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.:)
Yes... we marveled at their spirit.
Our family went through similar things. I had a twin brother, Jerry who was born with cerebral palsey, who died at the age of 15 in 1971, and an older sister, Susie who died of Tay Sachs at the tender age of 15 in 1968.
Our parents would have never thought of abandoning them, and we as a family are richer for it in regards to our faith.