PERSONAL NARRATIVE
I was teased at school because I had a brother who
was different. I pretended to ignore cruel taunts but
I felt so alone. I had no one to talk to who under-
stood what it was like to live with a brother who had
special needs. When I invited friends home to play,
they came once but never returned. You didn’t have
friends. Other children frowned warily at you and
stared. You couldn’t comprehend or socialize with
them because you missed their subtle facial expres-
sions, eye contact, and body language. I didn’t un-
derstand how to play with you either. Each time you
arranged your toys in long lines, I tried to rearrange
them, and you threw tantrums. So I walked away and
left you to play alone.
In your early 20s, you were committed to a mental
institution. Our parents could no longer cope with
your aggressive outbursts and self-harm attempts.
I was studying nursing in Sydney at that time and
was expected to continue caring for you. It broke my
heart to visit you in that asylum. It was a locked ward.
The inmates either ran amok or were over sedated
with tranquilizers. You used to enjoy a drive in my
white Mini. I would buy chocolate Paddle Pops, your
favorite treat, and we would sit in a park to eat them.
Growing up with you also had positive effects on me.
You taught me to be patient, tolerant, and compas-
sionate, even though I did not fully understand your
condition. Caring for you taught me how to handle
difficult situations in my life, particularly when we
were out in public or when I needed to be aware of
your misunderstood behaviors. Your quirky sense of
humor, your love of trains, and your unconditional
acceptance of those around you are traits that have
warmed my heart. You taught me to be wary of judg-
ing others and to accept people at face value. You
taught me to appreciate the simple things in life, like
riding on trains and buses and blowing up balloons
until they popped.
Today, you live a meaningful and full life in a group
home where there is 24-hour supervision by a caring
staff. You participate in structured activities, which
include daily chores and meal preparations. You take
part in the weekly grocery shopping and manage
your own money to buy your train magazines and
clothes. You enjoy outings with your fellow residents
to local clubs and community activities. You have
learned to survive in our world but still retain the
richness of your own.
I realize now how blessed I am to have you in my life
and how much richer my life is because of you.
In April 2017, we celebrated our 71 st birthday. That
special bond between us has been life-long.
Sending you warm smiles and lots of love,
From your sister,
Mary Ann
“Mary Ann’s book, Born to
Fly, provides insights for
families and health profes-
sionals directly connected
to autism. It is also a great
resource for readers sim-
ply seeking to better un-
derstand the condition.
Her skillful writing paints
a vivid picture of one boy’s
journey and opens a win-
dow to the determination
and resilience of the hu-
man spirit, especially when
life’s challenges seem insurmountable.” -Christiana
Star, psychologist
Born to Fly is inspired by a true story and can be pur-
chased on Amazon or Mary Ann’s website.
Mary Ann Napper self-published her
debut novella, Born to Fly, in 2014.
Since then one of her short stories
has been selected for publication in
an anthology by Birdcatcher Books
and a feature article in News.com.au. The author is
frequently asked to be a guest speaker at commu-
nity groups.
Website
Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 65 |
41