Today, we will celebrate my little brother's birthday. Happy 55th, Kevin!
My little brother is mentally retarded. I believe they labeled him as "severely mentally retarded" when he was a baby. Whatever wiring mishap happened in his brain, he is also unable to speak using words. He makes sounds, very noisy, joyful sounds. And you will definitely know if he has missed you when he sees you. He's a bit noisy that way, too. And strong...so very strong. He could knock you over with a hug.
When he was a baby, the seventh for my mom and dad, my mother knew within a couple of weeks that something wasn't right. "He wasn't turning over like he should," is the one thing I remember her saying. By the time he was diagnosed, the professionals predicted he would not live beyond age 30. He was 5 or 6 when he first walked.
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| Pretty proud of himself!! |
And we danced at my wedding...
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| He was 13 in this picture. |
Kevin lives in a facility in Kankakee, IL For his 50th, we celebrated at a local hotel, did it up big!! He was exhausted by the end of the party.
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| Kevin's 50th Birthday Party |
I'd say baby brother is hanging in there pretty well! Happy 55th, Kev!! Vuhvuhvuhvuhvuh!!!!
