Frazier Hart (Photo courtesy Rebecca Emmons)
“You know, my birthday is next week,” said Frazier one cold snowy morning while we slid into a booth at the Bristol Diner, one of his favorite breakfast places.
“I know,” I replied. “You are 18 days older than me, to the year!”
“Ah yes, so I am,” he said with a big grin.
The Bristol Diner is our regular monthly spot, where we sit and discuss all kinds of things.
Frazier Hart was born on Feb. 6, 1957. A diagnosis of Down Syndrome fazed his family not in the least. Institutionalizing him was not a topic of consideration or discussion — he was part of a family who loved and cared for him, a family strong in their convictions that he would live his life to the fullest and be supported and surrounded by friends, healthy attitudes, and lots of animals.
Frazier had lived on a farm until he was 5 years old. He loves animals. His sister, Maia, laughingly recalled a morning when their mom asked her to get the steer out of his stall. He was a very large creature and Maia was quite hesitant when she stepped into the barn. When her mom asked where the steer was, Maia told her she was scared. Her mom understood, so she sent Frazier in. He really liked this steer and had no fear whatsoever. He had spent some time at a dude ranch in Wyoming, walking to the corrals right past the “Do not enter” signs — he wanted to meet the horses.
Frazier Hart strums a ukulele.
From age 5 to age 18, Frazier attended the Dr. Franklin Perkins School in Lancaster, Mass. He moved home for two years and then for the next 32 years, Frazier lived at Lawrence Acres in St. Albans, attending the day program at Square Roads Farm. He eventually came back home to live with his mother and started at Mobius in Damariscotta. Frazier could live at home and attend the day program at Mobius. As his family says, “He could just be Frazier.”
Among the many things he learned from his family, his politeness shines the best. He says his mom taught him manners.
When Frazier’s mom became ill and could no longer care for him, his family searched for ways to support him best. They had a couple of options that seemed best suited for him. One was living in Wiscasset with a peer, or trying something new — a shared living situation.
Sharon Mitchell had worked for the family for many years and had been devoted to Frazier’s mom. She and her husband, Charlie, made an application to become providers for Frazier. In September 2015, Frazier moved in with the Mitchells, where he has thrived.
Frazier enjoys spending time with his friends, working on art projects, volunteering in his community, and attending various family functions, one of his favorites being his birthday celebration at Texas Roadhouse in Augusta. He also makes a mean cup of tea.
(“The Mobius Strip” represents our inner gifts and our outer selves working seamlessly together, creating a whole being. Mobius Inc. is located at 319 Main St., Damariscotta and online at mobiusinc.org.)
