Why This Site
Introduction
to this site. From "Life in the Institution" to "Life
in the Community."
I can see the words "Life in the Institution" disappearing into mist and "Life in the Community" emerging. Joe's move from sheltered dependence to real independence was life-long. When shut behind the walls of the institution I remember his fierce imagination at work. He would mimic the voices of the people he knew.
But there was an overwhelming sadness of life at the institution. His voice was a whisper. Joe would gather great energy to make his voice barely audible. And that voice came back when he returned to the community. Joe needed to make his needs clear if he wanted something. And he learned just how to do that.
This site is dedicated Joe's determination to get what he wanted.
But not just in Joe, but in other's who saw in him a mirror of themselves.
I hope we can gather feedback, comments from those who loved, respected, or simply observed with interest Joe.