"My Son, My Hero"

While listening to Mike Malloy's program online I heard a story about two teachers; these monsters tortured an Autistic student! How in the hell these bitches came to be employed is a mystery to me; and, I know of what I speak.

My son, born in 1967, was eventually diagnosed as mentally retarded;he went to 'special school' until he graduated at age 21. Erick enjoyed school and used to say 'every body's nice at my school.' He was well acquainted with the cruelty of so called normal kids.

I cannot tell you, dear reader, how many times Marla, Erick's younger sister, ran in yelling that a gang of kids were beating Erick up! For the most part I was a stay at home mom; when I knocked on doors looking for the parents of these little monsters, I discovered stay in bed moms and dads!

As Erick entered his early 20s, his behavior changed drastically; what followed was a couple of years on a roller-coaster though hell! Finally, my first child and only son was diagnosed with Schizophrenia; with paranoid features audio and visual hallucinations. It took time and effort on our part, especially Erick, we found the combination of meds that would, in part, deliver my son from his nightmare existence.

Erick's attitude throughout this ordeal was to work, with the meds and therapy, to maintain his sanity.

Because of all of this, and much more, I came to think of my son as my hero. Erick's courage,in the face of madness and his surprising insights (he could not stand W.)constantly amazed all who knew him.

On March 01,2006, we lost our gentle giant; when he died suddenly from a blood clot. He was 38 years old. We are glad that Erick was with us as long as he was; he was the bravest person I have ever known.