Richard's Story

There are many degrees of infirmity in cerebral palsy (CP), a condition resulting from damage to the muscle control/motor functions of the brain. Rich’s brain damage occurred at birth and has resulted in his being wheelchair-bound with muscle spasticity and articulation difficulties. For those like Rich, who have CP and are blessed with excellent intellect, daily activities can be frustrating. The anomaly of not being able to fully dress oneself or to easily converse, yet being able to drive a hand-control adapted van from his wheelchair and be employed as a computer programmer/analyst, is both a curse and a blessing.

Rich is amazed at the fear, nervousness and apprehension very apparent in others he newly meets due to his CP and their unfamiliarity with that condition. However, after their first meeting when they get to really know him, Rich is equally amazed by the warm friendship which almost universally occurs at their next meeting. Helping others to interrelate with him in a “normal way” is most rewarding to Rich.

Rich enjoys the support he gets from co-workers at Golden Rule Insurance Co. “I delight in being one of the guys at work,” says Rich. And by the way, thank you God (and Golden Rule), for allowing Rich to have full time employment in their computer/IT department these last 18 years.

Finding and keeping a support system in place to assist in daily life functions is crucial. Rich was fortunate to have some very special school friends who carried him up and down three flights of stairs in his wheelchair for each class change for four years of high school at Brebeuf, before Brebeuf had elevators. That was special to all of us, including to the students and others who witnessed it. His intellectual performance allowed him to obtain a college degree in his interest of love….computers. Where there’s a will, there’s a way! He even played wheelchair football at Ball State during his couple of years there, and enjoyed that very much. The high speed motors on his wheelchair helped him outrun his defenders.

Family who provide daily living support to Rich feel blessed at being asked by God to serve in this very special Stewardship Mission. We thank God everyday for the things that Rich can do, and work on those things he can’t. What is most rewarding is to see how productive Rich has been in his computer career and to listen to his wit and wisdom on a daily basis….all while he is earning a special place near Him for eternity.