneducated girls, and I recognized a kindred spirit.

Finally, I read about "The Master", Jerry, and I shed tears.

My younger brother John is a "retard"...he has Down's Syndrome. He was born when I was still a baby myself, only 14 months old. I remember some of the awful things people used to say to me about him. I remember not being served in restaurants because he was in our group. I remember watching him cry in frustration over not being able to verbally communicate what was on his heart. I remember when I came home from college and he would not speak to me for the entire summer, because his stalwart companion for his entire growing up years disappeared one day without warning.

While each human being is a precious and unique creation of God, our very special people have messages which need to be listened to closely. After a career working with special needs people, I look forward to seeing my friends in Heaven, knowing they will be whole. It is then they can look in my eyes and thank me because I loved them when they were not whole.

Thank you, Gordon, for a moving story.

With Purpose and Passion,

JULIE




Dare to Discover Your Passion!