The Boys Next Door Part II

As  I continue to explore this play I am learning more and more about what the life of a mentally handicapped person goes through. I think of all of the people who feel uncomfortable by the challenged. I will admit when you see an outburst from a large man in the middle of a store you tend to look. Or perhaps seeing a man carrying large boxes of Wheaties and a single gallon of milk would turn anyone's head. These simple day to day tasks we are able to do with such ease become an all day event to those who are mentally handicapped. Jacks job is not an easy one. I watch as he gets to a point where he is screaming and yelling at these four fully grown men as if they were children and I can see that this pressure is intense. My mother takes care of a man with down syndrome and I watch as she handles him so patiently. However, often times she comes home exhausted, physically and mentally drained and while she loves her job and the man she takes care of it in no way is easy. I can feel for Jack in this aspect and even relate to these moments where he losses his temper. In the same breath his reaction of anger towards these men break my heart when I read it. This part of the play shines light on how a parent of a special needs adult has to deal. Sadly most parents lack not only patience but in a way they seem inconvenienced by their children. I don't know if I am judging their behavior because I know its hard but I cannot imagine being that put out by my child who cannot even function in society by himself. After reading this act I have this weird feeling of sadness and yet understanding. I am trying to walk a mile in Jacks shoes, the four mens shoes, and in the shoes of these parents and I will be honest I am not sure if my journey has taken me a block just yet.