The Boys Next Door

Already having a mentally handicapped cousin, I knew this story was going to be unique and great at the same time. Though the story very humorous, there are many life lessons that can be learned from this already touching story. One of the first life lessons I noticed that was present was that everyone should be polite to all people despite what their circumstances are. All four mentally handicapped characters were polite and considerate towards all guests that entered their home. They always greeted everyone with some form of a statement that said "hi my name is..... welcome to my home. Won't you take a seat?" The second life lesson I noticed was that be thankful for what you have. None of the four handicapped characters ever complained about desiring more things. In fact it was the little things they rather appreciated for they always spoke on their stuff in a high regard of thankfulness, such as the lamps furniture and bathtub. Another life lesson that was present throughout the story was the gift of friendship. Granted sometimes the mentally handicapped characters were agitated at one another but they never lost their temper at one another and always showed some form of compassion towards each other and everyone they came into contact with. The largest life lesson by far that was revealed throughout the entire story was that all the characters stay true to their themselves in that the mentally handicapped characters held true to their convictions such as coursing. For even the social worker Jack stated that "You see, the problem is that they never change. I change, my life changes, my crises change. But they stay the same." Overall all I kept thinking about while reading this story was my mentally handicapped cousin. He is mix between Arnold and Norman, but only quieter. Granted he does not blurt out words like some of the characters, but he will never be able to drive a car and he will have to live in a facility like the one shown in the story. For you see, my cousin Nathan can't handle to many things at once or he will become really confused and though he is 17 years old he has the mentality of a 12 or 13 year old. Nevertheless I love him and to be honest growing up with him I never really noticed his handicap until a situation arose and my parents explained to me his condition. Even though I found this out I still do not look at him any differently than I did before because just because he is mentally handicapped, does not make me love him any less than I did before.