I was born in Indianapolis, in 1942.  About 2 years later, I got a severe case of Chicken Pox.  When I recovered, I was no longer walking or talking, and would smash my favorite toy whenever I got mad.  I was seen by many different doctors, had many clinical tests, and stayed in a “Home for problem kids” for over a year.  There were lots of different diagnoses, none of which could be verified.  I eventually started walking again.  Over 18 months later at about age 4, I finally started talking again. 

I struggled in school and had difficulties emotionally and socially.  Thanks to my wonderful family and environment, I progressed through school, but was usually unhappy, and often depressed.  I tried college, but flunked out.  After passing a special summer tech education program, I got a job with the state of Indiana. 

In early 1966, I met a 19 year old girl, and married her two months later.  She gave me an emotional stability I had never known before.  We had two children.  Then with a private firm, I worked my way up to doing engineering work and heading projects designing A/C systems for buildings.  I put my wife through school and she became an RN.  Our children would become happy adults.  We eventually wound up with five terrific grandkids. 

I would retire, and then be told by my doctor that I have symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome.  Despite my mental deficiencies, I feel blessed.  I am content to be with family and grandkids, write, and do volunteer work.