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The leaking stove.
In 1946, a coal burning stove began leaking and de Vinck's mother became ill from the fumes. She was pregnant at the time. -
Period: to
Power of the Powerless
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A few months later
de Vinck's mother realized that Oliver was blind. -
His parents learned the truth about Oliver's situation
They learned that Oliver was very disabled. He could not hear, speak or walk. His parent's took Oliver home to love and care for him. -
Oliver was born
Oliver was born on April 20, 1947. -
Oliver grew to the size of a 10 year old
Oliver had small hands and feet and a large chest. He was helpless and very powerful. He could breathe, eat and sleep. Nothing more. He was very peaceful. -
Christopher de Vinck brought his girlfriend home to meet the family.
When Chris asked her if she wanted to meet Oliver, she said "no." -
Later, Christopher met Roe, a new girlfriend.
He brought Roe home to meet his family. Roe asked if she could help feed Oliver. He eventually married her and they have three children. -
Oliver's Death
Oliver died of pneumonia. According to de Vinck, Oliver was the "weakest, most helpless human being I ever met, and yet he was one of the most powerful human beings I ever met." Because of Oliver, Christopher knew which girl to marry. -
Christopher de Vinck wrote Power of the Powerless
Power of the Powerless is a memoir about de Vinck's life with his brother Oliver.
