My younger brother was disabled.
He was born with learning disabilities so severe that he appeared to be blind at first.
Adorable to look at and blessed with a great sense of humor, he could be great company.
He was intelligent and ambitious and his life was often a frustrating, maddening experience for the whole family.
A lifelong science fiction fan, he dreamed of a future world where he could succeed.
Despite the roadblocks and occasional temper tantrums, he did finish high school, complete college and marry.
I know how difficult working with disabled children can be, so I was curious about the story of a social worker in India who made these children his life's work.
George Joseph is modest in describing himself as a 'social worker'.
He has spent most of his adult life working with children, youth and women in distress.
Many of us dream of success, travel and financial rewards.
George says, "I grew up dreaming of being of service to the poorest and the needy.
I am happy that I got an opportunity to convert my dream into a reality at a very young age.
" He has been living his dream since 1993 has been living his dream with his wife by his side.
George runs a school for disabled children and organizes women's groups in 52 tribal hamlets outside of Bangalore.
He plans to expand his vocational training and rehabilitation programs.
George talks about his plans with passion fueled by years of experience.
He is a visionary able to imagine massive undertakings, "We have a long-cherished dream of starting an integrated school for children with disabilities, orphans and destitute children.
" He readily admits that his task is uphill, but his vocabulary does not include the words ' hopeless' or 'despair'.
My experience with my brother did not lead me to a career working with the disabled.
I was frequently upset by the challenge of simple tasks.
My brother often did not or could not clean up after himself.
I was often the one designated to do the cleaning.
Sometimes I was understanding, but occasionally I was resentful, tired and short-tempered.
I was deeply disturbed when my brother died in his forties having spent his last last years on disability.
I grieved and despaired.
George Joseph doesn't have my negativity towards the disabled children in his care.
And I'm sure that he has fewer resources than my family had, given the poverty in his region.
I am convinced that he is one of those people with God-given skills for working with the disabled.
They not only have patience and optimism, they have a vision for these young people.
That vision includes a normal life for them, a job, a family and a sense of pride in their accomplishments.
Hearing George Joseph's story made me revisit my own experience, to remember my brother's jokes, his intellect and his passion for science fiction.
Grief must come to an end and action on behalf of other disabled children should come next.
My family's motto will come in handy, "Don't Stew.
Do!" My thanks to George Joseph for reminding me to cherish what is given, however imperfect it may be.
He was born with learning disabilities so severe that he appeared to be blind at first.
Adorable to look at and blessed with a great sense of humor, he could be great company.
He was intelligent and ambitious and his life was often a frustrating, maddening experience for the whole family.
A lifelong science fiction fan, he dreamed of a future world where he could succeed.
Despite the roadblocks and occasional temper tantrums, he did finish high school, complete college and marry.
I know how difficult working with disabled children can be, so I was curious about the story of a social worker in India who made these children his life's work.
George Joseph is modest in describing himself as a 'social worker'.
He has spent most of his adult life working with children, youth and women in distress.
Many of us dream of success, travel and financial rewards.
George says, "I grew up dreaming of being of service to the poorest and the needy.
I am happy that I got an opportunity to convert my dream into a reality at a very young age.
" He has been living his dream since 1993 has been living his dream with his wife by his side.
George runs a school for disabled children and organizes women's groups in 52 tribal hamlets outside of Bangalore.
He plans to expand his vocational training and rehabilitation programs.
George talks about his plans with passion fueled by years of experience.
He is a visionary able to imagine massive undertakings, "We have a long-cherished dream of starting an integrated school for children with disabilities, orphans and destitute children.
" He readily admits that his task is uphill, but his vocabulary does not include the words ' hopeless' or 'despair'.
My experience with my brother did not lead me to a career working with the disabled.
I was frequently upset by the challenge of simple tasks.
My brother often did not or could not clean up after himself.
I was often the one designated to do the cleaning.
Sometimes I was understanding, but occasionally I was resentful, tired and short-tempered.
I was deeply disturbed when my brother died in his forties having spent his last last years on disability.
I grieved and despaired.
George Joseph doesn't have my negativity towards the disabled children in his care.
And I'm sure that he has fewer resources than my family had, given the poverty in his region.
I am convinced that he is one of those people with God-given skills for working with the disabled.
They not only have patience and optimism, they have a vision for these young people.
That vision includes a normal life for them, a job, a family and a sense of pride in their accomplishments.
Hearing George Joseph's story made me revisit my own experience, to remember my brother's jokes, his intellect and his passion for science fiction.
Grief must come to an end and action on behalf of other disabled children should come next.
My family's motto will come in handy, "Don't Stew.
Do!" My thanks to George Joseph for reminding me to cherish what is given, however imperfect it may be.
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