Jeff Schrembs, Unspoken Hero
Sometimes in life we meet people who are "better than expected". Sometimes, even after spending "day after day" working besides someone, we find out that they are "unique, si
Sometimes in life we meet people who are "better than expected". Sometimes, even after spending "day after day" working besides someone, we find out that they are "unique, sincere, honest, and exceptional". Sometimes, even through tragedy, we find out that they "stand up for what is right...regardless of what standing up will cost". Such is the case with Jeff Schrembs (American).
Many people, throughout the World, know of Jeff as an Elvis Presley Expert. Some know of him as having the Largest (private) Elvis Presley Collection in the World. Some know of him because he is a 7th Degree Black Belt. However, what many do not know is that he is a dedicted Special Needs Children Advocate - Disabled Persons Advocate - as well as a Child Abuse (prevention and reporting) Advocate. It is in this criteria that I have opted to share this specific story concerning our (respected) friend...Mr. Jeff Schrembs.
If Jeff knew that I was using his name, for anything that compliments him (directly or indireclty), he would not "approve". That is one of the things that I have always admired about him but sometimes...stories need to be told. So, with that we say "THANKS to AmericanProfile.com"!
A few years ago our child was diagnosed with a form of Autism. Many times, in public, individuals would "cringe" seeing some of the behavior that our child displayed. Needless to say, this was "trumatic" for us and for our child.
When our child first met Jeff it was...magical. The way he was able to "connect", right off the bat, was something that we had not seen before. Even though Jeff had shared, many times throughout the years, stories about his children on this occassion he opted to share with us that he was the "proud parent of Special Needs Children". I will never forget the words he used..."proud parent of Special Needs Children". Something so "simple" was so...regal and true.
Over the next few months I relied on Jeff for his insight. Everyone who knows Jeff realizes, and respects, that he is an imposing man (physcially, visually, etc.) - in spite of the fact that he is one of the most handsome men - that he is very "reserved". Yet, if he found out that you needed "anything" he would make sure that you got it never knowing that he was the one who "gave it and/or "made it happen". Many times I have seen him assist perfect strangers and never utter a word "why" he did so.
I don't know if it is his Religious, or Spiritual beliefs, or what he has endured throughout his life but he is...brutaly honest. There have been times when I would describe his words in other terms but they are...true.
Anyway, Jeff was able to provide us with information/documentation concerning resources concerning our Special Needs Child. Whether it was monetarily, or just a "shoulder to lean on", he made himself (and his lovely wife) available to us 24/7.
As a result we were able to "navigate" the difficult and overwhelming "waters" and put together a plan between our medical care providers, our educational resources, therapists, etc. This would not of been possible without Jeff's assistance and his grace.
Just the other day we learned that Jeff is enduring yet another medical procedure. I remember when his automobile accident occured and the damage, and pain, that he has had to live with. I have always asked him "how do you do it?" and his answer is always the same..."for my family".
One of the things that he has said for years is that "in life we have our name and we should always protect it". I don't know if he knows how much he has done for us, and for our family, but tonight I have opted to share this story about a man that I wish the World had more of.
Jeff Schrembs, his wife and his family, will forever be in our hearts and our prayers. Our child will never know how much Jeff did for our entire family but I do and I will never forget it. To all of those men, and women, who have Special Needs Children please know that you are (truly) HERO's in my book. God bless you all.
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