The Daily Post ~~ Right to Brag| Stephen Vincent Palmer

On By dancingpalmtreesIn BeBe & CeCe Winans - Addictive Love - Music Video, BeBe & CeCe Winans - Love Said Not So, Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version (NIV), LOST WITHOUT YOU / BEBE & CECE WINANS, Stephen Vincent Palmer, Whitney Houston - His Eye Is On The Sparrow

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Right to Brag.”

Tell us about something you (or a person close to you) have done recently (or not so recently) that has made you really, unabashedly proud.

Stephen as Robin Hood October 30, 2015
Stephen as Robin Hood October 30, 2015

Whitney Houston – His Eye Is On The Sparrow

My brother Stephen Vincent Palmer!!  Back in 1963 when my parents took him to the doctors to see why he was not speaking those so-called medical professionals wrote him off as being “emotionally disturbed”!!  How a then two-year old could be emotionally disturbed is beyond me but my parents said No we are Not going to institutionalize our son!  During the 1960s nobody heard of or used the term Autism. Children like Stephen were put away institutions like Creedmor and Willowbrook where they were beaten, starved, abused and lay on the floor in their own waste.  Sometimes people would lock “retarded” children away in their attics because of guilt and shame.  My parents refused to listen to the doctors, took Stephen home and raised him as best they could. Whatever was in his ability to do he did it. Stephen had household chores just like me.  My mother Mable Elizabeth Palmer suffered terribly because ignorant people blamed her for Stephen’s disabilities. I’m sure she cried many days and nights never quite sure how she could best help her son she loved so much. Mothers of disabled children carry heavy burdens. But at least Mom had Dad and together made a road where none had existed before.

All the while my parents Edward & Mable Palmer searched for what few programs and services existed in the 1960s for developmentally disabled children.  Thanks Mom & Dad for never giving up on Stephen.  I follow in their humble path.  Truly Stephen is my and God’s prize and because of him I have pride and joy!

My Brother Stephen standing next to a Kehinde Wiley painting at the Brooklyn Museum
My Brother Stephen standing next to a Kehinde Wiley painting at the Brooklyn Museum

BeBe & CeCe Winans – Love Said Not So

But God said Not So!!  I have a plan and a purpose for my Beloved son Stephen Vincent Palmer!

Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version (NIV)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

For those of you who have a developmentally disabled child or sibling keep in mind no matter what others say know that your loved one is made in God’s image and likeness.  Special Needs means special in the Kingdom of God.  My brother is the kindest, most caring and compassionate person I know on this earth. I am proud to be called Stephen’s Sister.

Stephen if you were to ever leave my side and if God should call you home before me truly I’d be lost without you. Dearest Brother you mean the world to me. I Love you so much! ❤

LOST WITHOUT YOU / BEBE & CECE WINANS

Stephen I would lay down my life for yours. Your happiness is my #1 concern and goal in life.  Ours is an Addictive Love!

BeBe & CeCe Winans – Addictive Love – Music Video

23 thoughts on “The Daily Post ~~ Right to Brag| Stephen Vincent Palmer”

  1. This brought tears to my eyes Deborah. How I wish the legislation would change sooner and enable you to have more humane conditions and the same kind of rights granted to the direct parents. You’ve taken over the role of a mother and you deserve truly to be recognised for this. Sisterly love combined with motherly love is such an explosion of the divine feminine’s love it seems impossible that things would not go your way. Next of kin should be granted leave and by your continued intent it surely will be so. Keep well and always together with Stephen. Bless your heart and soul.

    1. Well the good news is that my union DC 37 and my Congressman Hakeem Jeffries are both working valiantly on our behalf. I went with my Japanese girlfriend to her Buddhist Temple and was given the spritual words that my Breakthrough is on the way, very close. God is everywhere. Does not matter if you are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist or Hindu, the Lord will speak and give you a Word in Season because He/She knows your heart and hears your prayers. Change is coming soon.

      1. Very good news indeed. Yes, change is surely coming soon and the Lord works in mysterious ways. I hope the change for you is coming as soon as required for your Heart to keep faith. Truly God is everywhere and God will not speak in terms of religious creed as mankind would have it. The only thing that matters really is the sincerity of the Love and faith poured into that Love. Keep your Love alight, it will guide you always if you follow that light right up to the denouement.

  3. Your parents were amazing, DeBorah, but I know you know that. Back when I was a teenager in NJ, I volunteered at a state home for the mentally retarded (as they were known then). It broke my heart the number of children who became wards of the state because their parents no longer wanted them or could afford to take care of them. You and Stephen are so lucky to have each other.

  6. I am so glad your parents were determined not to put Stephen in one of those places. Back then, it must have been a huge strain on them, due to ignorance and lack of knowledge, from those around them. I admire their strength and love for their son (and you). And now you are there for your brother. This is a heartfelt post. Thanks for sharing.
    Much love. xx

    1. Thanks for reading. A person is not their disability. The disability is only a small part of who they are as a person. My parents weathered the storm of indifference and bias. After their deaths I took up the mantle and never looked back.

      1. I’m in total agreement. Knowledge could still be better, but at least we have evolved somewhat from back when Stephen was a child. I love the bond you and your brother have. You are a beautiful individual – inside and out.

  8. For a while I was really discouraged but after being away from work for a few days and spending time with Stephen having Halloween fun I’m back on track. I was able to gain some perspective. I Look to Heaven for my help comes from God and God alone.

    Whitney Houston – I Look to You

  9. Pingback: Three Day Quote Challenge: Day 3 | ….on pets and prisoners…..

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