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- My husband and I were looking forward to being empty nesters. Then my brother with Down syndrome asked if he could move in. (businessinsider.com)
From Empty Nesters to Full House: One Family’s Journey of Welcoming a Sibling with Down Syndrome
[City, State] – The quiet anticipation of an empty nest quickly transformed into a bustling household for one local couple this year, as they welcomed a new, albeit familiar, resident: the wife’s 50-year-old brother, Mark, who lives with Down syndrome. What started as a living room filled with college-bound essentials soon became a testament to family bonds and community spirit.
The journey began in August when Mark expressed his desire to move in with his sister and her husband. This wasn’t a snap decision, but a thoughtful discussion, much like any family would have when considering a new housemate. For the couple, however, the choice was clear: Mark was welcomed “with delight.”
Growing up, Mark and his sister shared a particularly close bond, especially after their parents’ divorce. Born in 1975, Mark defied early medical prognoses that suggested he would never walk or talk.
Their mother, with unwavering dedication, brought him home, enrolled him in therapy, and treated him no differently than his sister. Together, they hiked, baked, and crafted, forging a friendship that would last a lifetime.
After their mother’s passing seven years ago, Mark lived in a group home. However, his sister, a former job coach for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, felt he could thrive in a more integrated environment. She understood the challenges individuals with disabilities face in the job market, and she was determined to help Mark find meaningful employment and a sense of purpose.
With their daughter off to college, the couple’s focus shifted to Mark. The wife, taking on the role of “Entertainment Director and chauffeur,” wasted no time connecting with local organizations. She reached out to Parks and Recreation, the YMCA, arts groups, and a dance studio, registering Mark for daily classes to help him make friends and become an active part of the community.
The community’s response has been heartwarming. Mark is now greeted by name at the YMCA by trainers and fellow bodybuilders, and he’s made friends at the recreation center. While the transition has its challenges – the need for assistance with daily tasks and the constant juggle of work and caregiving – the family emphasizes that Mark is a “loved and valued member” of their household.
The past month has been a whirlwind of activity, from decorating a dorm room with pink flamingos to adorning Mark’s new space with Kobe Bryant and Michael Jackson posters. Looking ahead, Mark is eager to utilize a door-to-door shuttle service for people with disabilities and embark on his job search, a journey his sister is committed to supporting every step of the way.