What does it mean to be so close with someone that they're like family, and what would you do to make sure that person was safe and happy? That's what Amanda and Alex Constantine contemplated in October 2020, when their good friend Tony Edmonds, 29, lost his mom to multiple health complications. Tony is autistic and requires assistance with daily life he doesn't drive or cook. He also needs an advocate to represent him when he's faced with bigger decisions like how to spend his money, where to live and work, and what activities would be healthy for him.
Alex and Amanda, who had known Tony for years, grappled with how they could play a role in his future. They knew his dad had died when Tony was in high school, and he had no siblings. "Tony's mom was sick for a while," says Alex. "We knew there wasn't a really clear plan. We cared very deeply for Tony and wanted him to be in a good situation for the rest of his life."
Three's a Crowd?
Alex and Tony have been practically inseparable since their high school days in Bucyrus, OH, where they and Amanda grew up. Tony first captured Alex's attention when Alex became an aide in Tony's gym class. Then he'd see Tony around their town of about 11,000 people. "The first time I saw him outside of school, Tony just sprinted away from me. He played hard to get," Alex jokes. Alex loved Tony's sense of humor and the fact that once Tony got to know him, he always made Alex feel special: "If you're friends with Tony, you feel like you're the most important person in the world."
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Good House Keeping - US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Good House Keeping - US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
inside the GH Textiles Lab
GH textiles pros reveal their top-tested tricks to help you make informed decisions about fabrics for your home and wardrobe.
Deep-Fried Favorites
Crispy food, coming right up! Pick an ingredient and a coating (if you wish). Add vegetable oil to the fill line in the deep fryer and heat to 350°F per manufacturer directions. Fry until golden brown.
EASY WEEKNIGHTS
Make a fresh and delicious dinner in less time than you'd need to order takeout.
Find the Right Pet Pros
Deciding on a new veterinarian, boarding facility or trainer can be stressful. Here's how to get the pick of the litter.
Crispy Chorizo Tacos
5-INGREDIENT DINNER
A Healthier Frying Oil
It comes from one of our nutrition director's favorite fruits.
Your Ultimate Deep Frying Guide
The sizzle, the crunch, the color-nothing quite compares to fried food. Here, our GH culinary pros dive into different techniques, tools and tips to help you master every step of the delicious process. Grab some oil and go for it!
HOST A COOKBOOK PARTY
The holidays may be over, but the fun doesn't have to be! This winter, gather a few friends to prepare a meal together from a well-loved cookbook or swap recipes. Here, our kitchen pros share their favorites.
Healthy Fating Guide
Nourishing your body doesn't have to be complicated. Our GH Nutrition Lab experts deliver simple, practical solutions that are also delicious!
HOW TO Take Better Care of Yourself
Have a healthier, happier 2024! We tend to associate \"joy\" with the holiday season, but striving for happiness should happen all year-even after the wrapping paper and tinsel have been packed away. A big part of that involves taking care of your health, both mental and physical. Here are 28 ways to do just that - at least a few will work for you!
