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Okay, that did it! Too many tears to come up with something intelligent. Thank you for the new perspective.
"Golden" came to mind, but that would minimize your post ... rather, I am speechless at your sharing and wisdom.
Can I just say thank you, Lois?
That is a very touching post. I'm moved at what one person, no matter their capabilities, can do in the world.
Powerful stuff! There is a miracle around every turn, isn't there? Thank you so much for sharing this story!
JohnL e-mailed me a link to his site.
http://johnl.edschool.virginia.e...achEffectively/
Here is what he had to say:
Billy’s lesson
Filed under: News — JohnL @ 1:33 pm
A blogger who identifies herself as Lois Lane has a heart-tugging post about a cousin who has Asperger Syndrome. As she tells the story, Billy takes a bus independently so that he can visit with a dying relative. Those readers of Teach Effectively who teach about special education might find it valuable as a supplement in their classes for beginning teachers.
Thank you JohnL!
Lois
Damnit Lois! You make me feel horrible for making that Jack In The Box joke.
Now I have to go cry...
you are one of a kind babe! *snif*
excellent postage!! *smooches*~!!
That's just beautiful, Lois. I've dealt with several kids like Billy in the classroom. They always taught me something, like you said. Many former students still write to me. The are mostly girls. Of the boys who stay in touch, though, most of them are Special Ed kids. Gotta love those guys.
Lois...please watch it! I have the book...its one of my all time favs...sooo beautiful in many ways.
Every now and then, God uses one of his 'earth angels' to touch our hearts..
Billy obviously is one.
Lois, you are another.
You made my day. Thanks Lois.
Uuugggg am crying..LOL I don't mean to laugh but am laughing at myself. Moved me in many ways. I can cry at the drop of a hat but I feel it was justifable this time. Happy and Sad.
i've actually been told to get diagnosed for asperger's syndrome (i exhibit a number of the identifiers), but it sounds like billy is considerably more on the autistic side of the fence from what i understand of asperger's.
that was a cool post. thanks for sharing it with us, lois.
Lois,
I have fallen in love with Billy. Wouldn't that be cool if Billy and Beth from "ridng the bus with my Sister" met? They'd have a lot to talk about! 
There's so much yellow in this small world....
Hugs,
Sarah
Lois,
Tonight I am part of your circle too. Thanks for your post.
Scrappy
Poignant post. Your family is lucky to have Billy.
wow. thank you. i have a cousin much the same way. it's funny how even when you think you understand how amazing they are it takes something big to remind you.
thank you - i'll be calling my cousin now (after i stop crying).
Lois, you never cease to amaze. This was a beautiful post. Billy sounds wonderful - and all credit to your family for allowing him to grow to be as independat as he can be...too many try to hide away anyone with a disability, keeping them forever cocooned until a death alters everything they know
xxxxxxxxxxxx
I love the story! Does he still have the tape?
What a beautiful story. I'm really looking forward to watching "Riding the Bus With My Sister" and will have Billy in my heart while I watch.
That's beautiful Laney. You're an excellent writer (and probably a good fisherwoman, too).
same page darlin. thank you for the beautiful reaffirmation of what i so know to be true. i love you cyber sister, (((((((((lois))))))))))
Speechless.
He's beautiful, in so many ways.......
Now, where'd those tissues go.....
There was an episode of "All in the Family" about a person something like Billy which included this quote by
Thomas Carlyle: "Every man is my superior in that I may learn from him." Only too true. Thanks, Lois, for such a great post.
Don't have anything other to say than that was excellent.
Lois, you post actually brought tears to my eyes. That's saying something considering what a hard-ass everybody tells me I am. Great post!
I have been exposed to disabilities since I was very young so it's never had the same effect on me as other people. It's partly why I pursued the education that I did, and definitely why I got into the volunteer community. I was a "big sister" to a woman named Christine, I can't believe I haven't written about her yet but I will have to. She too loved to ride the bus and engage with other people. Her mental disabilities were quite comprehensive though, but she was alive and happy, and that is infectious.
My sister in law is mentally retarded. Before I met my husband and his family I had never been around "those" people and had much the same reaction as others - ignoring etc.
I have learnt so much from watching her. There is nothing bad in her, she is only good. God collects perfect souls, and my sil and Billy, well the souls they have were almost perfect and just needed a teeny bit more work before returning to God, that's why they are so special. My SIL holds a job too, and can ride the bus herself. When we were dating she said to my husband the question we were all afraid to ask..."are you guys gonna get married?"
That was a beautiful post, Lois, and brought tears to my eyes. I am not sure if I will watch the movie - too close to home.
Thanks you Lois.
Dear Lois,
Im writing this 2 days after reading your peice on your cousin.
and may I say this!
PUBLISH< PUBLISH< PUBLISH!!!!!!!
Hey, stop by the blog with your little ones, the TORTOISE is FINALLY there. If i had a high speed connection, i would video this amazing creature. I want to tell you more but its Doctor appt day with my daughter-3 hrs round trip, so im off!
P.S.- if your blessed garage sale girl would like to see my finds and prices paid, i would love to get her feedback =) =)
(((hugs)))
MB
I chanced upon your blog & saw this lovely entry.
this just shows us how each & everyone of us is special in our way.
I'm so touched by his words for Aunt Amanda. ((((Hugs))) On a related note, I used to work in the health/medical fields. Many would wonder how any of us could work with someone with Asperger's Syndrome or autism (which is not the same thing for those reading this...) Beautiful, touching post. I taped that movie & will see it this wk.
All Of Yous Guys, thank you for the comments! Billy is a special person and makes me feel special being around him. He still has the tape and gets annoyed when someone asks to listen to it because it is after all his. I watched the movie, which inspired this post. It was amazing. Rosie O'Donnell managed to pull off so many of Billy's mannerisms that a few minutes into the movie, I forgot I was watching her. Sorry for those of you who teared up for this post. Michelle, did the book have an abrupt ending? The movie seemed to but then again, maybe I am selfish and wanted more. Lightfeather, JohnL. Mace, Gina, Vanna, Michaela, The Complimenting Commenter and Rose, thank you all for visiting Home Fires! It's so nice to see new "faces" around here!
Moving, beautiful, tears falling ...
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