RE: Sorry I need to vent this has me so upset

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/18/2006 11:40:47 PM Central Standard Time,

leslie-kerrigan@... writes:

> One night DH and I were taking about " what if you could cure DS " ...

> what would we do? Interesting, we both felt that had such a

> great personality, was so kind and had so much compassion..... what if

> that changed? How she loves little kids, and is so patient and helpful

> with them (too bad we didn't wait for the little sister.... she's have

> loved a little one around now!) We talked about how hard she had to

> work to learn things, and how nice it would be for her not to have to

> work so hard, but how would this change who she was? We discussed this

> theoretical situation, but both of us felt in our hearts that we

> wouldn't " cure " her if we could...... she is such a blessing just how

> she is, and has so many wonderful qualities....... we wouldn't want to

> take a chance! I wonder how many people, especially those not

> intertwinded in the DS community, would think we were nuts? Refuse to

> get rid of " the curse " as your store-lady put it?

>

> This is something my husband and I talked about too. What would we

change? And a minister we know who has a daughter with DS has been asked if he

prays for to be cured. He answers, " of what? "

For his sake I would want my son to not have DS or any disability but for

my sake he is perfect the way he is. Well, I belonged to another list for a

year or 2 awhile back, we were all participants in a research project called

" Aging Together " Their " children " had various problems and I never 'heard'

so much moaning and groaning in my life. It was " nobody knows what we go

through " and how hard everything was. One mother even said that while she is

living she will do the best she can for her son but when she is gone he is on

his own. Finally, one day, I spoke up and asked if none of them enjoy their

kids. I said what a joy my son is and how I think he is perfect the way he is.

Whoowee!! Did I get flamed!!!! I was accused of wishing a disability on him

and of being glad he is disabled. Nobody flamed the woman who said her son

would be on his own. They obviously do feel it is a burden, and most of them

do not have DS. Two mothers wrote to me privately and agreed with me but

weren't going to say it on the list. We have become good friends and I think

the

list has faded out.

Jessie, mom to , 41

[Guest guest]

As I have said before: LISTEN TO WENDY!!!!! Jessie

[Guest guest]

Terrie

I am so sorry you had this experience. Unfortunately, there are so many

uneducated people in the world, and every now and then you will run into one.

Aslan is truly a blessing to you, as you are a blessing to him.

Fourteen years later, I still thank God every day for the blessing he gave me,

named .

Take care

Sharon H.

Mom to , (14, DS) and , (10)

South Carolina

Sorry I need to vent this has me so upset

I'm sorry but I really need to vent.

Today I went to the a store that I started to go to to since the

store is ran by christians. I was in there at the beging of the

week and was talking to them about Aslan and the holes in his

heart. They wanted me to come back in the store with Aslan so they

could pray for him. I thought to myself what could more prayer

hurt. So today I took him in to the store to pick up some thing and

to have them pray for Aslan. They ask what was wrong with him I

told them that he had two holes in his heart and he has down

syndrome. They placed their hands on us to pray for the holes in

Aslan's heart to here and for me to have strength to get through

this rough time. Then the lady asked me if the down syndrome ran in

the family I told her no. She asked if she could pray about the

down syndrome I told she could. When she started to pray she asked

God to take away the curse he had put on our family and the curse he

had put on Aslan. I was so upset about this Aslan is an angel and a

blessing from God and I wouldn't want him to be and differnt.

It has taken me all afternoon and evening to get over being so mad

at that lady for saying that God has cursed us. I finally told my

husband and my family what was said today. I'm so upset about this

I will never be going back to that store. I can order what I need

from another store or online.

Thank you for letting me vent. I know that I will get more negative

comments about Aslan having down syndrome but I know they are the

ones that need the most love and understanding. I'm thinking back

to my favorite book and movie " Fried Green Tomatoes " when Mrs

Threadgoode is telling about the birth of her son and the

doctor wanting to send him away because the baby would be a burden

and Mrs. Threadgoode telling the doctor to give her the baby and

how could her baby be a burden. That part of the book and movie has

always been my favorite part.

Terrie

Click reply to all for messages to go to the list. Just hit reply for

messages to go to the sender of the message.

[Guest guest]

HI Terrie,

Sorry to hear you've got to experience people's ignorance and

insensitivity so soon, but in my experiences, these people are actually

less common that you'd think. It's just that when someone says sometime

so AWFUL or so RUDE or so INSENSITIVE it's really shocking! And no

matter how we " think up in advance " comebacks to some of the more common

ignorant comments, it's hard to pull them out when needed, LOL.

Our daughter is 8 years old, and after the first few days of

shock after her birth, we've been able to see so much good come from our

little girl it's amazing. She's so much more like her sisters than

different, she has her own personality (just like they do), and she

brings so much joy to so many different people. She's funny, sensitive,

caring, smart, and very sweet. She's also (occasionally) stubborn,

crabby, and out of sorts, just like her sisters :-) But never a curse!

One night DH and I were taking about " what if you could cure DS " ...

what would we do? Interesting, we both felt that had such a

great personality, was so kind and had so much compassion..... what if

that changed? How she loves little kids, and is so patient and helpful

with them (too bad we didn't wait for the little sister.... she's have

loved a little one around now!) We talked about how hard she had to

work to learn things, and how nice it would be for her not to have to

work so hard, but how would this change who she was? We discussed this

theoretical situation, but both of us felt in our hearts that we

wouldn't " cure " her if we could...... she is such a blessing just how

she is, and has so many wonderful qualities....... we wouldn't want to

take a chance! I wonder how many people, especially those not

intertwinded in the DS community, would think we were nuts? Refuse to

get rid of " the curse " as your store-lady put it?

Enjoy your precious baby..... before long, you'll be going to " Open

House " at school (guess where we went tonight?), proudly looking at

artwork and writing on the wall that isn't the best in the class by

" traditional " standards, but knowing that this is great work for your

child, and not even wondering what they other parents are thinking!

Watching as little things are pointed out by your child..... where the

markers are, where the " Good Work " stamp is kept, while the other kids

are discussing projects in detail. Enjoying the delight of showing a

special book on the desk, and joyfully watching a spontaneous hug for

the teacher.

I hope Aslan's heart surgery goes smoothly.

, mom to (10), (8 DS), and (6)

mommie2dsangel wrote:

>I'm sorry but I really need to vent.

>

>Today I went to the a store that I started to go to to since the

>store is ran by christians. I was in there at the beging of the

>week and was talking to them about Aslan and the holes in his

>heart. They wanted me to come back in the store with Aslan so they

>could pray for him. I thought to myself what could more prayer

>hurt. So today I took him in to the store to pick up some thing and

>to have them pray for Aslan. They ask what was wrong with him I

>told them that he had two holes in his heart and he has down

>syndrome. They placed their hands on us to pray for the holes in

>Aslan's heart to here and for me to have strength to get through

>this rough time. Then the lady asked me if the down syndrome ran in

>the family I told her no. She asked if she could pray about the

>down syndrome I told she could. When she started to pray she asked

>God to take away the curse he had put on our family and the curse he

>had put on Aslan. I was so upset about this Aslan is an angel and a

>blessing from God and I wouldn't want him to be and differnt.

>

>It has taken me all afternoon and evening to get over being so mad

>at that lady for saying that God has cursed us. I finally told my

>husband and my family what was said today. I'm so upset about this

>I will never be going back to that store. I can order what I need

>from another store or online.

>

>Thank you for letting me vent. I know that I will get more negative

>comments about Aslan having down syndrome but I know they are the

>ones that need the most love and understanding. I'm thinking back

>to my favorite book and movie " Fried Green Tomatoes " when Mrs

>Threadgoode is telling about the birth of her son and the

>doctor wanting to send him away because the baby would be a burden

>and Mrs. Threadgoode telling the doctor to give her the baby and

>how could her baby be a burden. That part of the book and movie has

>always been my favorite part.

>

>Terrie

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>Click reply to all for messages to go to the list. Just hit reply for messages

to go to the sender of the message.

>

[Guest guest]

Terrie,

You will find, in your journey of parenting a special child, that you are

called upon over and over again to be a teacher to the world. Sometimes,

you will verbally be able to explain, sometimes your CHILD will be the

teacher (often), and sometimes just your actions of acceptance and love for

your son will be the teaching moment. But you will teach.

There are people who are deliberately mean, but most of them are just

ignorant, as in this case. Try not to let it bother you, I KNOW it hurts

for people to say things like this, but it's because they don't know any

difference.

You do. Use it. Share it. Educate your world.

Because the NEXT mother that goes in that store with a special needs child

will then be embraced.

" Regardless of how good of a swim instructor you are, you can't teach a

person to swim in the parking lot of a swimming pool. "

Norman Kunc

[Guest guest]

LOL.. .. Now , you know I have asked to tell that to my teens. ....

LOL.

" Regardless of how good of a swim instructor you are, you can't teach a

person to swim in the parking lot of a swimming pool. "

Norman Kunc

[Guest guest]

Terrie,

I agree with what the others have posted, as to not going back into that

store again, take a big deep breath and forgive them for their poor choice

of words. I am sure they did not intend to offend, many people who have

had no involvement with a person with DS believe the old myths and the

media cxxp, and in their hearts believe that a person with DS is a major

burden to their families lives.

Go back into the store and thank them for their prayers and if you can do it

calmly let them know that a person with DS is not cursed, and perhaps

explain that basically they are the same as you and me but slower at

learning, but very clever in many ways.

When things like this happen, you have to be strong and correct the

misbeliefs, I am constantly reminding people, including family members that

Trent is not stupid that he is very intelligent - which generally brings a

very positive response. We just need to remind and teach the general public

- over and over again.

Keep smiling

Jan, mother of Trent 21yo w/DS from the LandDownUnder

Sorry I need to vent this has me so upset

I'm sorry but I really need to vent.

Today I went to the a store that I started to go to to since the store is

ran by christians. I was in there at the beging of the week and was talking

to them about Aslan and the holes in his heart. They wanted me to come back

in the store with Aslan so they could pray for him. I thought to myself

what could more prayer hurt. So today I took him in to the store to pick up

some thing and to have them pray for Aslan. They ask what was wrong with

him I told them that he had two holes in his heart and he has down syndrome.

They placed their hands on us to pray for the holes in Aslan's heart to here

and for me to have strength to get through this rough time. Then the lady

asked me if the down syndrome ran in the family I told her no. She asked if

she could pray about the down syndrome I told she could. When she started

to pray she asked God to take away the curse he had put on our family and

the curse he had put on Aslan. I was so upset about this Aslan is an angel

and a blessing from God and I wouldn't want him to be and differnt.

It has taken me all afternoon and evening to get over being so mad at that

lady for saying that God has cursed us. I finally told my husband and my

family what was said today. I'm so upset about this I will never be going

back to that store. I can order what I need from another store or online.

Thank you for letting me vent. I know that I will get more negative

comments about Aslan having down syndrome but I know they are the ones that

need the most love and understanding. I'm thinking back to my favorite book

and movie " Fried Green Tomatoes " when Mrs Threadgoode is telling

about the birth of her son and the doctor wanting to send him away because

the baby would be a burden and Mrs. Threadgoode telling the doctor to give

her the baby and how could her baby be a burden. That part of the book and

movie has always been my favorite part.

Terrie

[Guest guest]

Gee, I wish I had 's way with words - Jan.

Terrie,

You will find, in your journey of parenting a special child, that you are

called upon over and over again to be a teacher to the world. Sometimes,

you will verbally be able to explain, sometimes your CHILD will be the

teacher (often), and sometimes just your actions of acceptance and love for

your son will be the teaching moment. But you will teach.

There are people who are deliberately mean, but most of them are just

ignorant, as in this case. Try not to let it bother you, I KNOW it hurts

for people to say things like this, but it's because they don't know any

difference.

You do. Use it. Share it. Educate your world.

Because the NEXT mother that goes in that store with a special needs child

will then be embraced.

" Regardless of how good of a swim instructor you are, you can't teach a

person to swim in the parking lot of a swimming pool. "

Norman Kunc

[Guest guest]

> One night DH and I were taking about " what if you could cure DS " ...

> what would we do?

We have never discussed that question, but have often wondered what sort of

person Trent may have been.

Certainly not a quite and sedate type of person, more than likely a

daredevil, very strong minded and determined person, probably would have

been very successful in his chosen career. His personality would have shone

through and like his older brother would have been able to achieve many life

experiences.

Keep smiling

Jan, mother of Trent 21yo w/DS from the LandDownUnder

[Guest guest]

My daughter had a teacher at a Christian school who prayed that her mom's

family (my parents) would be saved from the curse of Catholicism. So, take

heart... as my cousin Dave says... there are sometimes more Horses asses than

Horses... I'll pray for that situation on your behalf.

By the way... I LOVE LOVE LOVE that you chose the name Aslan!!!

Connie

In a message dated 5/18/2006 11:56:59 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

mommie2luvbug@... writes:

I'm sorry but I really need to vent.

Today I went to the a store that I started to go to to since the

store is ran by christians. I was in there at the beging of the

week and was talking to them about Aslan and the holes in his

heart. They wanted me to come back in the store with Aslan so they

could pray for him. I thought to myself what could more prayer

hurt. So today I took him in to the store to pick up some thing and

to have them pray for Aslan. They ask what was wrong with him I

told them that he had two holes in his heart and he has down

syndrome. They placed their hands on us to pray for the holes in

Aslan's heart to here and for me to have strength to get through

this rough time. Then the lady asked me if the down syndrome ran in

the family I told her no. She asked if she could pray about the

down syndrome I told she could. When she started to pray she asked

God to take away the curse he had put on our family and the curse he

had put on Aslan. I was so upset about this Aslan is an angel and a

blessing from God and I wouldn't want him to be and differnt.

It has taken me all afternoon and evening to get over being so mad

at that lady for saying that God has cursed us. I finally told my

husband and my family what was said today. I'm so upset about this

I will never be going back to that store. I can order what I need

from another store or online.

Thank you for letting me vent. I know that I will get more negative

comments about Aslan having down syndrome but I know they are the

ones that need the most love and understanding. I'm thinking back

to my favorite book and movie " Fried Green Tomatoes " when Mrs

Threadgoode is telling about the birth of her son and the

doctor wanting to send him away because the baby would be a burden

and Mrs. Threadgoode telling the doctor to give her the baby and

how could her baby be a burden. That part of the book and movie has

always been my favorite part.

Terrie

[Guest guest]

I remember when Amelia was about Aslan's age we were in the grocery store and an

elderly woman looked at her and in near reverential tones said " Oh what a

shame. " I looked at her with what I am sure must have been a shocked

expression. She quickly said " that I can't play with her. " Good save lady was

what I thought. I was ticked but I figured that while she had her foot crammed

up to her kneecap in her own mouth she probably never meant to hurt anyone with

what she had said. Recently one of my " Christian " friends made the comment that

her mother had had fifteen children and upon conception " offered them to God "

and they were all born " perfect. " Well I know many of these fifteen children

and believe me when I tell you they are far from perfect. My all time favorite

story I will share with you all and hope that no one is offended. When Amelia

was a month old I took her to my girlfriend's house. This friend was raised in

a broken and poor family and she had gone to

great lengths to achieve more then what she started with. Her father, a

shriveled little alcoholic who, frankly, was all but defeated by life in general

was forced to live with his daughter for six months out of the year-spring and

summer- so that he could work construction in the DC area and then return to the

bowels of Southern Virginia to drink his way through the winter. My friend,

though willing to support her father, made no secret of her disdain for him and

basically treated him like a juvenile delinquent. He normally would try to enter

the house with as little notice as possible. So I am in her living room and we

are talking general baby stuff when in comes her dad with a hang dog expression.

He nods and then sees the baby and his face kind of lit up. He said to me " Can

I look at your baby? I hear she has the Down Syndrome. " He looks at her for a

nano second and then says " she's right cute. My cousin, her girl has the Down

Syndrome too. Nice kid. I often

wished that (his daughter-my friend) had it too. They don't say much,

eat whatever you put in front of 'em, and they don't think they know every God

damned thing. " With that he stomped out of the room to his bedroom. Well

needless to say there was an akward silence left in his wake. My friend who is

never at a loss for words was silent and red faced. I busted out laughing. My

girlfriend was mortified by her father's behavior and thought I would be

offended. I wasn't though because I realized that he had seen the value of his

cousin's child with no help from anyone. He saw an agreeable individual who was

easy to live with and that was more then he got from the rest of his family

(though doubtless he got exactly as he deserved.) I jut couldn't help but laugh

over the final dig he got at his daughter who was really a bit of a know-it-all.

So as Amelia goes through life there will be times when people's reactions to

her will make me happy and times when they

won't. That is true for us all. The folks in the Christian store-I will pray

for them and the curse of their narrow minds. In the words of Jesus " forgive

them Father for they know not what they do. " Your son is as cute as a button

and for the next many years the only people he will care about will be his mom

and dad and he seems like he's gotten a good start in that department.

Cheers,

Ann mom to Amelia (6-ds) and Jake (4)

mommie2dsangel <mommie2luvbug@...> wrote:

I'm sorry but I really need to vent.

Today I went to the a store that I started to go to to since the

store is ran by christians. I was in there at the beging of the

week and was talking to them about Aslan and the holes in his

heart. They wanted me to come back in the store with Aslan so they

could pray for him. I thought to myself what could more prayer

hurt. So today I took him in to the store to pick up some thing and

to have them pray for Aslan. They ask what was wrong with him I

told them that he had two holes in his heart and he has down

syndrome. They placed their hands on us to pray for the holes in

Aslan's heart to here and for me to have strength to get through

this rough time. Then the lady asked me if the down syndrome ran in

the family I told her no. She asked if she could pray about the

down syndrome I told she could. When she started to pray she asked

God to take away the curse he had put on our family and the curse he

had put on Aslan. I was so upset about this Aslan is an angel and a

blessing from God and I wouldn't want him to be and differnt.

It has taken me all afternoon and evening to get over being so mad

at that lady for saying that God has cursed us. I finally told my

husband and my family what was said today. I'm so upset about this

I will never be going back to that store. I can order what I need

from another store or online.

Thank you for letting me vent. I know that I will get more negative

comments about Aslan having down syndrome but I know they are the

ones that need the most love and understanding. I'm thinking back

to my favorite book and movie " Fried Green Tomatoes " when Mrs

Threadgoode is telling about the birth of her son and the

doctor wanting to send him away because the baby would be a burden

and Mrs. Threadgoode telling the doctor to give her the baby and

how could her baby be a burden. That part of the book and movie has

always been my favorite part.

Terrie

Click reply to all for messages to go to the list. Just hit reply for messages

to go to the sender of the message.

[Guest guest]

Terrie,

I'm so glad you shared this with us. Those " Christians " don't get it, but

that's another story and another listserve. I truly believe you will hear

way more good than bad your whole life with your angel, Aslan. Our sweet

children, IMHO, are a little closer to Heaven than the rest of us. They are

loving, forgiving, sweeter, stubborner and full of mercy. If it would make

you feel better you could always go back in and explain to them how you

feel, or write to them if that seems a better option. And if the store is a

chain, cc it to corporate headquarters.

When my sweet daughter was born, my sweetest aunt (I kid you not) told her

son she was afraid for me to bring my baby to meet her because she'd never

known anyone with ds. Of course, she fell madly in love with my daughter.

People learn and people change.

Take good care,

Eleanor

_____

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf

Of mommie2dsangel

Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2006 11:56 PM

Subject: Sorry I need to vent this has me so upset

I'm sorry but I really need to vent.

Today I went to the a store that I started to go to to since the

store is ran by christians. I was in there at the beging of the

week and was talking to them about Aslan and the holes in his

heart. They wanted me to come back in the store with Aslan so they

could pray for him. I thought to myself what could more prayer

hurt. So today I took him in to the store to pick up some thing and

to have them pray for Aslan. They ask what was wrong with him I

told them that he had two holes in his heart and he has down

syndrome. They placed their hands on us to pray for the holes in

Aslan's heart to here and for me to have strength to get through

this rough time. Then the lady asked me if the down syndrome ran in

the family I told her no. She asked if she could pray about the

down syndrome I told she could. When she started to pray she asked

God to take away the curse he had put on our family and the curse he

had put on Aslan. I was so upset about this Aslan is an angel and a

blessing from God and I wouldn't want him to be and differnt.

It has taken me all afternoon and evening to get over being so mad

at that lady for saying that God has cursed us. I finally told my

husband and my family what was said today. I'm so upset about this

I will never be going back to that store. I can order what I need

from another store or online.

Thank you for letting me vent. I know that I will get more negative

comments about Aslan having down syndrome but I know they are the

ones that need the most love and understanding. I'm thinking back

to my favorite book and movie " Fried Green Tomatoes " when Mrs

Threadgoode is telling about the birth of her son and the

doctor wanting to send him away because the baby would be a burden

and Mrs. Threadgoode telling the doctor to give her the baby and

how could her baby be a burden. That part of the book and movie has

always been my favorite part.

Terrie

Click reply to all for messages to go to the list. Just hit reply for

messages to go to the sender of the message.

[Guest guest]

Hi ...

Dave and I are totally with you on the " DS pill " cure! We talked about it

before too, and said as much as we would like KC to be " typical " , we would only

want that to be

the case for her sake.... but not for us. We love her exactly the way she is!

She is unique

and has the best little personality of any kid I know. She is our blessing,

just the way she is!

(By the way.... I am hoping to get a chance to talk to you about 's

schooling, her inclusion, etc. because we are thinking about moving to the PUSD

area in about a year.)

Mom to KC-4 (ds), -2, and Baby ...due in just 4 weeks!

Kerrigan <leslie-kerrigan@...> wrote:

HI Terrie,

Sorry to hear you've got to experience people's ignorance and

insensitivity so soon, but in my experiences, these people are actually

less common that you'd think. It's just that when someone says sometime

so AWFUL or so RUDE or so INSENSITIVE it's really shocking! And no

matter how we " think up in advance " comebacks to some of the more common

ignorant comments, it's hard to pull them out when needed, LOL.

Our daughter is 8 years old, and after the first few days of

shock after her birth, we've been able to see so much good come from our

little girl it's amazing. She's so much more like her sisters than

different, she has her own personality (just like they do), and she

brings so much joy to so many different people. She's funny, sensitive,

caring, smart, and very sweet. She's also (occasionally) stubborn,

crabby, and out of sorts, just like her sisters :-) But never a curse!

One night DH and I were taking about " what if you could cure DS " ...

what would we do? Interesting, we both felt that had such a

great personality, was so kind and had so much compassion..... what if

that changed? How she loves little kids, and is so patient and helpful

with them (too bad we didn't wait for the little sister.... she's have

loved a little one around now!) We talked about how hard she had to

work to learn things, and how nice it would be for her not to have to

work so hard, but how would this change who she was? We discussed this

theoretical situation, but both of us felt in our hearts that we

wouldn't " cure " her if we could...... she is such a blessing just how

she is, and has so many wonderful qualities....... we wouldn't want to

take a chance! I wonder how many people, especially those not

intertwinded in the DS community, would think we were nuts? Refuse to

get rid of " the curse " as your store-lady put it?

Enjoy your precious baby..... before long, you'll be going to " Open

House " at school (guess where we went tonight?), proudly looking at

artwork and writing on the wall that isn't the best in the class by

" traditional " standards, but knowing that this is great work for your

child, and not even wondering what they other parents are thinking!

Watching as little things are pointed out by your child..... where the

markers are, where the " Good Work " stamp is kept, while the other kids

are discussing projects in detail. Enjoying the delight of showing a

special book on the desk, and joyfully watching a spontaneous hug for

the teacher.

I hope Aslan's heart surgery goes smoothly.

, mom to (10), (8 DS), and (6)

mommie2dsangel wrote:

>I'm sorry but I really need to vent.

>

>Today I went to the a store that I started to go to to since the

>store is ran by christians. I was in there at the beging of the

>week and was talking to them about Aslan and the holes in his

>heart. They wanted me to come back in the store with Aslan so they

>could pray for him. I thought to myself what could more prayer

>hurt. So today I took him in to the store to pick up some thing and

>to have them pray for Aslan. They ask what was wrong with him I

>told them that he had two holes in his heart and he has down

>syndrome. They placed their hands on us to pray for the holes in

>Aslan's heart to here and for me to have strength to get through

>this rough time. Then the lady asked me if the down syndrome ran in

>the family I told her no. She asked if she could pray about the

>down syndrome I told she could. When she started to pray she asked

>God to take away the curse he had put on our family and the curse he

>had put on Aslan. I was so upset about this Aslan is an angel and a

>blessing from God and I wouldn't want him to be and differnt.

>

>It has taken me all afternoon and evening to get over being so mad

>at that lady for saying that God has cursed us. I finally told my

>husband and my family what was said today. I'm so upset about this

>I will never be going back to that store. I can order what I need

>from another store or online.

>

>Thank you for letting me vent. I know that I will get more negative

>comments about Aslan having down syndrome but I know they are the

>ones that need the most love and understanding. I'm thinking back

>to my favorite book and movie " Fried Green Tomatoes " when Mrs

>Threadgoode is telling about the birth of her son and the

>doctor wanting to send him away because the baby would be a burden

>and Mrs. Threadgoode telling the doctor to give her the baby and

>how could her baby be a burden. That part of the book and movie has

>always been my favorite part.

>

>Terrie

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>Click reply to all for messages to go to the list. Just hit reply for messages

to go to the sender of the message.

>

[Guest guest]

Terrie,

((((Hugs))))) Sometimes people can be so ignorant. It sounds like in the

this case, they really were trying to be helpful, but oh how wrong they are!

A curse??? I think not!! I look at my little boy with DS and everyday feel

like we are so lucky ( I know it might sound a little bit weird to some), to

have him WITH his DS!!! He brings smiles, joy, laughter, and growth

everyday! The world brings us frustration with their " ideas " and lack

of ideas, but I'll be darned if that doesn't cause us to be creative, and

hone our ingenuity, anticipation skills, and learn to be accepting and

understanding on the other side as to how the non-special needs world

operates. And like others have said, we have had to learn to educate this

population and let them see through our words sometimes, and sometimes,

just the love of our son, how this isn't a curse, but a true blessing in our

lives!!

On a side note, we interviewed a respite/habilitation worker yesterday...24

year old college Senior. Big boy, real muscle man, shaved head,

toughie...you get the picture. I was telling him that he would need to be

one step ahead of at all times...VERY smart, be able to anticipate

his next move. is very good at trying to get what he wants and

usually figures out a way to get around the system to get it. (This is why

I laugh sooooo hard when people think our kids are " stupid " ! heehee). As we

continued to talk about this, I would have be facing the worker, with my

back to and say, " excuse me " and without turning around, correct

or say, you need to do your homework first, whatever...you know the

" spidy sense/mommy sense " that we all have or develop ... sighs,

and then does what he needs to do after a few more prompts and attempts to

take advantage of my apparent distraction...I continue taking things out of

his hands while never breaking eye contact or stopping the interview. (hey

this is everyday life with me! lol!) This went on for about an hour. The

young man told me he was very impressed and I told him he will need to

develop this same skill if he is going to be working with my son. Anyway, I

had finished telling him this and then as we continued the interview I asked

him what his plans were in the fall. He has applied for an internship type

position with the FBI/Secret service. I almost fell off my chair laughing.

So, either our world will be safer because of my son and his contribution to

the training of this young man! OR this young man will be BETTER

prepared to work with AFTER his position with the FBI! You

decide...lol.

Hang in there...and vent here whenever you want!

Kym...mother to 5 including (9ds)