Originally Posted by MelodyL

Hi. I shall try and learn as much as I can. No one who speaks english comes out in this type of weather. But in the spring, other family members visit, and people usually sit and chat and if I see a family member (only if the boy is there), and I strike up a conversation, I might say "I notice how well he is doing, it must be the day program he attends", and then if I get a positive response from that statement, maybe I can push a bit. If I get any type of silence or wall, it will be apparent that no one wants to go in that direction. You know what I mean.

It's very hard for family members to discuss a family member who might be challenged. I've been in their company MANY times and no one, absolutely no one, spoke about him. I tried to once, a long time ago, and no one bit, so just in case, don't think I didn't try. I ALWAYS try.

For example, there is a lovely young man named Robert who is now 25. I know him and his mom for almost 20 years. He has downs syndrome. Years ago, I used to dress up for Halloween and he would come trick or treating and I'd make him smile.

I run into him and his mom from time to time. I'll never forget when they came down my block once. I walked down my porch, put a big smile on my face, yelled "Robert, you look beautiful". He absolutely beamed, and he came over to me and gave me a big hug. That was the first time I had ever done that. So after that, whenever I see him out with his Mom, I make a point of making eye contact and talking to him. He'll smile (he has never spoken). He's a very calm pleasant soul who makes you want to give him hugs. (I'm always hugging him, calling him Big Guy), He seems to like this. He loves basketball games and various things on tv. His mom always chats me up and we discuss him and his day program.

We really are our brother's keeper. At least I try to be.

Melody