It's sad to see an Era end in our city especially since Lawnmower man died. Marcus (Lawnmower Man's real name) was the last of our special needs population to go to a better place. His plastic garden has been discarded and his belongings were left for trash pickup. Unlike a few of the others, Marcus had family and had never been in the old Epileptic Hospital. Marcus was laid to rest at his family cemetery by his parents, distant cousins acted as pall bearers.
Lawnmower man got the nickname because he would push a mower around town wearing a three piece suit. Often he would carry a gas can and broom, when pushing the mower. To this day I don't know if the mower actually worked, maybe pushing the mower gave him purpose.
His sister lived close by and helped pay his monthly expenses for his apartment. She took him shopping, appointments and whatever he needed. He wasn't alone in the world but most assumed he was. Nobody bothered or harassed him though. Marcus like the rest of our special needs population integrated successfully in the world and was treated respectfully.
Quite a few of our special needs population came from the old Epileptic hospital or developmental center when the institute began to see reforms. The facility began to work integrating those with fewer physical disabilities into the community. With the help of attorneys, physicians, and shopkeepers most spent 20 years or so living on their own. Ray, Ernie, Lois and countless others are now gone.
I met Ernie when I was 13. He reminded me as the white haired man from Poltergeist. He was very polite and well mannered. Even though he had money to pay his expenses he worked into his 80s. His words was limited but greeted everyone with a smile. Sometimes it was easy to forget he spent over half of his life hidden in an institution. He died a few years ago, he was 91.
Lois was well loved by everyone and like Ernie she worked. I seen her often helping our local shopkeepers sit up displays or straightening shelves. She enjoyed her days being part of the community. Our local businesses still miss her.
It's so strange going to town now with no Ernie, Lois or Marcus.
We could learn from the people who say little but find joy in the small things...well It's just a thought.
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