Mel

My sister called me out on being a blog slacker lately.  I've been reading The Hunger Games trilogy ever since my semester ended, and I've been anxiously tearing through the books as soon as I get the boys to bed and the house in semi-decent shape at night. Hence the slackery. (yeah, that's a word, I swear)
So, I thought I'd just share a little heart warming thought that snuck into my head recently.  My neighbor, 3 doors down, has 2 sons that are autistic, and also have several other health problems.  Andrew is 28.  He is on the autism spectrum, and also has some other issues that I'm not really too sure about.  I really don't know too many specifics.. But Andrew lives at home with his mom, he takes care of their dog, has friends, and is super nice and friendly.  He walks his dog, Angel, a couple of times a day, and so he knows everyone on the block.  I don't really know what extent of assistance he needs on a day to day basis, but judging from what I see, he probably functions at the level of someone around 10-13 would.  He handles some responsibilities very well, is very good socially, but also will still go trick or treating.  When I first met him, I had the automatic mental reaction to pity him.  But I don't anymore.  He's a really nice guy, and a good neighbor to have.
His brother, Tony is more severely autistic, and has to live in an assisted living facility.  I'm not sure how old Tony is, but I'm pretty sure he's within a year or two of Andrew one way or the other.   He lives at home on the weekends, but has to be at the facility during the week days since his mother works full time and can't care for him then.   I always know when Tony has arrived at his home by the loud and very happy screams and howls.  To someone that isn't familiar with the family, the shrieks might be a little confusing or alarming.  But to those of us on the block, or at least to me, they are the sounds of a happy boy reunited with his brother and mother.. if only for a few days.
The other day, I was driving down the street and saw the two guys, hand in hand walking up the street together.  It was a Saturday, so Tony was home.  His brother, Andrew was just taking him for a walk around the town to get out for a bit.
For one thing, the sight of two brothers holding hands, and feeling and knowing the unspoken trust and love between them was enough to move me to tears.  Upon further thought, I was so happy and proud of Andrew.. I'd bet that the majority of the world counts him out.  Wouldn't necessarily trust him to even butter their bagel... But here he was, taking his brother for a walk.  Tony's well being was squarely in his hands, and he was the leader.  The big brother.  It changed me a little bit.  I hope that I learn to stop under estimating people as a result of this beautiful moment of brothers being brothers.