MPW.69 / 2017 A Brother’s Bond by Andrew J. Whitaker
Photographer
Andrew J. Whitaker Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Team Cox

Story Summary

The Flaugher brothers have a special bond. Brett, 29, is autistic and his brother, Clay, 27, has special needs. Sharing a house in the small, central Missouri town of Eldon has allowed them to have independent and separate lives while benefiting from the stability and structure of a family life. They are connected to their community through family, church, neighbors, and work. Most mornings the brothers leave their house and walk together to their jobs—Brett at McDonald’s and Clay at Woods Supermarket. Outside of work their personality and differences show as they pursue their own interests. While living with disabilities has forced the brothers to take on unique obstacles in their lives, the bonds of brotherhood help them navigate the challenges of their worlds.