Description Listen To Me by Lynne Podrat
Praise Listen To Me by Lynne Podrat
About Lynne Podrat
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"The hardest thing I have ever done in my life, to date, was to pretend everything was perfect when I visited my mother’s hospital room that day." Lynne Podrat.This is the memoir of Lynne Podrat and how she had to learn to become the woman, she was meant to be. After an honest conversation with God, she realized she was on earth to do something no one else could do. This became her quest and saving grace.Throughout her journey and relationship with Bruce, her life was shaped by her determination, willingness to stand for what she believed, and helping people. It all started when her youngest brother was born.At thirteen, she made the choice to care for her brother when her parents decided they were not mentally fit to care for a Down Syndrome baby. This created a sense of love and duty within her that would propel her into her career."You may not have wanted education, but education wanted and needed you. This was your true purpose.” Lynne Podrat.The honest reflection of her life and that of her brother was heartwarming and touching. Being honest with her feelings and giving us a glimpse into this remarkable man's life helps one understand the many difficulties a down syndrome person can have but also the joys you can experience in life. All it needs is love and dedication, and the author definitely had that in spades.This is a lovely memoir that not only brings justice to her brother's life but helps us to understand how you can live in your destiny despite the many obstacles you face. Truly a wonderful testimony of what sibling love is.Thanks for the opportunity to read this book.
Jerica with her Uncle Bruce at Thanksgiving
Excerpt
During one of our Sunday visits, I asked my brother to run some errands with me. “Sure, where are we going?” he said. Not wanting to confuse him with too many details,
“To the bookstore for some health cookbooks,” I explained.
“OOHH, cooking, Yes, I’d like those books.” Laughing, we left for Barnes and Noble, not far from the house. Once there, I guided him to a large table filled with books.
“Star Trek! Lynnie, Lynnie! Star Trek!” He shouted with excitement for all to hear. Sure enough, he held up a Star Trek book, the original, one of his favorite television shows. “Correct. How did you know, honey?” I asked knowing he could not read and curious as to how he knew. He shook his head, hand on his forehead. The obligatory eye roll and deep sigh one does when dealing with the feebleminded.
“Lynne, listen to me,” pointing to the cover. “That says,” and he proceeded to spell, “S-T- A-R T-R-E-K, Star Trek—and that is the enterprise.” He had memorized the words having watched the show so often.
“Stay here and look at your book while I check these cookbooks,” I
had instructed while becoming immersed in two Whole 30 books trying to
discern the differences, forgetting the time and him. “So, Brucie. Are you
ready to go?” No response. Looking up, Bruce was nowhere in sight. Not panicked
but a tad concerned, I asked the people around the table if they had noticed
where the young man standing with me had gone. Pointing to the couches, sure
enough, there was my brother, one leg crossed over the other in the
coffee/lounge area reading his book. I walk over, not entirely pleased with
this, but before I could say anything, Bruce looked up and said, “Lynnie, how
about we get coffee and you can sit and read. Go ahead. If you have trouble, I
can help. You get the coffee. I want milk and sugar.” My turn to roll my eyes,
shake my head, and sigh. It was impossible to stay annoyed. However, he did
need to acknowledge my concern at his walking away.
“Brucie, I am a little annoyed with you.”
“Why? What I do?” his eyes wide with innocence. I am not David, so I just fixed
him with a look. “Why do you think I might be upset with you?” That was the
clincher as he did not like having me upset. “I walked away.” I nodded my head.
“When you walked away, what could you have done so I would have known where you
were?”
“I don’t know.” I continued my look.
Looking down, he grinned, “I could tell you.” “Yes. Let’s practice what you
will tell me next time.”
Barnes and Noble became our new home away from home, visiting so
often that the ladies placed our order upon seeing us.
“Hi, Bruce! You can come get your coffee when‐ ever you are ready.”
Instead of the china cups, our coffee was poured in to-go cups so
Bruce could take responsibility for getting our order while flirting with his
new fan club. This was one of the many special things I would miss when we
moved.
Once we were back home having finished our coffee visit, chores,
reading, rolling coins, and eating a snack, Bruce and I settled in to listen to
his favorite music on an old laptop I had designated as his. Bruce had a
journal we kept at my house where he practiced his writing and more reading.
Writing is contagious, so I either write poetry or thoughts about teaching and
work on Sudoku puzzles. He dated the page to include the month, day, and year.
He then wrote the titles of albums and two of the songs he loved from that
album. We then drew. Actually, I drew. “Lynne, can you help me?” he asked with
this pathetic face, and then we colored the page. He got such pleasure
returning to pages and reading the letters to me, triumphant when he recognized
words. This never failed to make me laugh and make my heart happy for him.
To ensure Bruce’s inclusion with family, Jerica joined us on as
many Sundays as her schedule allowed, Thanksgiving, and all Jewish holiday
dinners. Randy, Laurie, Maddie, and Emily stayed with us on their northern
visits during Christmas, sharing many activities with their Uncle Bruce.
Bruce and Me
I am so glad you enjoyed 'Listen To Me'! Thanks so much for hosting!
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