The Guardian

[Guest guest]

Here is what I sent to CBS

To whom it may concern:

I have heard the rumor that the child expected by Lulu on the

show " The Guardian " may have Down Syndrome. Since this is a

fictitious story line, I am hoping that it is true. I hope you do

go through with writing this into the script.

First may I say that I love the show. I have been watching it

from the start and have discussed it with friends who now also watch

it. The story lines are generally plausible and well formed.

It has been quite some time that Down Syndrome has been

addressed in any public forum as anything other than an oddity or

aberration. A few stories will hit the air waves but they seem to

be mostly cheerleading for those who deal with the person or refer

to the person as if he or she was some sort of mascot or pet.

As you may have guessed, this is a topic that hits close to

home. My 8 year old daughter has Down Syndrome. She is an

interesting, unique little girl. In many ways, she is very much

like her siblings and peers. In other ways, she is completely

different. Some of her differences relate to the extra chromosome

she carries in each gene but most are just her own personal traits.

I would love to see more public exposure where any differences are

concerned. The more people know, the less fear they carry. The

less fear, the more acceptance offered. I want my child to grow

into her potential and I want others to be there when she needs

them. Positive messages in the media can only help in this

endeavor.

I am not suggesting that Lulu and Nick be ecstatic over the

thought of having a child with special needs. That would be

unrealistic. I, and most of the parents I know who have walked in

my shoes, grieved. We were torn apart at first. We were frightened

and dangling in the midst of a huge unknown. But we all now have

become different people from who we were. We are all, I dare say,

better people. It is a process.

Please have the writers of the show read " Bittersweet Baby " by

Jolie Kanat. If you cannot get a copy, I will part with my own.

The book is written in diary form of the families steps through

diagnosis, denial, fear, overcompensation and acceptance. No other

book I have read has described the process more honestly (A few have

come close and I would be glad to pass on those titles too). It

would be lovely to see this couple who have done so many things

wrong and selfishly, not out of evil but out of lack of knowing any

other way, find a better perspective on life through the joy of a

child.

Sincerely,

Ellen Stanley

[Guest guest]

That is an incredible letter! Thanks for writing that on behalf of our

children!

Jackie, Mom to 16ds, 13, and Bradley 10

[Guest guest]

I am now!

[Guest guest]

I was surprised that Nick wanted to keep the baby and Lulu was hesitant. I

thought it'd be the other way around. I really hope they keep this baby.Cant

wait to watch the story line.

Kathy

>

> From: " Sue Brown " <karriemom@...>

> Date: 2004/02/10 Tue PM 09:18:48 EST

> " " < >

> Subject: The Guardian

>

>

[Guest guest]

What network is the Guardian on? I have not watched it and would be

intersted in catching it next week!

Colleen Stephansen

www.colleenschildcare.com <http://www.colleenschildcare.com/>

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From: linman42@... [mailto:linman42@...]

Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2004 6:54 PM

karriemom@...;

Subject: Re: The Guardian

I am now!

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