Child Who never Grew

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“Every now and again I see in the newspapers the report of a man or woman who has put to death a mentally defective child. My heart goes out to such a one. I understand the love and despair which prompted the act.” Pearl Buck understood that act, for her daughter Carol was mentally retarded. She shares her experiences of raising a child who would never grow to be self sufficient. Pearl shares her thoughts and feelings throughout the diagnostic process in a time when little was known about mental disabilities. She travelled from China to America to seek medical attention for her daughter just to get the news that Carol would never be a ‘normal’ child. The doctors could not help this family. Carol realized that she had to live her life with her daughter. Carol, who found insurmountable joy from music, would never know she was different from other children. Pearl found comfort in that fact that the burden and stress of life would never fall on her daughter. The next decision that came to Pearl was if she should put her daughter in a home. Pearl had a fear that she would die then who would care for Carol. A girl told Pearl Carol would no longer be invited to her parties and Pearl realized Carol should be people who... ... middle of paper ... ...facing and I feel that understanding disabilities will only make me a stronger teacher. I have had some experience with mental retardation seeing as my uncle was. He passed away at age 43 when I was only about 7. I do remember where he lived, and how he acted. My Uncle Dan lived in an assisted living home. He had his own apartment in a complex of other people with disabilities. Nurses would come in and help him live as normally as he could. By living in this home, he was able to make friends and even have the opportunity to have a relationship. I know my father is very thankful for my uncle to be able to have those experiences. I always saw him as a kid, like me. I never really understood why but I thought it was great. He had the best toys and was fun to be around. I knew he was different but, not until now I realize the struggle my father’s family must’ve faced.

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