I have read the book, cried, laughed, smiled and so proud of his sister for writing about John's life, so that we can all understand they are people too. I have worked with adults like John, I know what they have to give. I too wish we would have known about his struggles and why. I remember that beautiful red hair. How you always seemed to be "thinking" when you walked in the hallways between classes. I remember when we were in confirmation class together at Bethesda Lutheran Church. John, I will remember the good things about you and how you were a survivor of life.

John faced challenges that I did not understand. I have not read the book his sister wrote, but I will. Because I didn't understand what went on inside of John, I tended to treat him poorly. I am very, very sorry, John. I wished that I knew what I know now, when I was younger. I would have been kinder.

I'm sure that we all remember John, though I doubt any of us knew him well. His sister, Catherine, published a heartwrenching book, entitled "Precisely John, a Journey of Autism, Love, Laughter, and Faith," that reveals the depth of his character. I recommend it to all of my fellow 1973 graduates and challenge you to read it without crying or at least seriously reflecting on this fine man.