Human interest story

1. “There’s No Place like Home”
Who, what, and where is home to you? Well, for Matthew, Angela, Herbie, Nichol, Devon, and
Garrett, the John Furbee House is what and where they call home. Although most of us do not name
our homes in honor of someone, or have staff that provide daily care and support, the John Furbee
House is much like the traditional houses we all call home. Who makes this a home are the six people
that live here and the staff members that treat them with kindness and care for them unconditionally.
This is a lively group of individuals with unique personalities and abilities. They are a group that forms a
family. A family, I would like to introduce to you as the Furbee Bunch.
As I arrive at the John Furbee House on a sunny afternoon, I realize once again that my keys are
buried in my bag and I need to be let in. Inside I hear, Herbie yell out, “Matthew, could you get the
door?” as I ring the doorbell. Almost instantly, Matthew, also known as the door man, scurries to the
door and greets me with a smiling face and then he shakes his fist to tell me hello. I smile in response
and sign back to him, “Thank you” for letting me in. Many of us agree Matthew is quite the charmer. He
has a niche for electronics and enjoys playing his many video games. He does not know how to express
himself in words, but his actions are playful and his spirit is content. Today, I brought him a magazine
because he likes looking through it while pointing to the words as someone reads each to him. I will give
it to him later because right now, I see that the living room is a make shift bowling alley and there is a
game in place.
I see Angela standing still at the ramp as she is getting ready to roll the ball. I join the staff and
other clients to cheer her on. Her participation is always encouraged, and I know at times this can be a
task for staff to succeed. Today, however she is participating with staff as they offer hand over hand
assistance in rolling the ball. I proudly watch her as she strides away with a strike. Angela truly enjoys
staying active, she can literally walk circles around the staff. Her gentle soul shines through her body in a
peaceful pace and beams in her eyes. I adore the beauty and light she reflects and revere our times
together sitting on the swings in the backyard. I talk to her as my friend, and when she makes eye
contact with me, I know she is having fun too.
There is a voice in the back that brings me to attention. It is Herbie, saying, “God Bless You” to
Angela as she sneezes. Herbie has a voice so intense and so deep, it seems like I can hear and feel the
happiness in each word he speaks. I look at him now, and ask him for a hug. His smile is big and his body
is strong. “I am gonna give you a big hug” he shouts out. Hearing him say this makes us all giggle. I am
grateful to be one of the several people who have been blessed by Herbie. His charismatic personality is
unforgettable. You can ask anyone who knows Herbie and they will all tell you he is a “goofy guy”.
Herbie, Matthew, Angela, and Nichol were just children when they moved in together at the John
Furbee House.
Speaking of Nichol, it is her turn to bowl, and she is laughing so hard right now that I cannot help
but to laugh myself. She is being guided by staff towards the ramp so she can take her turn at her
favorite game. Since Nichol has never been able to see the world around her, she appears so delicate
and her feelings are noticeably sensitive. However, her actions are confident and her attitude is
determined. It is exciting to watch her clap her dainty hands with such enthusiasm when she hears all
the pins knock over. I know when the game is over she will go into her room to play on her keyboard or
listen to music. Of course, Matthew will shut her door so he can hear his television.

2. Eager to take his turn is Devon who is helping the staff reset the pins. This young man absorbs
every bit of the various stimulation his environment with staff and peers continue to provide. He
engages with energy and is fun to be around. There is no replacing the fondness I feel for his kind soul
and even sweeter disposition. He astonishes me with his innate strengths, like with numbers, and
letters, and even computers too. ..It comes natural to him and he always thrives from the praise. Like
now, when he is jumping up and down with excitement because we are all clapping as he wins the
game. We encourage and assist everyone to high five each other for the fun. Devon comes to me and
Garrett and puts out his hand, “Good game”.
Garrett has a preference or tendency to self-entertain, but quickly engages with his pal and looks
up with a warm and acknowledging glance. His big blue eyes are bright and inviting and he reacts to the
nurturing of any person’s embrace or touch. We all feel connected to Garrett’s quiet and youthful spirit.
Garrett is aware of his surroundings and seems to always be one step ahead of the game. He anticipates
what and who is coming, and his responses are keen. He knows what he wants and will try very hard to
express his deepest needs. Garrett is the most recent addition and youngest member of the Furbee
Bunch. It did not take him long to find his place in the family, and like all the others in the house, he is
always welcomed at home!
Humans need to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance, whether it comes from a large social
group, or in small social connections like our family members and confidants. We all need to love and be
loved. People need to engage themselves to gain recognition and have an activity that gives them a
sense of contribution, to feel accepted and self-valued, be it in a simple game of bowling. Kindness is a
language any disability can understand. This is an observable truth felt in most of our own homes and
one that is especially demanded in the John Furbee Home. Matthew’s, Angela’s, Herbie’s, Nichol’s,
Devon’s, and Garrett’s, individualities are all encouraged and abilities are all praised.
Special Thanks to the Staff at John Furbee House-Tracie, Linsey, Esther, Monica, Rosie, Annette, Yesenia,
Shekia, and Roman. Also, to Angel View Crippled Children’s Foundation for giving me the opportunity to
work with so many angels.
Written By:
Kristin Bauer
QMRP/Administrator
aka-Client Advocate