I mentioned a few posts ago that I should reallyretrieve my journals. I am sure they are laden with details about the first dance I attended with my older brother.
It was wintertime and I arrived at the lodge first. I didn’t know if Michael was looking forward to it or if he even knew what it was all about. He is profoundly retarded, autistic and nonverbal. I was excited when the van from his group home drove up and I saw him with his housemates. Having been at his residence previously, I could imagine the preparations.
Michael and his group made their way to join residents from other group homes to the tables surrounding the crowded old-time ballroom dance floor. I don’t remember if the music was loud, but I do remember my surprise when one of the counselors grabbed him and started to DANCE! Now that I think about it, I remember he seemed to enjoy playing ring-around-the-rosie with my younger brother and me on a camping trip once. I was thrilled just the same.
Yes, that really is Michael dancing.
He looks like he’s enjoying himself in a secret sort of way.
I agree, Jill. Doesn’t he look like a party animal, looking forward to the dance. Almost everything about him was a secret, though.