Parents couldn't read, but they could love him

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ^ | 9-15-12 | Laurel Walker

[afraidfortherepublic]

John Klein remembers more than two decades ago sitting in the freshman orientation class for Marquette University High School and feeling a sense of panic.

One after another, students were to give their names and describe what their parents did. As you might imagine, there were some prominent power players among these families. Doctors. Lawyers. Dentists. Business owners.

Klein grew up in a family where both his parents and his only sibling, an older sister, were intellectually challenged with cognitive disabilities.

From a young age, he was the reader for the family. At age 9, he was deciphering bills for his father and helping him manage finances. It was just - normal.

When it was Klein's turn in that introductory exercise at Marquette High? "I lied."

He told the class his mother, Geraldine, ran a day care center, though she had less than a third-grade education, cared only for her own two children and did not work outside the home. He said his dad was a janitor, though his father, who'd never gone to school, was working at St. Camillus Health Center helping to move patients, bathe them or take care of their other needs, work he did for 21 years.

"I didn't hate my parents," Klein said, "but I definitely tried to hide their differences."

Today, at age 36, he thinks about where he came from, who he came from, and feels gratitude.

Klein, known by his nickname "Chin," will be honored Sept. 24 by Life Navigators with his mother Gerry, 69, his dad, Rudy, 84, and his sister Marie, 37, looking on. Life Navigators, once known as Association for Retarded Citizens in Milwaukee and more recently, until this year, as ARC of Greater Milwaukee, aims to improve the lives of individuals with developmental...

[afraidfortherepublic]

Courtesy of Life Navigators John Klein says it's a tribute to his family that he has succeeded as a special-education teacher. Klein, shown with mother Gerry, father Rudy and sister Marie, will be honored Sept. 24 by Life Navigators.

This is such a heart warming story that I had to post it. Kudos to this young man. Kudos to his "big Brother." Kudos to the anonymous attorney who paid for his education. Kudos to the Priest, Brothers, Lay Teachers and Classmates at Marquette University High School who set this man's feet on the path to service for others. Marquette is a Jesuit-run school. My sons attended a Jesuit run school in Houston when they were growing up. Their motto was "Men for Others". I'll bet that Marquette has a similar motto, or mission, and they have served it well.

[afraidfortherepublic]

Something good happening in Milwaukee

FReep Mail me if you want on, or off, this Wisconsin interest ping list. May the Lord continue to make his face to shine upon “Chin”.

[TurkeyLurkey]

This is a beautiful story & picture; thanks for posting it.

[afraidfortherepublic]

Thank you for appreciating it. Some days we just need a lift, and we deserve one this week after all the dreadful news. I can just hear all the tsk, tsking from “good Christians and others” about this family having children, yet look what they produced!

And I should have said Kudos to these parents for raising a good family too. They cared for these kids and gave them what they could, unlike so many in the inner city whose kids join gangs and turn to drugs and worse. They are indeed Blessed. Their story reminds me of the Beatitudes.

[Puckster]

“I can just hear all the tsk, tsking from “good Christians and others””

If, as a Christian, I would tsk anything, it is the above comment. Rather crass.

[BykrBayb]

What a beautiful family. Thanks for giving me something happy to think about today.

[wrcase]

That’s why the poster put the phrase “good Christian” in quotes. He’s referring to people who say they are “good Christians” but in reality are not.

[Kimmers]

wonderful story......thank you for the post....

[Kimmers]

wonderful story......thank you for the post....

[hawaiianninja]

This is a beautiful story & picture; thanks for posting it.

Ditto. This is a great, inspiring story to start my day. ^_^ (Maybe they'll make this story into a TV movie! Hint Hint!)

[hummingbird]

"Some days we just need a lift"

We sure do! Thanks for posting this wonderful, uplifting story.

[Texas56]

Nice story; thank you for posting.

[Puckster]

I would have to say that “generally” was too general....I’ve had atheists that emphasized “good Christians” to simply single out their angst.

But, I will take it under advisement.

Thank you.

[afraidfortherepublic]

I’m sorry that you did not understand my comment in the spirit that I meant to convey it. I must have worded it carelessly.

I’ve just heard so many comments over my life aimed towards the handicapped by “well meaning” people as if the handicapped shouldn’t live and shouldn’t be able to raise families that it breaks my heart. It’s one of the excuses that our elected officials and Planned Parenthood use to justify abortion and sterilization, and it raises my ire every time.

[Puckster]

Sorry, I got mixed up with the “generally”....another post.

[Puckster]

“it raises my ire every time”

So I also.

I was raised “christian” with the United Church of Christ.....a very socialist denomination, akin to communism 101.

After I left and joined the Coast Guard(1970-75), I had wandered through many religions.....Bahai, Scientology, I Ching, Tibetan Book of the Dead, Rosicrucionism, Baba Ram Dass (Richard Alpert-think Timothy Leary), Sorcery (Carlos Castaneda-Separate Reality...etc)...and on and on.

All only led me to darkness, of which I know to be real....and it has a name.

These, and copious amounts of Kona Gold, mushrooms, peyote....etc., left me stripped down....as it turned out, by design, by our Father in Heaven.

After the Coast Guard (not the source of any of my problems) I pretty much got rid of everything and wandered in the southwest deserts, mostly New Mexico.

I cast my trust onto the only Light remaining in the darkness of my own making.

All that are poor, weak, feeble minded, the widow and the stranger are a particular soft spot in the heart of God.

What a Christian walks is Love....not religion and tradition.

Were two or three are gathered together in Christ’s name is the body of Christ.

Love is slow to wrath.....but, it will assuredly wrath, for darkness has a shelf-life.

I have received some of my most profound moments in life with the lowly and I’ve lived that life.

No greater fool has been born to the flesh than I, and if I’m anything at all of worth.....Christ is the author.

I apologize for not recognizing your quip as it was.

[afraidfortherepublic]

Your gracious apology is accepted! I was raised Congregationalist (now United Church of Christ) and became Catholic upon my marriage. I am still struggling to be a better Christian. I am just appalled at some of the things I hear people from all faiths say. I have a grandson who is autistic and one who is Aspergers (the other end of the autism spectrum). I fear for them sometimes.

[Puckster]

“I am still struggling to be a better Christian”

As it should be....for we do not struggle against flesh and blood.

“I fear for them sometimes.”

Try instead Godly Jealousy......God is jealous “for” his own that he loves....in this is his power.

In Christ’s name, there is power....it really is that simple.

[arrogantsob]

Very touching story. Love is a great power.

[knittnmom]

Thanks, AFTR for the uplifting article, and Puckster for the wonderful testimony!