Booney wrote:Unbelievable.
I grew up in Brooklyn Park, like all kids in the 80s our street was full of cricket matches in summer and footy in the winter. Our house was about 6 houses from the school so my place was a good one for straight after school shenanigans.
Across the road was Mrs McNamara and her son, Brendan. Brendan had several disabilities, most of the kids in the area were a bit freaked out by him but not me or my brother, so, most Saturdays I would pop in there for half an hour or so and Mrs Mac would bring out some Yo-Yo's or Scotch fingers and some Woodies Lemonade. Brendan had pretty major speech disorders so smiles and frowns would be his communication. He loved his races, if I wasn't at cricket or footy in the afternoon I'd sit there and cheer on his nags in the 5th at Cheltenham.
Mum and Dad brought the house in '64, after they split we sold up and moved out in '92. When we left he was still there, Mrs Mac was well old and I never really knew what became of him.
Bugger me I do some research and find his number, he's still alive ( 68 ), still lives in the same house and has a carer with him from 12-4 every day. I'd left a message about a month ago and a lady called me back today. I'm going to pop in and see him on Monday afternoon.
I spoke with him earlier today, I could hear in his sounds that he knew who he was walking to, little *Boon* from across the road. His carer spoke to me after I chatted to him, she said he was in tears. I am now. Can't believe it. Haven't seen him in probably 25 years.
Well, that didn't turn out as expected.
I've been several weeks trying to coordinate a time when myself, my brother ( who travels a lot for work ) and my Mum were all free on the same day/time to go and visit him. It all came together about a week and a half ago that we would get there tomorrow afternoon. As mentioned above his carer is there from 12-4 each day, I called yesterday to inform her ( after speaking several times to her about it ) that we'll be there tomorrow.
She pretty abruptly told me that Brendan certainly remembers us but neither of them see any reason that we should come in to see him.
Makes me wonder, does he not want to see us or does she not want us to see him / the place and how he's living?
Concerned and disappointed and not sure what to do.
If you want to go quickly, go alone.
If you want to go far, go together.
