The Day Uncle Joe Lost His Handicap

Uncle Joe had a habit of telling people, I have a handicap you know. His sister-in-law, Viva, grew weary Of hearing that. After all, had she not taught him To walk, to talk and to feed himself? She was seventeen when she came into Joe's life. Too young to listen when the others said "he can't". She did not know the meaning of the word "retarded" And did not understand why a child of two Was not walking and talking. She believed he could learn and he did. She coached, begged, bribed and loved him Into doing the things any other child of two could do. So, years later, when Joe persisted in telling others, Strangers and family, that he had a handicap Viva got tired of hearing it. One day she said You know Joe, I haven't seen Your handicap in a long time. Maybe it's lost, let's look for it. After all, you can't tell people you have a handicap If it isn't there anymore, can you? His brother, Hugh, agreed So they searched all day for Joe's handicap. Neighbors stopped by And when told of Joe's dilemma, Joined in the quest. Behind doors, in closets and high in tees Every nook and cranny explored, No stone left unturned. Finally, evening approached and Still no handicap. Viva said, Well Joe, your handicap seems To have vanished, flown the coup, escaped You just don't have it anymore. Since that day, Uncle Joe has never again Mentioned his "handicap" to anyone.