Lesley Megarry and her brother Johnny have lived in Burlington for more than 60 years. Johnny passed away in the fall of 2025. Lesley was his advocate for 35 years of his life and continues her advocacy for developmental disability in Johnny’s honour. She is the author of “Let’s Be Friends Who Haven’t Met Yet” and “Let Me Introduce You to My Brother.” Lesley is trying to increase awareness around developmental disability and encourage greater inclusion and appreciation for individuals who are developmentally disabled, people who may need help in creating their life.
“Johnny doesn’t really fit.” I heard this often growing up. For Johnny, and I believe others who are developmentally disabled, to “fit” meant to feel safe, accepted, and valued for who he was no matter the group, community, or place.
Johnny loved to be around people and be busy; he loved to play sports and help with activities. Why was it so difficult to find a fit?
Johnny not fitting was common with most activities and employers. I volunteered in Johnny’s day programs. I could see how he didn’t fit with his peers. He showed no interest in his fellow program attendees. He wanted to interact with his teachers, counsellors, and coaches. It wasn’t that he was being rude; it was more like he knew he didn’t belong.
The smile on Johnny’s face when those other than his peers paid attention to him was beautiful.
Johnny couldn’t keep employment. One job he had was a dishwasher at a restaurant. During a slow lunch hour, he was asked to clean windows. Why was he fired? Because Johnny did exactly that: he cleaned all the windows — including where customers were dining. It’s okay, you can smile; we did. Johnny did exactly what he was told to do.
With every job, you could see Johnny’s pride. He would say with the biggest smile, “I work at (insert company name here). This is my boss, he’s my buddy.”
It took special people, special organizations willing to find the best way to work with Johnny. The problem throughout most of Johnny’s life? Very few really knew the best way to work with him.
In Johnny’s later years, we found his fit. For over 15 years, Johnny volunteered for an organization full of special people. What made them special? They were committed to getting to know Johnny: understanding his challenges and strengths, willing to work with family and support people to set up the best possible fit for Johnny.
These special people were part of a special organization. What made the organization special? Johnny’s presence was supported by management. During my first meeting with the manager, introducing Johnny, I asked: “Is there anything you could find for Johnny to do here?”
This wonderful man replied: “Everyone needs a place to belong; I’m sure we can find something for him.” What I soon discovered? Belonging was Johnny’s perfect fit.
Does anyone really fit? We may not, but most of us are creating or have created a life that is the best fit, or at least, we keep on trying. Does this make sense?
For Johnny, and perhaps others who are developmentally disabled, he needed help in finding his fit, his place to belong, and in creating his life. This is so important to understand, and yet, often is not.
Are there more special people and special organizations willing to find the best fit for others who are developmentally disabled? I think so. I’m hoping these conversations will help; a little bit of understanding goes a long way.
Through Burlington Local-News.ca, I am sharing a world that is part of our Burlington community, one that I may not have paid much attention to if not for my brother. I hope these conversations help you to think of people you may not have otherwise. It is a world full of compassion, kindness, love, and hope, no matter its many challenges. Johnny gave me the okay to share his story. I hope you follow this series of conversations, of which Johnny is very much a part. This is the fourth conversation in the series.
If you’re interested in purchasing Lesley’s book, it is available at Simply Gifted and Different Drummer books, and on amazon.ca, If you wish to continue the conversations, feel free to contact Lesley at makeitagreatday2023@gmail.com.
