Good to see you today.
Sad news... My aunt Darlene died during kidney treatment yesterday.
We'll be heading to Milwaukee for the funeral on Thursday.
She was a jovial sort. She and her husband continued to take care of their 50+ year old daughter, who was born with Downe's Syndrome.
She always tells the story that after they had discovered their daughter Mary had Downes, and the Doctors had recommended Mary be institutionalized. My aunt Dar called the recommended institution, and they said, "When can we pick it up?" They decided to raise Mary at that point.
She will be missed.
Prayers for you too! May God lift you up and keep you during your time of sorrow.
All of the Downs kids had come to the home from instituions, where they had lived almost since birth. The attention they had received there was scant, and it showed. With the proper kind of care and attention, these kids progressed to the point where they were able to work at a "sheltered" industry, keep up an active social life including bowling, swimming, dances, parties, and church; and were quite capable of maintaining their personal hygiene as well as sharing the housework, etc. This was 20 years ago; I'm sure things now have advanced to the point where parents are able to provide training and supervision themselves. But 50 years ago...........unheard of!!! What a brave thing to do. Of course, to them, it was probably a choice made of love, not courage.:)