Growing up, I was introduced to my aunt, who had down syndrome and a few other disabilities. As I got older, I learned that my grandmother did not want my aunt at functions and holidays. The older I got, then I realized it is important that she comes to the functions and the holidays. So when the time came, I would make the phone call to the home where she was living, and my mom would drive me there to go and pick her up. The first time this happened, I knocked on the door to get her; she was so excited to see me that she knocked us both down to the floor in a tight hug as she cried. The lady she stayed with said she was ready to go for over two hours and sat there till I got there. When we got to the family function, my grandmother was very upset and started yelling at me for inviting her. I stood up to my grandmother for the first time. I remember telling grandma that she is family, and she has every right to be here, just as she has. I then said Grandma, if you don’t want to be here with the whole family, you can leave anytime you would like. Well, I stood up for my aunt’s rights that night, and my mom was proud of me. It got me grounded because of telling my grandma she could leave if she did not like that my aunt was there, but because I did that, my aunt has been at every family function on that side of the family.
I feel very honored to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves—those who are afraid to speak up for themselves someone they trust and talk to. When you trust someone, you feel safe talking to and those that do not have a voice do have people that they trust. Those that they do trust are asked to be a voice for their friend. I will always advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. And I will do it proudly!
-Jodie, YESS Board Member
