My cousin, Tony Neese went home to his Jesus
this past Tues. night.
He was lovingly cared for by his parents and brothers, and they would tell you they were blessed to have Tony in their lives. His big brothers were home to help their mother care for him in his last weeks.
His sweet Dad in the latter stages of Alzheimers was given the news on Wed.
this past Tues. night.
He was lovingly cared for by his parents and brothers, and they would tell you they were blessed to have Tony in their lives. His big brothers were home to help their mother care for him in his last weeks.
His sweet Dad in the latter stages of Alzheimers was given the news on Wed.
I've thought about his life a lot this week --
He never realized all the goals that some count as success --
He never married and had a family --
'never traveled, except for the rides in the pick-up truck with his Dad back and forth to his group home -- He had a favorite spot he would anticipate on the trip where he would stop to get a doughnut.
His family sacrificed to help him achieve the most he could developmentally -- so that he could live independently. Aunt Neta became his advocate as she navigated the myriad
of agencies to help those who are disabled.
of agencies to help those who are disabled.
Tony never wrote a book or started a company or learned how to surf the web -- but he was someone that was loved by his family.
Despite numerous challenges and being unable to speak - there were certain things he let others know he wanted and liked--
He was very attentive to his Aunt Vera who struggled with muscular dystrophy --
and he loved going to Church.
Despite numerous challenges and being unable to speak - there were certain things he let others know he wanted and liked--
He was very attentive to his Aunt Vera who struggled with muscular dystrophy --
and he loved going to Church.
He made friends -- caregivers loved him --
He impacted all our lives --
He impacted all our lives --
Jesus spoke about him when he said,
"Except you become like a little child . . . you can't enter the Kingdom of Heaven".
As they celebrate his life today at his memorial -- A former special education teacher now minister will speak -- My Aunt Neta tells me that he's going to read this poem:
A meeting was held quite far from Earth,
“It’s time again for another birth,”
Said the angels to the Lord above,
“This child will need much love.”
“It’s time again for another birth,”
Said the angels to the Lord above,
“This child will need much love.”
“Her progress may seem very slow,
Accomplishments she may not show.
And she’ll require extra care,
From folks she meets way down there.
Accomplishments she may not show.
And she’ll require extra care,
From folks she meets way down there.
She may not run or laugh or play,
Her thoughts may seem quite far away.
In many ways she won’t adapt,
And she’ll be known as handicapped.
Her thoughts may seem quite far away.
In many ways she won’t adapt,
And she’ll be known as handicapped.
So let’s be careful where she’s sent,
We want her life to be content.
Please, Lord, find the parents who
will do a special job for you.
We want her life to be content.
Please, Lord, find the parents who
will do a special job for you.
They will not realize right away,
The leading role they’re asked to play.
But with this child sent from above,
Come stronger faith and richer love.
The leading role they’re asked to play.
But with this child sent from above,
Come stronger faith and richer love.
And soon they’ll know the privilege given
In caring for this gift from Heaven.
Their precious charge, so meek and mild,
Is Heaven’s very special child.”
In caring for this gift from Heaven.
Their precious charge, so meek and mild,
Is Heaven’s very special child.”
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