Garth Mann and "The Stick Man: A Living Legacy"

My little brother is Garth Mann. He is not like most kids. He is mentally retarded. So although he is 20, mentally he is about 5 or 6. There was a youth in my brother's ward that wrote this essay "The Stick Man: A Living Legacy" and it is an excellent illustration of him. So I share it here (or atleast the part about Garth).

"Knock knock!" Garth leaned in to me, imploring me to play his favorite game.
"Who's there?" I whispered, faking interest while trying to pay attention to the Sunday school lesson as well.
"Banana," whispered Garth.
"Banana who?"
"You my friend!" laughed Garth, grinning from ear to ear and giving my hand an arm-flopping handshake. Suddlenly my mock enthusiasm turned genuine, and I couldn't prevent his contagious smile from infecting my face as well.
Garth was a stick man, though you wouldn't think so upon first glance. His Down-syndrome condition proved to be a challenge for his single working mother and overloaded teenage sister, mostly because of his size. His large stature made him clumsy in his coordination and ignorant of his strength. Still, Garth was a valuable member of our ward, and everyone was his friend. It soon became quite apparent that we needed him much more than he needed us.
"Knock, knock!" Garth turned to his other side, tapping Andrew on the shoulder.
"Who's there?" sighed Anderew, convinced he knew what was coming.
"Superman!" Garth's infectious laughter echoed through the room, suspending our discussion on King Benjamin's address.
"Superman who?"
"You my Frieeend!" Soon the dismal faces of our entire class were swept away with a pack of smiles. Our day had once again been brightened by Garth.
When he wasn't telling knock-knock jokes and giving people hand (arm) shakes, Garth was spreading cheer with his famous bear hugs. Though his size and strength scared me, I came to love Garth's hugs. I felt like a little girl, lost in a father's embrace. After every hug he slapped a hand on my back, looked me in the eye, and repeated his motto: "you my friend!"
There are many differences between the orginial stick man and Garth. Garth didn't care a large running stick to wave at motorists. Instead, he carried a large batch of genuine laughter, a reservoir of hugs, and his three word motto to share with all he met. He wore his heart on his sleeve, making his life not a deep mystery, but an open book for all of us to see. His journey wasn't one of physical strength, but rather one of mental endurance. Still, Garth was a stick man because of his love for people. He was a stick man because of the way he somehow made us all feel important, and reminded us of our heavenly heritage. He was a stick man because he was a catalyst for brighter smiles and better attitudes. And for that, Garth held a special place in each of our hearts.

One more story about Garth: The Bullocks have been one of our best friends. Lindsey was at a track meet when Garth saw her across the way. So Garth, being Garth, yelled across the way "I love you Lindsey! Lindsey you love me?" And in front of many students Lindsey didn't even hestitate to yell back "I love you too Garth." I am so grateful for those incredable people who have befriended and loved my baby brother. I love him so much. And he does bring so much love into our lives.