So, we have this friend named Junior.  His real name: 'Eniketi Osolua Fevanga Junior.


He's Tongan, 28 years old,  majoring in Recreation Management and Youth Leadership and has cerebral palsy.  You have probably seen many pictures of him on here lately.  He was in my ward last year but I never really got the chance to really know him and those that take care of him.  I have to admit that I didn't understand what cerebral palsy was and I had no idea how I was supposed to communicate with him.  We got to meet his family today after General Conference, they are absolutely amazing.  He lives in WyView and most of those that help him have moved onto missions, marriage, jobs or just different housing.  

Last year I only got a glimpse of what these college students do for him.  I saw Aaron and Chris carrying him down 3 flights of stairs, people feeding him, hoisting him into cars, and giving him tons of love (sometimes maybe too much) haha. I knew that Chris, Aaron and Stacey give AT LEAST 2 hours (sometimes more than four) of their week to feed Junior at the Cannon.  This can be hard to do with homework, classes and just other stuff that people worry about, which is understandable.  They have been helping out with him for over a year now and have done so much for him and I am sure I don't even know the half of what they have done.

Lately you have had the chance to see more and  more pictures of Junior.  He lives with Pepe and Javier and Zach lives upstairs.  I knew Pepe and Javier last year but again, never got the chance to really know them.  I have seen from the outside stories like these where non family members help out their friends that are disabled so they can run a triathlon (I'm not dissing on these stories because I cry when I watch them and still think they are awesome).  Almost all the people who take care of Junior are not family members and have no obligation to take care of him.  They choose to live with him (or in the same stairwell so they can still help), choose to feed him, taught the nurses how to walk and take care of him (and still have to remind them of what they need to do for Junior), and still are able to be his friend even though the frustration can feel incredible high.  

 
Junior can't walk, go to the bathroom himself or feed himself.  These guys take Junior to the bathroom, change him and when he wants to go somewhere in the car- get him into the car.  Javier, Zach and Pepe all have jobs and are going to school. Even after super long days when they are exhausted they still haul this 200 pound guy to the bathroom.  When he needs to go up stairs because there isn't a ramp they carry him on their backs.  I feel terrible because I am a girl and can't change or take him to the bathroom and I can't really walk him because I am too short.  I try to help out as much as I can but it is nothing compared to what these guys do and how much they sacrifice to help Junior out.  The don't look for recognition and don't get any compensation.  Everything they do is voluntary.  You don't meet people like this every day.

President Uchtdorf talked us that we must do what Christ did and seek for opportunities.  He also reminded us that when we answer someone else's prayers, we usually answer our own.  If you missed his talk, go read it, it's awesome.