Aunt Adele's Early Life and Institutionalization

Jennifer Sr. discovered her aunt Adele's tragic early life when she learned that Adele was born with an intellectual disability and was institutionalized shortly after her second birthday. This decision was influenced by the medical beliefs of the time, which deemed Adele's condition as incurable, leading her family to believe that sending her to an institution would be in her best interest. Jennifer's reflection on her mother’s memories reveals the conflicting emotions within the family, as her mother initially viewed Adele as an adored baby sister, while their grandparents faced immense pressure and misinformation from doctors, ultimately believing they were acting out of love by institutionalizing her. This heartbreaking context sets the stage for understanding the broader systemic issues surrounding the care of individuals with disabilities during the mid-20th century in America.