Norm: The Life of an Extraordinary Person | Real Stories Full-Length Documentary

Norm is an exuberant and challenging documentary about love, family and survival. Norman Llewellyn was born with Down’s syndrome in 1949, in an era that assumed children like him would be sent away to institutions and that their life expectancy may not exceed fifteen years. Though he spent much of his childhood with his family, he was ultimately put into foster-care by his parents. His sister Karen, seven at the time, promised from her heart that she would get him back some day. Adopted herself, she spent most of her life feeling that she had usurped Norm’s place in the family.
Karen never forgot the promise that she made to Norm as a little girl and, sixteen years ago, she did get him back. Today Norm lives with Karen and her partner Claudia on Todd’s Island near Halifax in Nova Scotia. He is loved and well known in his community and has many friends of all ages. Diabetes and a mild heart condition require constant attention and, like many adults living with Down’s syndrome, Norm is now suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Once again his sister Karen is faced with one of life’s most difficult decisions, a decision her adopted parents had to deal with many years ago - what if she can’t keep him home anymore?
Norm’s parents, now in their eighties, are a powerful addition to this documentary. They speak openly about the realities of the past and the decision they made. It was a time when there were no services or support for the mentally challenged. The support team that is brought together to help Norm cope with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease gives the viewer insight into the current challenges that are facing a person with Down’s syndrome but also hope about what is available to help them. Filmed with extraordinary access over a four-year period, the story of this brother and sister offers a powerful reminder of the depths of sibling love and the challenges faced by many families living with the often harsh realities of aging.
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Produced by Moondat Productions

[@VelvetyMoon]

For anyone wondering on an update for Norm: he passed away in 2010. His father died in 2015, his mother in 2016. Norm was laid to rest in Searletown Cemetery in Prince Edward Island Canada. He shares a headstone with his mother and father. His portion is inscribed with "Son, Norman Arnold Llewellyn, Love's last gift remembrance."

[@jennifermiller2174]

Thank you! I was wondering what happened to him as I watched the documentary.

[@Muhmawmehmaw]

Thanks for sharing this, in a way it's good that his carers outlived him. I know a few disabled adults who lived longer than their parents and it's heartbreaking how deeply they feel the loss.

[@michellef5523]

🥺😭 Descansa en Paz Norman. No te conocí en persona pero gracias a este documental, te conocí y te quiero ✨🤍 🕊 También mi más sentido pésame a la familia por el fallecimiento de sus padres. Gracias por la información 🙏🏼

[@twindrill2852]

Poor Karen and Claudie-finally getting their brother back only to lose him again. I hope they were able to move on.

[@jeffreymonahan6826]

May they unite for eternity in their well deserved mansions above. Life is sort if sad isn't it

[@annazaman9657]

" Norman was the teacher. We were the ones who learned" all the feels

[@aliciajames505]

Tears are just pouring down my face. When his dad said that I just lost it. I could tell how much his parents loved him and that they regretted putting him into a foster care situation. I'm happy they lived long enough to see his sister and her partner care for him and him be part of the family again. This is such a beautiful documentary and Norm and his whole family are just fabulous people. I'm truly and utterly touched beyond words. ❤️

[@aliciajames505]

I love that show! I watched all of them I could find on KZbin :)

[@CheekyFest]

same here..

[@nunya2954]

@@aliciajames505 - What show?

[@tessaadie659]

What a heart warming film and hit me close to home. I have some Downs signs so am probably mosaic DS. I am a qualified nurse but found my vocation working with people with learning disabilitied, quite a few of the olfer service users having Down Syndrome. In additiom I cared for my grandson for most of his 9 years of life, he had cerebral palsy, epilepsy and global development delay and was truly the light of my life brimging tremendois joy and happiness into my life.11 years after his death I miss him every day. What a wonderful and sister in law Karen and Claudette ate, I wish my daughter had had an ounce of their kindness and caring.

[@junejunejuniejune]

Karen is an amazing sister, but Claudie is remarkable for how supportive she was from the beginning. It takes a special person to want to take care of their partner's sibbling or parents, most would not! They are such a loving and beautiful family.

[@justinpullin98]

Justin mom Melissa step Dad Mike Sister Danielle Pullin Sister Misty Brown Sister Megan Ellis Sister Michelle Oiler

[@ingridduncan6686]

Romans12,9

[@briiyasona1655]

i need an update on norm

[@twindrill2852]

@@briiyasona1655 Unfortunately he passed away in 2010.

[@kevinkiso49]

I have a married couple who've been friends of mine for decades... Twenty years ago the woman gave birth to a downs syndrome child and their lives were upended... They found a very upscale home in which a family specialized in caring for children with downs. The day they went to bring the child to this very caring, loving environment, they just sporadically changed their minds, brought the baby back home, and chose to go through the struggles involved... And now, twenty years later they say, and they realize that keeping the child has been the most rewarding experience of their lives.

[@user-sg6sv9oi6i]

❤️

[@stephanieann622]

That is beautiful. What the doctor said to his parents is awful. He was a great person and deserved a good life just like everyone else. I wish he had been able to stay with his family😢

[@DaniBooss]

"Norm is the teacher, we are the ones who learn" spoken by a father with much regret🥺

[@collettewhosthatgirl1330]

I felt the same way....i feel like dad had alot of regret. I'm just so happy that the sister was able to get him back later in life😊🥰🥰 Rip Norm

[@user-sg6sv9oi6i]

I agree. Dad was regretful and I'm sure he had mourned his decision as did his wife. This was one of the most beautiful stories I've ever had the pleasure in watching. ❤️🥰🥲

[@xoxomyah]

his sister is just pure loveliness and I truly love her, her partner, and norm. adorable.

[@breselexiapsychicmedium346]

When Norm was standing in church preaching, he knew what he was saying and God was there listening❤

[@speckle_says]

I'm not a religious person, but it always makes me happy to see someone that genuinely enjoys their devotion to their religion. If it's something that makes them happy, I see no harm in it (so long as it isn't used to harm others). Seeing Norman grin as he raised his hands in prayer made me grin too :)

[@user-fz8je9sz5j]

You're Sweet yea😢

[@CityThatCannotBeCaptured]

You're Sweet: That makes me cry.

[@susique333]

He really was getting into it, wasn't he? So sweet!

[@MrSpasticdancer]

to me it seemed norms way of prayer is the same as everyone elses. but he's probably closer than we are. the truth is simple really, we just overcomplicate it.

[@stacex4724]

This is hands down the most beautiful documentary I've ever watched. Norm is an absolute diamond!

[@user-sg6sv9oi6i]

I absolutely agree. I just had written a very similar thought as you with another person. It was such a beautiful, heartwarming story. 🥰❤️🥲

[@jakob...]

I'm the kind of guy that doesn't really get emotional about this kind of stuff, but after watching this, and finding out Norm and his parents past away, made me relize how important love and spending time with your family is. I now he's not gonna know I said this but Thank you for touching my heart and many other people's hearts without even knowing it.

[@courtneypattison4269]

AMEN 🙏 ❤

[@musings2022]

Amen ❤ what a glorious spirit he was. He is surely with God and the angels now. And his father's statement that he was a teacher is so true. My life was blessed by his presence. Thank you. 🙏✝️

[@user-sg6sv9oi6i]

❤️

[@lexi1585]

What a pure and innocent soul. I'm so happy that he had a sister that cared enough to take him in.

[@justinoiler9749]

old Justin and Jessica Melissa with Mike old Danielle and Luis old Misty and Scott old Megan and Michael old Michelle and Kevin

[@tweezerjam]

Karen and Claudette are amazing women.

[@emilyp814]

We had a similar situation in our family. My uncle was put in an institution at 18 months. When he was in his kid 20s my parents got him back and I was raised with him from the time I was born. Biggest gift of my life.

[@Xonndy]

This is pure, untainted love, look at him hugging, kissing, living..the love he creates around him, That is true love... We should learn from him

[@supme7558]

One example of it yes

[@user-sg6sv9oi6i]

AnxiousXoy - I have two cousins with Downs and they are very sweet, gentle, loving and sensitive ladies. I love them both. ❤️🥰

[@gabrielegr8282]

Rest in peace Norm. You truly were too good for this world.

[@joenarbia7930]

He was so lucky to have such a loving and caring sister. Without her, Norm would have been a state ward his whole life. She's such a wonderful person & that family is so lucky when they adopted her.

[@a.j.johnson692]

God knows exactly what he is doing, way before we figure it out

[@krishnanraghunath5237]

La lo l KLP

[@juliecrane9647]

@@a.j.johnson692 Thank you for these words. My morning prayer is simple. I ask to be willing today when he puts His work before me to be done. It doesn't take long. Sometimes it's a troubled person needing my ears. I listen. I just retired from a large regional hospital and many homeless lived nearby. I got off work at noon and would buy my lunch to go and an extra to give to girl who lingered near the parking garage. I worried when after a year I saw her no more. It didn't take long to find another to feed. So many in need, my prayer to be willing to give when He gives me a task is always answered. May I always be willing whether I want to or not. Your words touched me. His grace is amazing.

[@user-sg6sv9oi6i]

Joenarbia7930 - you are so right! I didn't think of this. My gosh. His sister is one heck of a wonderful sister as was Norm's caregiver - yet the shining star was Claudia. Wasn't she tremendous?! Wonderful, wonderful lady - extra special. ❤️❤️❤️

[@user-sg6sv9oi6i]

a.j.johmson692, I can give you several examples why I do not agree with you within my own family. It's nice you do believe. I wish I did. Not anymore.

[@sineadcummins3986]

Claudette and Karen seem like a wonderful couple, such caring and kind women.

[@rebel1969X2]

My son has downs and this has touched my heart so deeply. Thank you so much Norm.

[@justinoiler9749]

Justin pullin Angels Dellipoala Jaira Leax atoaf Annie Garcia Kennedy Joseph Mike Louise Lindsey Justina Thompson Alicia Thompson Melissa Step dad Sister Danielle Sister Misty father Todd Step mother

[@phillippasteur3904]

God bless you and your son.

[@ingridakerblom7577]

They all touches everyones hearts!

[@cindyknox4226]

In 1984 I gave birth to fraternal twins. My daughter is just fine, married with two children and my son is just fine too although he has Downs Syndrome and still lives with me. All his life he has been a bundle of love. I've always been grateful for what he continues to teach those of us who are in his circle. But, I am a little worried of what our future holds for us. He is now 36 and still is the best hugger in the world. I wish I could reach out and get a hug from Norman. Thank you for sharing his story.

[@amazongoddess118]

My older brother was born with Down's Syndrome " Severe Monglolism" in the early 60's and would be about 55 if he survived until today. My parents were talked into institionalizing him for his best care, and because they were poor had to sign him over as a ward of the state to get that care paid for. When my mom visited him she said he would be filthy and wearing clothes that didn't fit, even though she would bring him clothes to wear. If she went to the nurses to complain, they would shame her and tell her if she cared so much about him she wouldn't have given him up. My mom was only 21 and already had a 1 1/2 year old, dealing with undiagnosed postpartum depression(not a legit diagnosis back then) and a crap marriage when he was born. He ended up dying in the state hospital when he was about 9 years old. I never got to meet him. He died about 2 months before I was born. My parents were filled with so much guilt and shame I wasn't even told about David until I was 16. I know he was not highly functioning and had a lot of health issues but a big part of me still wishes I could of met him. To have been able to give him a hug even if he didn't know who I was. Blessings to all the families that have children's with special needs and either do their best to care for them themselves or had to make the gutwrenching decision to give them up.

[@tempusfugit7127]

Amazon Goddess Wish I could give you a big grandma hug !! I thank God I live in a Country where healthcare is free .

[@amazongoddess118]

Pandorasbox hope thank you for the big grandma hug 💕

[@shawnsatrinarodriguez4429]

Amazon Goddess Thank you 💜 My son is autistic and a blessing to our family.

[@amazongoddess118]

Steven perdue thank you. They wouldn't have liked me much either. As time has gone on, I try to have compassion for them too. Working in a place filled with children that parents have abandoned or given up on that needed such intensive care. I'm sure burn out came real quick.

[@Sparkplug023]

Amazon Goddess-I'm sorry you weren't able to know your brother. The handicapped (as my sister is) while being a challenge to the parents and family can make you understand that different is acceptable. My sister (not Downs) is 64 years old. She is in a place that (she's been there since she was 30) my Momma was happy with (it would have killed her if Susie didn't like the place). She is happier in the place she's in than at home. She has been able to become more independent than at home as my Momma always treated her almost as an infant. Where she is now, Susie has learned what behaviors are acceptable and what isn't (something she didn't learn at home as she used to try and beat me up). Granted, it was a challenge growing up with a handicapped sister. Since that was all I had ever know, it wasn't a big thing. Well actually, it was. With me being 13 months younger (we have an older brother), everything was great until I started growing up. Susie became jealous of any attention Momma paid towards me. It got to be where I had to almost sneak around so as not to "disturb" Susie. Don't slam the door as it upsets Susie. Don't walk through her 'living room' as it upsets Susie. It wasn't as bad with my brother (the eldest) but boy, Susie sure did hate Momma giving me attention. Growing up was tough, but I'm glad Susie has the opportunity to grow as an individual and has found happiness in her found independence.

[@adamdawson3274]

Norm's sister and the sister's partner are such intelligent, genuine, caring, compassionate and extremely generous people. With people like them, life is so much more bearable. They are a good example of kind people. I wish so much I had a sister like her. I was adopted and left home at 15, but my sister who was much older never reached out to me to help me or anything. I was homeless for a short while and she never attempted to help me. 30 years later we don't speak much. She has her life and it has always been that way.

[@Kleiorina]

Adam Dawson I

[@adamdawson3274]

Thank you Kim! :)

[@dianacassinelli9467]

God will always be with you Adam...

[@laniinlove9171]

Not even 5 minutes in ....and I'm crying. I feel bad for Norm and the years he was not with his family. Such an innocent soul and such loving sister.

[@cw4608]

Norm is an angel on earth. Pure and innocent. Kind and loving. He was in heaven on that boat. I think he was remembering his childhood.

[@user-sg6sv9oi6i]

❤️🥰

[@davidcopperfield-notthemag397]

I have known many people with Down's that have grown into adults. They are such pleasant people. They are loving and kind and the very best huggers. Their emotions are honest and there is no disloyalty in them. They show their honest personalities. I especially love that.

[@user-sg6sv9oi6i]

Absolutely 🤗❤️ Such a good point. They are so straightforward, honest and candid. My two cousins have Downs, and I love them both. They have a good sense of humor, gentle, sensitive, loving and kind. Wonderful people. ❤️🥰

[@stateofdisorder1]

This documentary aired on Canadian television in 2008. Norm passed away in 2010. Since his father and mother have both passed.

[@emmae9924]

Gwyllion thanks

[@blessedtruthdragon9145]

how sad .. His sister gave him a good life and he in turn touched others ..

[@aqua2angels]

Thank you for this lovely documentary I wish we were all surrounded by people like you Karen norm Claudia and barb you show us how to treat people with love and kindness this world is a better place because off you .

[@mujahidmohammed3348]

NoFcksGiven. Thanks for the closure

[@stateofdisorder1]

Berair adam I thought everyone would like to know 😊

[@deb1958sec]

My son and daughter went to school with a boy who has down syndrome, he graduated high school and has a job now! I ran into his mother and him at the store a few weeks ago, his speech has become very clear and understandable! His parents are awesome people for not giving up on him.

[@rayfiedler9482]

This woman and others like her are the real heros that rarely get a mention. Thank you for this video.

[@kkkookie37]

How could anyone not love Norm? His soul is pure and that is just so very precious!

[@kittenmittons1968]

When he embraces the young child that also has downs I cried, so touching. People with Downs are so pure and innocent.

[@KanOfWhoopass]

Norm's prayer is the most powerful thing I've ever seen. We may not know what words he's using, but God knows what he is saying.

[@soltanalosmi475]

If that mother didn't give her daughter to another woman norm will live a hard life. Everything happens for a reason, truly.

[@sonjatait4089]

His parents should be ashamed of themselves for being só selfish and self centered!!! 😡😡

[@virginiasummer2619]

The medical establishment and Society did nothing for Downs persons back then- it’s not totally fair to blame them entirely. They kept their son against medical advice, his mother was close “ to a breakdown”. They did the best that they could with the little information they had- evidenced by the remark” I am ashamed that I was ashamed”. And they are still in his life. They did not handle it perfectly but they didn’t throw him away either. They placed him with a family not into an institution. Life is hard. I’m glad he has such loving people in his life. This was a great documentary.

[@tanthefairy]

I was holding back my tears since the beginning but when Norm started crying I couldn't hold back.

[@locagringabvc1365]

Tan P. Same 😢

[@Tyrfingr]

27:36 made my usually manly composure break, i had to pause and leave for a bit... Jesus that was sad.

[@eileen9861]

Digby Dooright n

[@kiwi9921]

me either.

[@momversation5826]

Me too. 😪 It was hard.

[@teijaflink2226]

He's the sweetest, kindest person ever and so vulberable. I don't understand how anyone could hurt him, you just want to love him and see him happy. He has such a wonderful spirituality and faith too, made me smile. What an amazing person and so worthy to live. Made me sad that his mother seemed to love his sister more than him, I'm sure he can feel that, though the mother probably didn't have a full understanding of his condition.

[@Papario1113]

Really touching emotional journey we've all just been taken on. No of us will forget the name Norm. Beautiful loving soul.

[@joys1783]

hes the man! I mentored a downs kid in high school and he was one of the most awesome human beings i have ever met to this day

[@ghostwolf1719]

I love Norm and how much he lived his sister and how much she loved him and vowed to get him back! she kept her promise to norm💙💙

[@kevinkiso49]

Tears came to my eyes when he was praying in the cathedral...

[@willb5744]

If there is a heaven, Norm is there.

[@lydiadorman7834]

Will B there sure is!

[@phillippasteur3904]

There is and he is there.

[@guardiansanimalrescuestate7289]

Of course there is a heaven. For souls like Norm and all dogs go to heaven too. And kitties and horses. Etc...

[@debradixon9430]

Norm had a most beautiful soul and it's obvious what a gift he was. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@foxylady9110]

Karen should have wings on her back, what an angel for taking Norman in, he was so loving to everyone, rest peacefully Norman.

[@barbaramason3145]

It didn't say he died

[@a.j.johnson692]

@@barbaramason3145 he would be around 73 now… so who knows? I would love to hear the rest of the story

[@annsilliman6184]

He didnt die

[@annsilliman6184]

Angela Crawford, he'd be around 63, not 73

[@foxylady9110]

@@annsilliman6184 according to the Down syndrome society of Canada he died September 2010 aged 61 years..

[@aliyamoon80]

I managed to keep it together until Norm hugged Renate's daughter. What a sweet man Norm was! He knew love. That's a big deal. Karen and Claudia are angels.

[@NickanM]

*All Norm wanted sas to be loved, accepted and respected. Everyone of us could learn something from that. Rest in peace little man.*

[@Rainbowdancefactory]

My brother Anton who died we called Little Man - need to weep now

[@missk7983]

Karen is also an extraordinary person. This lady has so much love for her brother, for her to center her life around Norm and not ever give up on him. Her heart was completely open for her brother and making the rest of his life as lasting and comfortable as possible...she's amazing for that.

[@erinmcg8716]

I love Norm!!! He is so sweet!!💚

[@onlymesohyper]

❤️ this had me in smiling and crying. When he preached was priceless 😊😍

[@jeannenora6113]

To me it looks as if Norm constantly has headaches and therefore depression. Poor Norm :( What wonderful people Karen and her partner are. God bless them.

[@haynah100]

Jeanne Nora A lot of people with learning Difficulties hold their heads whilst thinking. If it was a headache he could express that

[@wearetehbluclan15]

Jeanne Nora I

[@lomez969]

Jeanne Nora I was wondering how many comments I'd have to read before someone made a diagnosis over yt

[@lynette599]

Norm is SO CUTE on the pulpit!! So earnest in his preaching and praying....loved it♥ And these two ladies are just the most wonderful human beings...

[@Miss_Marzipan]

Norm praying. Oh my goodness. *tears galore*

[@confuciussay1603]

I love this documentary. This needs to be shown over and over again on every TV and computer monitor. It will educate the bigots and people with such small minds as not to accept someone like Norm. RIP Norm, you were awesome.

[@missbmissb1024]

👍

[@doth.616]

Wonderful documentary. It was confusing on why the parents sent Norm away? They were quite wealthy and could have hired help. Also when the mother said when she adopted her daughter she couldn't believe how her mother gave her away! Didn't she do the same to Norm? Karen and Cladie gave him such a loving wonderful life!

[@CarolinaMartinez-hc1if]

What a beautiful soul Norman is, and how blessed and lucky are the people in his life

[@paisleycarol]

What a remarkable family . Norm was a real character. So nice to know that he was loved so much. 💕💕💕

[@waynekaczmarek7477]

you know the very first time norm looked at the video camera at the start of this and said 'I'm handsome' I fell in love with Norm.. And the whole time all the time about the news papers, well guess what one of my best friends in my early years my friend with downs used news papers for pictures to communicate ,I never knew until I got home and he was sitting at the table and had cut out 25 or so pictures From shoes to kites to what ever else he wanted yo convey. mind you he had a care giver also.But let me tell you when he came to me that evening with a picture of a rod and reel and pointed towards the window . And the very next morn- showed me the same picture, well Well you guest it. I was in a shock of happiness and I took him fishing. It was soo great that happened. you guy's brought back a better time in my life thank you.

[@aprilwhite5638]

Beautiful story. Beautiful people. Thank you for sharing.

[@vix_xie]

"Norm is a teacher" is a statement by his father that is true for me. He gives the best hugs, loves and prays genuinely and shows us all how to be happy despite everything we have gone through; despite adversities that have been thrown at us from the beginning. Sending my love to Norm and his family.

[@gatekeepersacredshapes]

I have no clue who could dislike this video. Still drying my eyes.

[@Babooshka1960]

What an incredibly moving film, am in awe of Karen and Claudia. They gave Norm the best possible life and surrounded him with love

[@personalcheeses8073]

Wouldn't we all just love a sister like this?

[@mileswilliams527]

My children's cousin Jake has Downs and Norm reminded me of him so much! Such beautiful, sincere, honest and open people. No pretense. This is a wonderful view into the lives of a truly beautiful and caring family. I tip my hat to the ladies.

[@anndreaandersen3378]

Norman is a beautiful soul. There is nothing more precious than the love he gives. He made me laugh out loud with his silliness. He made me cry when I could see his frustration. Most of all he inspired me to love unconditionally and enjoy the small things in life that I normally would not have been so thankful for. Thank you Norman. Thank you Karen for sharing his story. God Bless to you, Claudie and all of his famlly and friends. Anndrea

[@susanwarner8901]

What a beautiful person Norman was. R.I.P lovely man.

[@DrCarr-nb1tf]

great documentary, RIP Norm

[@rhondaholland719]

This story has touched my soul like no other. The range of emotion that it brought me through was amazing. In the end Norms father said it all “money is the root of all evil and Norm is the real thing and a teacher” That tore me up. 😭. I’m totally in love with Norm and all of his supporters. Beautiful people 💕💕

[@tamirhoades765]

Norm is the teacher... he is real. ♥️♥️ precious little man 😇

[@TLJTHELITTLEJUICE]

He brought so much love to so many people. ✨🙏✨

[@Kat-ur7xm]

What an extraordinary human being Norm is. He is an angel from God. His sister and her partner are extraordinary too. All lives in this family and all friends too have been BLESSED to know Norm!! Such a heartwarming story...thank you!!

[@wyldflwr]

Diabetics tend to have a mood disorder, especially insulin dependant ones. I can't imagine that on top of the Alzheimer's AND Down's Syndrome. As far as the sun going down, it is very common the symptoms of dementia gets worse and it's called Sun Downer's God bless his sister, her girlfriend, and Norm's caregiver for giving him such a great quality of life, love, and a sense of much needed stability. Oh how the tears fell during this program.

[@hungarianhillbilly4144]

You ladies have a very kind heart God bless both of you.

[@norawilliams2606]

This was truly a beautiful family and Norm was a super star. God bless this family, the film makers, and all the viewers who were touched by this story. There are great people in my life with Down Syndrome too. I love that TLC has a series called "Born This Way." This helps shed light on living with Down Syndrome and their families. I'm going to continue to love them and be thankful for every moment we have together. Love You All❤️

[@Madronaxyz]

Thanks for the info about the TLC series.

[@Mindset6927]

Norm is such an amazing individual! As his father said: 'He's for real. He's the teacher.' We can all learn so much from him.

[@ex-cabincrew]

Norm is a really wonderful person.

[@heidijane5]

Philip Mahoney-Berg I agree he is

[@WarmFuzzyVibes]

I felt so much from watching this story. This documentary was a complete story from beginning to end. Such love. Such intelligence and understanding and forgiveness is truly inspirational. Thank you thank you so much for this gift!

[@candiceblack86]

I feel so bad for his parents who were not supported by the doctors or system. All they needed was 1-2 days a week rest bite. Surely that's even more affordable for the system than full time foster care?! I'm so glad things have changed.

[@dianacassinelli9467]

Candy Floss I

[@gaslitworldf.melissab2897]

...but when they became wealthy they had enough to hire a few care givers, don't you imagine? That would be my first try. Two might be better so no one gets burned out by working alone. Mom could then breathe. With all that, they still went bankrupt, probably expanded way too fast.

[@phillippasteur3904]

That's respite, so others know what you're referring to.

[@dalefoss1447]

The mother lights up when she talks about her "daughter" but sadly doesn't even know still YET how God graced her with a beautiful son, Norm.

[@valobrien3281]

Dale Foss God never made any person to have Downs Syndrome and in Genesis, God after each creation said what he, had made was good.. " and God saw that it was good" everything God created was perfect . Unfortunately, hereditary causes these things to happen such as Downs. The gift of God was Norman, but the Downs Syndrome was not part of that gift. It is an unfortunate problem, due to abnormal chromosomes, and occurs like all sickness, and failures of the human body. All the wars, discord, sicknesses were apparent after since Satan and the fallen angels put their hand on the whole of God's Creation, I mean. You can see what kind of world we are living in. The Bible says " The whole world lies in the sway of the Evil One."

[@valobrien3281]

I think also that these parents forgot that Norman had FEELINGS, he was crying at their house as an older man because he felt inwardly rejected by them, he was remembering that all he'd ever wanted was to remain at home. Life was very cruel to poor Norman.I think the poor man didn't feel he belonged anywhere. It's very sad.

[@sneezyferret1]

Val O'Brien your first comment makes you sound insane......

[@charlotteheleneakacharlief8879]

Perfect humans with 46 chromosomes that God made? You mean like the ones who rape, murder and start wars? My community doesn’t commit those crimes. FYI, Down’s syndrome isn’t an illness.

[@sneezyferret1]

Charlie Fien Yes!! Exactly!! Perfectly worded.

[@loulou4148]

This really touched my Heart and Soul Deeply. What a blessing this Family was to have adopted such a caring loving Sister for Norm.

[@jasminflower3814]

What an amazing story. Norm was such a beautiful person. I could understand him and I loved him. His sister and partner are such wonderful people. I wish I had loving caring sisters like them. Have fun in heaven Norm, RIP xoxoxo

[@the7thwreck]

Beautiful family. The sister taking him in is so heartwarming and it seems as if the parents eventually learnt a lot from Norm about unconditional love. I read Norm passed, as did his parents, which is sad but this film is a great piece. I wish the sister all the best for her future as she's also an amazing soul.

[@nicolepaulson1968]

The sister is really the extraordinary person here. Such devotion!

[@christinabutler7142]

Extremely heart touching to see Norm taken in and loved by his sister and her partner. So sad how many children with down syndrome were institutionalized, neglected and forgotten, treated less than human. I understand it was different years ago, but when the mother said she didn't know how the mother gave up the daughter to her, it's a bit ironic given she did the same with her own biological son.

[@queenb2you335]

What an amazing big sister , what an amazing partner , and what a wonderful story .

[@lavahotpocket3886]

What a sweet, heartbreaking documentary. I hope someday there is more we can do for people like Norm, and all of those who suffer from dementia.

[@Nille0212]

I have a cousin (40) who recently had a baby boy with Down's. I'm so glad things have changed and we know better now. I met him a few weeks ago, and at 8 months he's hit all milestones on time so far. And he's the sweetest, most engaged baby I've seen in a long time. Thank god she's a doctor and will be able to guide his medical needs well, too. If anyone can handle it, Jihan, M.D. can definitely handle it. Karen's the type of sister I aspire to be and hope that I am. She's amazing. Dad's a little cold, but I get it.

[@angelreyes-vp9tc]

Why in the world would anyone dislike this story!

[@marian2781]

Norm just won my heart❤

[@valobrien3281]

His sister, was a true gift from God, she is the great comfort to him and is a strong character. That sister of Norms is wonderful woman.

[@shayequinlan7607]

Most beautiful documentary/story I have watched in a long time. Love and family are the most important things, I hope to live as graciously and happy as the two women's in this documentary xx

[@epicgamesho-bo-saver5248]

I think the same 😌

[@MasterofScrutiny]

His parents are very gentle people. This story broke my heart. There are wonderful people in this world. The women who cared for him as an adult are angels.

[@user-by5hn1jf3b]

Claudia and Karen u r both diamonds u should b proud of yourselves for norm and for all your family, he is so lucky to have u all, I wish all people a family and love like yours, amazing

[@ellieavenelle8145]

God Bless you Karen and Claudie for taking such loving care of Norm.

[@the7thwreck]

He is the age of a grandpa! Grandpa's constantly nod off! It's just hard to see his as his age because he is so childlike. I can understand his getting upset half way through. As Alzheimer's progresses, the confusion can be very disorienting and scary, the recent memories disappear and the prominent ones tend to go back earlier and earlier. I wouldn't be surprised if his only memory was of being left by his mother, so each time he saw her he was very angry as the more recent memories have been wiped away. Very sad how Alzheimer's works. He was adorable!

[@nolala5629]

What an amazing family unit! So much Love! Norman was an amazing beautiful soul! His sister and partner where the perfect example of two beautiful women who knew how to Love unconditionally! I can't stop crying after watching this beautiful film! Thank you so much.....With Love and gratitude to the entire family . Peace, Love and Joy...Thomas in Austin, TX...PS..I forgot to mention that I worked for many years as a caregiver with people with Downs...

[@caitlinlyons8376]

He’s remembering the time he was sent away as a child, from the only life he has ever known, and everything is different for him, it’s honestly breaking my heart to see him drastically change throughout the documentary.

[@sylviaa4974]

I agree he knew

[@madeleine8977]

I fell in love with Norm as eveyone seemed to. Karen knew early on that he was a gift and I know she and Claudie must miss him intensely. Lovely movie.Thank you.

[@kathleenloverso5654]

Oh My Heart. I am so moved by your story. You all are truly blessed. May GOD continue to bless you... ALL ✝ Rest In Peace, Norm. I know you are sailing in Heaven's ocean ⛴🚢🛳✝

[@jeihk3796]

Rest in peace, Norm and his parents! Karen and Claudie, y'all are amazing because y'all loved Norm unconditionally and each other in the process of tending to Norm for many years!! May God bless y'all with all the positivity and anything needed, and strengthen your relationship!! Amen!

[@janetsheppardschneider8888]

Karem and her partner are so incredible. She cared so much for her brother even though her parents threw him away.

[@essieessie5399]

This was such a heartwarming story. The love, patience and kindness shown by Karen, Claudia and their wonderful caregiver for Norm is amazing.

[@avalondreaming1433]

It broke my heart when the father called him a "weird little guy".

[@CityThatCannotBeCaptured]

What a gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous little boy. How could you send him away. The heartbreak he has been through. Thank God for these three women.

[@Theghostswithin]

such a beautiful story, much love. May sweet Norm rest in peace, and I hope all is well with all the family.

[@themitochondrialeve738]

Such a beautiful story. Norm is such a sweet soul!

[@barbrovaage7585]

I am so sorry that Norman and both of the parents are now gone. 💔💔💔

[@LuisPaspeur]

There are already so many kind words about the sister and her partner so I want to adresse the amazing doctor. "not giving pills for behavior that's caused by the wrong social setting" is a sentence I rarely have heard in 10 years as a nurse assistant. Never seen a Dr with so much compassion and sense for the big picture she is one in a kind

[@victoriasmith2512]

When the mother said ,she went to see the baby girl,and couldn't believe the mother would give her up,I thought omg u give your son up.

[@MerissaTheeOnly]

Victoria smith I thought the same. Smh, people...

[@SavedbyGraceCT]

Exactly...

[@MasterofScrutiny]

I don't think that was his mother's desire. People followed doctors' orders in those days as if the doctor was God.

[@kathycallahan4554]

@@MasterofScrutiny yes! Thats exactly right. The Dr's told you that it was better for the child to be in an institution. That they would get better care. A lot of parents truly believed them because of course they're doctors. They know best. In those days you didn't question your Dr.

[@heatherleigh696]

My grandmother’s doctor decided when she would stop having children! After her third child, he said that was sufficient, and had her tubes tied! This was in the 40’s, but my goodness, she wasn’t a dog who had too many litter’s of pups!