My Hero

Here is my Uncle Gerald (on the left, my father is on the right)before he left the house for his favorite night of the year. He is about to sing the National Anthem before a Celtics Game for the 10th year in a row!! In addition he has won the “Hero’s Among Us” award and has countless Special Olympics Medals from his participation in his beloved Bowling. He has deserved all of the accolades as he has overcome much adversity. You see, shortly after coming into this world over 50 years ago, it became apparent that there was something wrong with Gerald. He was not developing as his peers and brother and sister (my mother) were and he would flap his hand, jump and scream from his impairment.

Gerald was diagnosed with Autism and Mental Retardation and the Doctors felt it best for him to be “institutionalized”. Instead, my grandparents opted for him to attend a residential(for 1 year) and a day school so that he could live at home. He still speaks fondly of all the nuns that worked with him at his schools.

He has come a very long way since that time. Gerald is extremely verbal, and is well adjusted, although he does have his days when his schedule is upset by something. This is a hallmark of Autistic behavior. Mostly, he is just about the most loveable guy I know and he is one of the true blessings that I have in my life.