Conrad’s Story

As Conrad's sister, I knew that we would have to work hard at finding a good place for Conrad to live. Initially, we planned for him to live in a suite in our house.  This was a good plan up to a point, except that we are aging. My husband and I are older than Conrad, so the last thing we wanted was to surround him with seniors.  The bigger issue was what would happen when we had to move into assisted living ourselves, or we died.  

We began to prepare Conrad for when we are no longer around.

We were elated when we were told he had been accepted into the L’Arche’s semi-independent living program.  This was what he wanted, what he had dreamed of.  L’Arche had been integral to his life for 34 years as he participated in their community inclusion programs.  Now, he has his own place and is close to the community he has known for so long. 

Conrad’s suite is fully equipped with everything he needs.  He has worked hard to learn the skills he needs to live independently.  Every chance he gets, he tells us how happy he is. He is his own person with responsibilities that he accepts with joy, knowing he is living the life he had dreamed of.  

His life.  

His choices.  

His responsibilities. 

His community.

His dream.

 L’Arche has created something amazing.  Encompassing group homes where individuals who need more support live within a community geared to them.  A semi-independent living program where people like my brother can live with support.  There are housing options for people from all walks of life who want to live in an intentional community.

 My brother is happy.  He is safe.  He is part of a community that he loves.  He is living an intentional life within an intentional community where he is accepted for who he is. That is a dream that we never thought would be possible. 

Dreams do come true.

Shelley and Dan - Personal Representatives and Sister and Brother-in-law