Of Course, We Played Football! (1973)

by Bryce McHenry

During my Junior and Senior year of High School in 1973-1974 I worked as an Aide in the residential units at The Capper Foundation. This was my first real employment outside of yard work, mowing and painting.

I began working each day after school in the unit that housed the younger kids. I would arrive at 4:00 PM and begin assisting with homework. Next came dinner, where I would typically feed one of the kids who could not do so on his own. I clearly remember the “house mother,” a large woman named Dixie, who fixed the meals. Dixie had a big presence and was most definitely in charge. She also had a big heart. I can’t recall Dixie’s husbands name, but I remember him being a quiet guy. I will always remember that Dixie had an affinity for brussels sprouts. I did not! That said, I felt obliged to clean my plate as the kids paid attention to that. On brussels sprouts evening I can recall drinking lots of water. After dinner we would typically watch a TV program prior to bedtime. Usually Wheel of Fortune or The Walton’s. Bedtime arrived and I would assist the Lead Aide, Dana, getting the kids dressed in their jammies and ready for bed.

I was 16 years old when I started at Capper Foundation. I had never envisioned myself feeding, dressing, bathing and wiping kids young rear ends. I believe this experience helped me become a humble and understanding adult. Seeing what these amazing kids had to go through in their daily routine, with a positive attitude on display, was truly formative for me.

At some point in my tenure, it was decided that I would move to the residential unit housing the teenagers. I was given the responsibility for physical activities, in addition to helping with all other aspects of life. I recall the “house parents” were Julie and Ray Lopez. There was a connection to La Siesta, a fine Mexican Restaurant in town, so the dinners were often outstanding. My taste for good Mexican food far exceeds that for brussels sprouts. The Lead Aide’s name was Bob.

What did we do for physical activity? Well, of course we played football. I devised a wheel chair football game where everyone could participate. Rules were somewhat fluid, but our game did have enough structure so arguments were kept to a minimum. In the evening, several nights a week, the door to the housing unit would bust open and, with screams of joy, kids would fly down the ramp to the main building. I always held my breath when this occurred! Our game included everyone, so next came the kids with their electric chairs. Finally, I would help those down the ramp that couldn’t make it on their own. The game would commence. Chucky, Troy, Billy, Verlan, Ritchie and Randy were participants that I can recall. We had a great time and, outside of the occasional tumble, no one was ever hurt. It was rewarding to bring some joy into the lives of these youngsters.

After my Senior year, I left Capper Foundation. On my last night of work, Julie and Ray hosted a dinner which included my Mom and Dad. We had an excellent meal of Mexican food. At the end of dinner, I was presented with a pickle jar jammed full of change that the kids had collected. As I recall, it was somewhere around two hundred dollars! It was a great ending to my time at Capper Foundation, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity.