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I met Mrs. Shriver in 1960, when she visited the facility my mentally challenged brother was living in at the time. He was only 6 very young years old. I don't remember her car or her staff, though I assume she was well taken care of. I do remember her sitting my brother, known as Pistol as my Daddy knicknamed him, on her lap and making him feel very special.
Pistol is now 56 and I have lost count of his medals! He earns them with hard work and wears them proudly. He, like millions of others who are mentally challenged, can compete and excel in his physical abilities even while he struggles to function mentally. Thank you Mrs. Shriver for helping to make that possible.
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This is such a sweet picture of one of his grandchildren gently loving him.
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And, here is a great-grandson, Colin, making his great-granddaddy, my Daddy, smile.
P.S. Two days after I wrote this Pistol called to tell me he had won 4 more medals. This time in swimming! Yea Pistol!
Although any death brings a touch of saddness, there is something to be said for leaving a legacy behind. Mrs. Shriver certainly did that, and millions of American's have benefitted from her generosity. She will not be forgotten.
ReplyDeleteLife is all about the legacy we leave behind, isn't it? How compassionate your words are- not only about Mrs Shriver, but her husband, your daddy and your brother.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your gentle, caring thoughts.