ENID, Okla. —
My heart ached as I read the article about closing NORCE.
That facility is badly needed. The people who live there call it “home” and the dedicated caregivers are their “guardian angels.”
I speak from experience. Our son, Stephen, was profoundly retarded.
When he was seven years old, we placed him at NORCE — then called Enid State School.
That was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, but he was loved and cared for. He was taught to do the few things he was capable of.
When weather permitted, every other weekend, we would take Stevie riding and get him chocolate pudding — one of his favorites.
Every year at Christmas time, we brought him home for a week to spend the holidays with us.
He always was glad to go back to the school — that was his home.
Stevie lived to 30 years old. I don’t believe he could have lived this long in a group home.
Stevie was a blessing. He taught us a special kind of love many people never have the privilege to experience.
My prayers are with all who will be affected by this decision. God bless you.
Virginia “Babe” Seeley
Enid
Opinion
Related Photos
-
Letters
Discussion
November 8, 2012
Letter: Heart aches with loss of the NORCE facility
- Opinion
-
-
May 20, 2013: It was just an ordinary day
Monday dawned humid and hazy.
- Oklahomans once again help each other after storm
- Letter: City needs to take care of real needs
- Secluded field parties on the rise in Garfield County
- NORCE left out: New legislative proposal ignores mid-sized cities, but pays for Tulsa, OKC projects
- Obama agenda marches on despite controversies
-
Americans drive safety experts crazy
-
Enid’s David McCune is recognized by Oklahoma Directors of Special Services
-
We must hear before we can believe
-
America’s unpaid volunteers
Here on these shores, the first fire department was an all-volunteer affair, as have been the majority of fire departments in American history.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Florida FBI Shooting Has Boston Bombing Links
Garcetti Elected Los Angeles Mayor Over Greuel
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
IRS Official Pleads 5th Amendment
Lawyer: Feds Investigating Susan Powell Case
Former Rep. Weiner Running for New York Mayor
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Families Begin Returning to Their Homes in Moore
Raw: Aerial View of Moore Tornado Damage
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Raw: Students Clash With Police in Chile
Protests Outside Cincinnati IRS Office
New Xbox One Entertainment Console Unveiled
Shakira's Shocking Talent
Morgan Freeman falls asleep on air
GRAPHIC: Blood-Soaked Machete Killer Caught on Tape
Camera Captures Climber As He Loses Grip And Falls
Helen Mirren Meets with Dying Boy in Queen Elizabeth's Place
Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill
DWTS Crowns a Winner
Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House
Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
Olivia Munn Flaunts Her Bikini Bod
Britney Spears Under Fire Once Again For Being A Bad Mom
Arias Tells Jury What She'd Do if She Gets Life
The all-new Xbox One
RAW: Massive tornado strikes Oklahoma
Nidal Hasan paid $278K while awaiting trial
