What A Dame!

You couldn't overlook a Dame who smoked Cuban cigars and played quarterback with her brothers on the family touch football team. Dame Eunice was born with the proverbial silver spoon in her mouth and grew into a striking, vibrant, energetic woman. She was drawn to helping others because of a family secret, which she disclosed when her brother was running for the highest elected political office in the country. Her sister, Rosemary, had an intellectual disability. In this family of high achievers, this was something to be hidden.

Dame Eunice didn't just uncover the secret, she saw the missed opportunities her sister never had and vowed to do something about it. She began literally in her own back yard with a camp for children who at that time were labeled the now repugnant term "retarded." From this camp, with the help of her brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, husband, children, and soon thousands of volunteers she began a program of sporting events for children and adults with cognitive disabilities.

To the world and to some extent in the Duchy of DelBasid, this was nothing short of revolutionary. The prevailing thinking at that time among the Slamron (remember in DelBasid we look right to left) was that those with this type of disability were better off institutionalized or in sheltered workshops. Low expectations were the norm, and the idea that persons with cognitive disabilities could even compete in sporting events was ground-breaking.

From Eunice Kennedy Shriver's backyard swimming pool grew the Special Olympics, now a world-wide event. The Duchy lost a mighty voice on behalf of our citizens. What a difference she has made in the lives of persons with intellectual disabilities! They have found their voice and can now speak for themselves as U. S. President Obama learned after he made an injudicious remark about his bowling skills on the David Letterman show. A gold-medal winning bowling champion from the U. S. Special Olympics offered to give the President lessons.

Yes, indeed, Dame Eunice was one of a kind, and the world will miss her. Her organization will carry her energy and spirit forward to continue the odyssey and commitment to which she dedicated her life.

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The Duchess of DelBasid

Her Grace is co-regent of a family having multiple disabilities, including an adult son with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and a husband who is deaf in one ear. She has degenerative arthritis and uses a motorized scooter because the Duke won't let her have a Harley. Their daughter and heir-apparent says her disability is not having one. Her Grace rules the Duchy of DelBasid with a firm, but gracious hand.

Duke William II

Duke William II

Marquis William

Marquis William

Marquise Caitlin

Marquise Caitlin

Duke William I

Duke William I
Father of Duke William II

Grand Duchess Elizabeth

Grand Duchess Elizabeth
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Duchess Of Guiney

Duchess Of Guiney
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Royal Palace

Royal Palace