[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 60 (Wednesday, May 13, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  HONORING MADALYN AND MATTHEW LINSKEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NEWT GINGRICH

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 13, 1998

  Mr. GINGRICH. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I submit to 
the Congressional Record the following essay, ``Honoring Our Heroes,'' 
written by Madalyn Linksey, an eight year old constituent of mine who 
attends Kincaid Elementary. Madalyn speaks eloquently about the love 
and inspiration she and her family receive on a daily basis from her 
ten year old autistic brother, Matthew. I was privileged to be able to 
read Madalyn's essay at the April 25 Atlanta Investment Conference, the 
proceeds of which benefit the Friends of Autism. Through his enormous 
personal strength, Matthew reminds us all that with determination, 
courage, and love, we can overcome the most onerous of burdens to live 
a productive and fruitful life. I am proud to represent Matthew and 
Madalyn.

                        ``Honoring Our Heroes''

       I would like to tell you about my real hero. He is my 
     brother, Matthew Arthur Linskey, Jr. He is ten years old.
       My brother was born with a disability called autism. He is 
     mentally challenged and sees the world through a troubled and 
     confused mind. He lives in a world that none of us can 
     imagine. Somehow he finds a way to survive.
       Adults and children sometimes stare and make fun of him 
     because they don't understand his strange behavior. I'm sure 
     that it hurts his feelings but he shows a lot of courage and 
     tries to go on with his life.
       He is very caring and compassionate to me when I am sad or 
     angry about something even though I know he does not 
     understand.
       Matthew is persistent when trying to learn how to do simple 
     tasks. He is very brave when he has to do things that his 
     mind tells him to be afraid of.
       This past summer after many years of swim lessons, Matthew 
     competed in his first race. It was in our neighborhood on the 
     summer swim team. We were swimming against another 
     neighborhood team. Matthew swam against boys his own age and 
     finished last. He was so happy. Watching him made me feel so 
     much joy in my heart. I was so proud that he tried his best.
       Matthew has been a special gift to me and my family. He has 
     taught me to be patient and understanding to people with 
     special needs. He has also taught me never to give up trying 
     to reach my goals. If he has the courage to do it, then I do 
     too.
       I admire and love Matthew Arthur Linksey, Jr. He is my 
     brother, my best friend, and my ``Real Life Hero'' forever.

     

                          ____________________