Personal Childhood Web- Stevie

My uncle Stevie is by far one of the best people that I know. He has Down syndrome and above all has taught me that a person's disability does not define who they are. He works, has hobbies, and great friends. It is impossible to feel sad in his presence because he has a way of lifting up your spirits. His disability is one that is very visible and causes many people to judge his ability. It would often bother me when people starred or made a comment about him, but it never bothered him. He knows who he is and is confident in his own abilities. I could only hope for his level of self-confidence. He came to live with us when my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. As I grew up, he always had the time to hang out with me. He still lives with my mother, in a duplex house so that he has his own apartment. I can't wait to visit home again so that he and I can do our special hand shake :o).