World of Autism

“IT WAS TWENTY YEARS AGO TODAY…”

What better words than those of the Beatles to announce the birthday of Lucas’ big brother Robert!

Since the beginning, Robert has been Lucas’ best friend and one of his best teachers!  Of course, having Lucas for a brother has also taught Robert a lot.

Robert grew up understanding that sometimes people need help.  That understanding has made him into one of the finest people I have ever known. 

He was the one who always stood up for the guy everyone picked on in class, and the parents of every girl he’s ever dated are always SO disappointed when they break up, telling him, “You’re the nicest guy she’s ever dated”.

I’ll never forget when he was about 8, and we were at Grammy and Grampa’s house for Christmas.  I was helping Robert wrap his present for Lucas, and he picked out a name tag that said, “he’s my brother”, with a picture of two boys on it. 

It’s pretty obvious why Robert picked that card, but of course, it immediately brought to my mind the song “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” by the Hollies:

The road is long,
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where,
Who knows when?

But I’m strong,
Strong enough to carry him;
He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.

So on we go,
His welfare is my concern.
No burden is he to bear,
We’ll get there.

For I know
He would not encumber me;
He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.

If I’m laden at all,                             
I’m laden with sadness,
That everyone’s heart
Isn’t filled with the gladness
Of love for one another.

It’s a long, long road,
From which there is no return.
While we’re on our way to there
Why not share?

And the load
Doesn’t weigh me down at all;
He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.”

It seems that many of Robert’s attributes are common among the siblings of people with autism and other disabilities.  Through LucasWorks and through work in various advocacy groups over the years, I’ve met many siblings of people with autism.  Almost without exception, these siblings are kind, patient, and wise in ways that many adults never achieve. 

Just recently I met another one, Amelia Bennett, who wrote the most beautiful book called “The Little Composer”, which we now carry at LucasWorks.  Amelia’s insights into explaining autism show a sibling who truly loves and accepts her brother for who he is, giving the rest of us a joyous lesson in love.

Robert lives far away right now, and while we miss him every day, we know this is what growing up is about.  So today I wish a very Happy Birthday to one of the finset people I’ve ever known, and wish the rest of you had the honor of knowing him, too!

Happy Birthday, Robert!!

 

 

Tags: Daily life //