Learning from Peter Gustav Warner

Peter G. Warner visited me and my family last week. He arrives by train and visits twice a year. His visits began almost ten years ago, right after I was married. I forgot to tell my wife that Peter would always be a part of our lives. Nine of the longest days of my life were spent with Peter in an apartment in New Hampshire, but I will spare you the details. Most of you who will read this blog have known Peter as long as I have. Peter has Asperger's Syndrome which is an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

According to Wikipedia, Asperger's syndrome is named after Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger who, in 1944, described children in his practice who lacked nonverbal communication skills, demonstrated limited empathy with their peers, and were physically clumsy. Fifty years later, AS was standardized as a diagnosis, but questions about many aspects remain.For example, there is lingering doubt about the distinction between AS and high-functioning autism; partly due to this, the prevalence of AS is not firmly established. The exact cause is unknown, although research supports the likelihood of a genetic basis; brain imaging techniques have not identified a clear common pathology.

I used to dread his visits, but now I look forward to them. When he is in our home, he is loud and obnoxious, however we seem to find ourselves laughing a lot more when Peter is around. Over the years, I have tried to teach him to whisper but I have failed miserably. Every forty-five minute shower he takes brings with it a loud and boisterous concert of every hymn Peter has memorized from the Lutheran Hymnal and every Young Life song that has ever been sung. My kids look forward to this concert. There are also many conversations that go like this: "Peter un-tuck your shirt!" Peter replies, "But Irene tells me that everything should be tucked in!"

Peter has no real home or permanent residence. His spends most of his time on Amtrak trains and buses or at local libraries checking and sending emails. He knows where all the best places and churches in Southern California are where you can get a free meal. One of the things I admire about Peter is his intellect(most people don't get to hear him talk about all the information stored in his brilliant brain), his love for God, and his servant's heart. Peter usually travels with his girl friend. She was injured a few years ago in an Amtrak accident and acquired cerebral palsy from the accident. Peter shared with me that He believes God has called him to help people who cannot help themselves and so His heart's desire is to do that until He goes to be with Jesus.

Peter has never allowed his disability to keep him from doing what he believes God has called him to do. I am humbled by his heart to serve others. It saddens me to think that people miss this side of Peter because they have trouble looking past his disability, however Jesus doesn't miss it. I think when Jesus thinks of Peter, He smiles.

As we chatted at breakfast the day he left, I thought about what it will be like someday to chat with Peter in Heaven. He, like us, will be like Jesus when we see Him as He is.

For those who read this and especially for those who know Peter, pray that God will protect him as he travels all over the country and sometimes spends the night in a train station or a bus depot. Pray that God will continue to allow Peter to use his servant's heart. And pray for us because he will be back for another visit in September and he could possibly eat us out of house and home.

Even with His disability, Peter is living life to the full. I hope you are as well.

Living Life to the Full,
Scott