Basil Borkwin

My childhood neighborhood was filled with the most common names of the era. My friends names were Mark, Steve, Gary, Dale, Kirk, Dave, John, Jerry and Ken. You couldn't find a more common set of names. I guess our neighbors did not put a lot of effort into unique naming of their children.

Then there was Basil (pronounced baz-uhl). Everyone called him Bazzy for short. Bazzy was severely retarded. His nickname led to the obvious "Bazzy the spazzy" ridicule, but never in his presence. Bazzy was also a aggressive and a physical specimen. If Bazzy asked to use your baseball glove and you declined, he would take it away from you. If caught, he would destroy it. Everyone feared the combination of strength and retardation. Not only was he big enough to kick your butt, he was far enough away from reality to not know it was wrong.

Bazzy was the only retarded person I have ever met that was physically strong and aggressive. Most retarded people seem to be quiet and timid - possibly because of the ridicule they receive growing up. I think we all would treat them better if they were more like Bazzy.