The following was written Sunday night, November 15, 1964 on a TWA airplane, flying from Wichita, Kansas to Dayton, Ohio. I had spent the weekend in Wichita with Kitty, who was enrolled at the Institute of Logopedics. Kitty was 8 years old. I kept the notes because they represented a change in my attitude from trying to make Kitty like I envisioned her, to accepting her as she was.

“How many times have I walked away from her? Let’s see. The first time was in Cleveland Clinic, 6 years ago. Since then, there have been 7 times and each time it has been more difficult. Each time we part, I’ve lost a little more hope for the future. Each time I walk away I’m filled with hopelessness, a feeling of futility that sends me to the blackest depths of depression. Yet, each time I arrange to have a few wonderful hours with her, my feeling of joy and happiness when we meet is without measure. This time when I knocked on her door, a voice from inside said, ‘Kitty, look who’s here’. Kathryn ran, in that unique way of hers, to the screen door and with a smile said more than any words could express.

‘Just slow’, said the pediatrician at the 6, 12, and 18 month check-ups. Before the two year check-up, I told Marge to be sure her ears were checked. ‘Sure seems like she doesn’t hear just right’, I said. After that check-up, Marge and I started our first roller coaster ride into the depths of depression. ‘Kitty,’ said the doctor ‘has brain damage. She is mentally retarded’.”

That conversation with the pediatrician was 49 years ago. Since then, we have sought help for Kitty in many places. In 1992 my work brought me to Valparaiso. Marge and I attended an open house tour at Opportunity Enterprises. Compared to the other facilities we had visited, we could tell that OE was an outstanding organization that really cared for the handicapped and their families. They had one opening and we applied to have Kitty considered for the residential program. She moved to the group home in November of 1993.

Marge and I became active as volunteers. I served on the Board of Directors for 11 years. My daughter-in-law, Julia, now serves on the Board. Marge served on the Human Rights Committee for a number of years. We want OE to continue to grow, improve and become a permanent resource of assistance for those in need of overcoming lifes challenges.

The message of hope comes now. You can hope that someone will volunteer to help the special needs people of Northwest Indiana or you can get into the arena and make a difference. Start by attending OE Family and Friends Together meetings. If you have family receiving support from OE, you need to join and attend meetings. Keep up to date on what is going and how it effects you, your family member and OE.

Porter County citizens do well in supporting the handicapped because they recognize the need of those individuals. The handicapped need you to recognize them as productive members of the community. And you need to support Opportunity Enterprises for the service they provide all the amazing people of this community. Volunteer, if you are able. Support Opportunity Enterprises by making a lasting gift to the OE Endowment Fund. Your involvement will be good for you. You will become one of those amazing people that make a difference.

Do not forget your neighbors! Join and support Opportunity Enterprises Family and Friends Together today by contacting Marie Kubina at OE, at 464-9621. ~ Fred