My Brother Michael

Pictured: Michael and his brother-in-law Rick at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery

My brother Michael, born on March 21, 1963 was the eighth and last child of my parents. When they were told Michael was “Mongoloid” they had no idea what the doctors meant. They were told to leave him at the hospital and tell the family he died.

How times have changed.

Michael became an important part of all our lives and taught the family caring, compassion, patience and an easiness around others with disabilities.

“Although Michael never had speech, we always knew what he wanted especially when he was happy or sad.”

Pictured: Michael wearing a Superman costume

A few years ago, the family was celebrating our brother-in-laws birthday. After Bernard blew out all of the candles Michael tugged at me and with a sour face his eyes darted from me to the cake. I relit the candles, Michael blew them out and all was well.

Growing up Michael never liked people staring at him. Then Michael was given a Captain's hat. When people stared he was told to salute them - he was the Captain after all. Most would salute back shifting the power dynamic of their interaction and giving Michael a new confidence.

He’s had a full, busy and active life and now (after two hip surgeries) enjoys just going for car rides, visiting family and watching super hero movies over and over again.

Rick Ashley, brother-in-law of Michael Boulier, is a professional photographer residing in Marblehead, Ma. He started photographing his wife’s brother in the late 70’s. One of Rick’s portraits of Michael was selected to be part of The Outwin 2016 American Potrait Today collection, exhibited at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.