Please tell me that the rest of "Christendom" doesn't feel this way. I was directed to a new website this morning: www.pray4trig.com It's a website designed to organize a national day of prayer on Trig Palin's birthday next year. "Congregations across the globe will join in asking God to make Trig whole....and for healing Trig of his affliction."
Ugh. Really?!? I cannot begin to express how appalling this is to me. I do believe that it is well intended, albeit misguided, but to really get to the heart/mind behind it, you must read the comments on the welcome post. The creator of the site is actually indignant that those of us with Ds would want our children to remain as they are...as they were created to be.
I'm sure I'll revisit this at some point, but I cannot shake the sick feeling her comments, and the attitudes behind them, have left me with this morning.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
We went to our first community Down syndrome event recently. We attended the Ds Indiana picnic. As we parked and unloaded everyone, I suddenly had a panicked thought: I hadn't prepared the kids at all for what we might see and experience. Specifically, I hadn't had the "people are different" discussion with them in awhile. "Too late now," I decided.
I was a little overwhelmed at first. My eye was immediately drawn to the kids who were more involved medically and that was intimidating to me. But, after awhile, I realized that the kids who were hurling themselves down the slip-n-slide, climbing across the jungle gym, going back for seconds at the dessert table, and just being "kids" had Ds, too. That was such an encouragemet to me!
I met some great people and my kids had a good time. I probably should've given the "people are different" speech, though. Not because of their response to anyone with Ds. One of the grandmas was a little person. She was about Zak's height (he's 2). It took Ben (almost 4 y.o.) a long time to notice her, but when he did he immediately pointed and said, "She's creepy!" I grabbed his hand and hastily whispered my speech in his ear. He didn't say anything for a long time while he just watched her. Pretty soon he asked, "Is she real?" Ugh. Zak didn't say anything when he spotted her. He just pointed and laughed and laughed. Yikes!
In hindsight, I wish I would've approached her. I doubt she would've minded, after all, she knows she's little. I think it would've been great for the boys to have had a conversation with her. Maybe next time. I loved that they didn't seem to notice anyone else being different!
I was a little overwhelmed at first. My eye was immediately drawn to the kids who were more involved medically and that was intimidating to me. But, after awhile, I realized that the kids who were hurling themselves down the slip-n-slide, climbing across the jungle gym, going back for seconds at the dessert table, and just being "kids" had Ds, too. That was such an encouragemet to me!
I met some great people and my kids had a good time. I probably should've given the "people are different" speech, though. Not because of their response to anyone with Ds. One of the grandmas was a little person. She was about Zak's height (he's 2). It took Ben (almost 4 y.o.) a long time to notice her, but when he did he immediately pointed and said, "She's creepy!" I grabbed his hand and hastily whispered my speech in his ear. He didn't say anything for a long time while he just watched her. Pretty soon he asked, "Is she real?" Ugh. Zak didn't say anything when he spotted her. He just pointed and laughed and laughed. Yikes!
In hindsight, I wish I would've approached her. I doubt she would've minded, after all, she knows she's little. I think it would've been great for the boys to have had a conversation with her. Maybe next time. I loved that they didn't seem to notice anyone else being different!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
I shouldn't complain, but...
Simeon is a super sleeper. He always has been. When he first came home, it was a bear to try and wake him up for middle of the night feeds. Now, he generally goes to bed around eight and sleeps until 6:15 or so. Really, I love that he sleeps all night! But, 6:15? Really?
The other kids sleep until 8:30. I know; I should totally take advantage of the hours between to get something done. Problem is that I spend that time feeding the baby, pumping, and snuggling with him. (Yes, still pumping. He failed the swallow study and is much as I hate it, I can't bring myself to stop pumping and end his suppply of breastmilk.) I enjoy having him to myself in the wee hours. He is so cute! And so funny!
But, honestly, I'd rather be sleeping. :)
The other kids sleep until 8:30. I know; I should totally take advantage of the hours between to get something done. Problem is that I spend that time feeding the baby, pumping, and snuggling with him. (Yes, still pumping. He failed the swallow study and is much as I hate it, I can't bring myself to stop pumping and end his suppply of breastmilk.) I enjoy having him to myself in the wee hours. He is so cute! And so funny!
But, honestly, I'd rather be sleeping. :)
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