Those of you who have heard my speeches, know that one of the main motivators in my own recovery from serious mental illness was the birth of my nephew. 19 years ago, I was told that my sister-in-law was pregnant, and that if I wanted to be involved in the child’s life, they didn’t want me to be the “crazy uncle” who couldn’t be trusted with their child. That motivated me to be the best uncle I could be, and I have always had a strong interest in my nephew’s life and well-being. That being said, I got to celebrate their special day on Monday, as they walked in a cap and gown at their high school graduation ceremony!!! Surrounded by close family, we cheered them on during their special day.
During a celebratory lunch afterwards, I had a chance to explain to my nephew, (as well as I could with tears welling and falling out of my eyes) that they helped to save my life when I was at my lowest, and how proud I continue to be of the person who they are becoming. They have a contrarian, inquisitive, and unique viewpoint like their father, and the honest, unfiltered, and loving candor of their mother. They will be headed south to college soon, and they dream of being a writer, like their grandfather. I can’t wait to read what they write. I know it will be full of passion, wit, and inspiration.
Speaking of literature, my nephew recommended the work of the Gibbons sisters also known as, “The Queens of Broadmoor”, “Broadmoor” being the name of the mental hospital they lived in for eleven years. They lived on the fringe of British society, exhibiting mute behavior as children, talking only to each other in languages that most couldn’t understand, writing passionate books about the excesses and temptations of teenage life while living on dole in their seclusion in their bedroom. One of them eventually submitted a book they had written, “The Pepsi-Cola Addict” to a vanity press, and the book gained the respect of a British journalist, who wrote about them in the book, “The Silent Twins“.
I watched the Netflix film based on their life story, and I was captivated and enthralled by the tragedy they endured and the creativity they brilliantly used to escape into their own private realm. It was a bold, daring, and raw look into the lives of twin Black British teenagers coming of age. I recommend the film to those who want to learn more, a lot of the art and stories of the sisters is told in the film and even June Gibbons had an extensive hand in helping to tell their story with empathy, accuracy, and love.
Earlier today, back in Virginia, I also had the pleasure of recounting my life story at an Emergency Services conference in Fairfax, Virginia. When I mentioned that my nephew had graduated earlier in the week, and the role they played in my own recovery, the room erupted in applause.
I felt so entirely proud.
Congrats to my awesome nephew!!!
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