Kelly was born on Sept 20th 1957. She was the first grandchild on both sides of the family. My parents didn't know anything was wrong with Kelly until she was 6 months old. My mom said they noticed Kelly wasn't hitting the milestones of a normal baby. My Gram told me she remembered the day when my father rode the bus to her house, carrying Kelly, and he broke down sobbing as he told her the news, that the doctors told them Kelly was "mentally retarded", as it was called back then.
The normal course of action was to put them in an institution, or a "home". My parents received lots of advice and opinions, but everyone loved Kelly and she was staying with her family.
I dont remember when I knew Kelly was different. I just knew from the time I was little that we watched out for her, I had asked one time what happened to her, because my friends were asking me, and my mother told me she had brain damage. In my young years the only way I could imagine that you damage your brain is by hitting your head on a rock, so that is what I told everyone! 
My Nana loved Kelly dearly. She loved us too, but Kelly held a special place in her heart. I remember very distinctly my grandmother saying to me and my brother " Now you kids promise me that your sister will never end up in a "home"-, you promise me?" I remember my promise to my grandmother, we made it to her many times.. I just always knew I would be the one to care for Kelly, that I wouldnt break my promise to my grandmother. It just has been always sometime in the distant future.
Kelly has the abilities of a 4 yr year old in some areas- dressing herself (her clothes are twisted and backward if she does it herself) Brushing her teeth (she will brush the front two only) showering ( she'll wash the top of each arm only) but the abilities of an older age in other things- she empties the dishwasher, she can stay home alone if you have to run a quick errand ( she'll just watch tv and wait for you) She puts things away you leave out. She's sharp as a tack in a lot of areas and gives us a good laugh! She has spent her life happy and fairly quiet, asking very little of this life's pleasures. She LOVES the Partridge family, David Cassidy and the Beatles.( Its getting impossible to find her gifts because she has everything they've put out 10x over!!)
The "distant future" is approaching, and it's different than I imagined. My parents are now in their late 70's and mid 80's taking care of a handicapped adult,( who is getting old and cranky herself!) I dont think I ever envisioned the whole scene- I guess I just envisioned my parents well and healthy, caring for Kelly, me happily being a grandma doting on all my grandkids, and someday just being handed Kelly. Pulling my head out of the cloud, it isnt going that way. My parents are getting old and having health issues, more frequent hospital trip etc, my grandkids arent all nearby ,and Tim and I live in an empty 5 bedroom house. Soooo, Tim and I are deciding that we are moving to be near my parents and Kelly, to help care day to day for the whole group. Heading into my next adventure!!
