He Is Her Friend: How a mother’s commitment supported a journey of friendship, marriage and happiness.

Little by little I have guided Darlene and Dan through their life’s journey. It has been one of my life’s greatest and most rewarding experiences, I have truly been blessed.

Getting the most out of the education system, obtaining and keeping a job, taking them to and from work, taking them where they want to go and where they need to go, making a meal, taking care of a house and taking care of themselves; it all takes an everyday commitment.

Yes, sometimes the commitment does interfere with things, but I have always felt that somebody had to help them and I wanted to be the one that did.

I have gotten to know many people, who are intellectually disabled, who want to be with that special someone; want to be married. My hope is that parents will give their children the opportunity to be with that special someone. They deserve to be together just like we deserve to be with our spouses. For me, supporting Darlene and Dan’s desire to marry was the most difficult decision I ever had to make.