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What does it take to beat the odds and live a successful life? Richard Harris did the following when he was told his son, Tim, was born with Down syndrome:1) Admit disappointment, shock and fear
2) Continue to set high expectations
3) Learn and teach how to count the blessings of hugs in your life.
I first saw the story of father Richard Harris and his son, Tim over 10 days ago on the CBS Evening News. Journalist Steve Hartman had traveled to Albuquerque, NM to do a feature story on the only known person with Down syndrome to own his own restaurant. The memory of this piece has stayed with me all week.
Many times over the last few years I have found myself telling people that I got into the human development profession because of my Uncle Louie. Uncle Louie was born in 1930, the last of 11 living children in my father, Andrew Terzano’s family. Uncle Louie had severe Downs. In 1930 the family was told to do one thing: put Louie in an institution and in one year he would pass away. The family did not do that. Uncle Louie lived to be 59.
My first memories of Uncle Louie (begrudgingly) were having to answer the phone at approximately 7:05 p.m. each night when he called my Dad. Uncle Louie never spoke, but used various sounds to make himself understood. Uncle Louie could not read or write, but he walked to the candy store in his Brooklyn neighborhood each night and called all his brothers and sisters who did not live with him (4 lived in the family home and cared for Uncle Louie). Even though he never spoke words when he took his little piece of paper with all his siblings phone numbers out of his wallet, everyone knew what assistance was needed.
Uncle Louie wore diapers his whole life but he was dressed each day in a business suit and tie just like all his brothers. He had a pinkie ring just like his brothers. He was expected to be his best, do his best, and love the most. Just like his brothers and sisters. And as much as I dreaded those calls each night – I was always afraid I would not understand him — as an adult I saw what love, devotion, and expectation could do in aiding a human develop to their highest potential.
I love my father for the part he played in never letting me avoid those calls. I love my Dad’s brothers and sisters for teaching me the true power of love, family, and why never giving up and taking action to beat the odds, is so very important. Thank you CBS for a great piece.
Dr. Success Challenge: After watching this piece, ask yourself this question: If Tim could accomplish opening a restaurant, what dream are you capable of achieving?
