Imagine that you could free yourself from the corporate world. Clothing labels didn't matter to you, the only desire was comfort. What food you ate wasn't as important as getting to eat. Everyone is your friend, no matter how they treated him the day before.
I've had the pleasure of meeting this young man. Alex came in to my life in April of 2011. He moved from his home in Yamhill to be with us at the Ranch. His pleasures are simple, horses, Yamhill, and driving his tractor. At length he will tell you about Yamhill if given the chance, he has no shortage of desire to talk of home, which includes his two horses and many siblings. Spoken of as if you know them already, when you finally meet anyone from his narratives you feel as if you know them already. A typical description of anything includes so many tangents and rabbit holes that you often forget what the original topic is, but never to worry, Alex won't remember either, he's perfectly happy pursuing his new thoughts, which will change in short order.
Never have I met anyone in my life that was as generous as Alex. He is willing to buy you your hearts desire... the only problem, he does not understand the value of money. A lot of money is $200 and not very expensive is $1. There is no other value. He can barely read and can't count all that well, so in his mind, he just doesn't have enough money for it or he can buy as many as he could possibly get. I've toyed with the idea of buying him lottery tickets for the sole purpose of getting everything that I ever want. If he had the money, he would make it possible. Candy bar $1, tractor $200.
This young man has really changed how I see those with disabilities. He struggles to do many of the things that we take for granted, walking, brushing his teeth, even bathing. These are things that he needs help with. He is never embarrassed by his inability but takes it in stride. He is happy to help however he can, even in his limited strength, but don't count him out. He will surprise you. I'm glad to call him my friend, and know that he calls me his.
