Learning from Leslie Lemke

The human brain is a beautiful thing. Often times we don’t appreciate its amazing abilities until something goes terribly wrong.

And then astoundingly right.

There are a select few individuals who have been blessed with some incredible gifts-photographic memories, the ability to perform complex mathematical calculations in one’s head, playing music perfectly after hearing it just once, etc. Often times the world praises this individuals for their skill and prowess, showering them with fame and fortunate.

And then there are savants.

Savants are almost super human in their area of expertise but are then limited with developmental disorders, such as autism and mental retardation. Most savants are born this way, with more skills at their fingertips than you could possibly imagine. Unfortunately, they are often at the mercy of their caretakers, a few of whom would dismiss their potential as a person and simply see the handicaps as a burden.

And then someone special comes along.

Someone who can see past the physical differences and brings out the beauty within.

Leslie Lemke

Leslie Lemke was one of these savants. Born with severe birth defects that required the removal of his eyes, Leslie Lemke was given up for adoption and was raised by May Lemke (a 52 year old nurse who had 5 other children of her own).

It took nearly seven years of force feeding before Leslie learned how to swallow. Then another year before he could chew food on his own. During this time, he never made a sound. Never showed emotion.

May Lemke didn’t see Leslie as a burden, however, but a joy. Rather than simply keeping him alive, May did everything in her power to give him the best life possible. By sheer determination and perseverance, May taught Leslie how to stand at the age of 12 then walk at the age of 15, strapping his fragile body to hers to teach him, step by agonizing step.

After years of painstaking care and love, May Lemke woke up to hear Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concert No. 1 playing in Leslie’s room. Originally, May thought she had simply left the radio on, and to her surprise, Leslie was playing the piece flawlessly. No training. No sheet music.

Leslie then began to use music as a form of communication, singing songs and playing ragtime as if those ebony keys were extensions of his fingertips.

Don’t Give Up
Beneath the deformed exterior was a heart willing to express itself, and only through compassion was Leslie Lemke eventually able to find music when words failed him.

So whether you feel lost in the dark, alone with no way to communicate, or feel as though you’re carrying a heavy burden strapped to your back, just remember Leslie and May Lemke-who persevered when the world thought it impossible.

“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no help at all.” Dale Carnegie