Breathing a sigh of relief here today. Yesterday was Bethany’s annual EVALUATION. Six years ago, Bethany finally got off a waiting list and was approved for a MR/DD Waiver. ick- ick- ICK!!!! (was that enough emphasis to get my point across 🙂 ) I hate the label- Mentally Retarded/ Developmentally Disabled. I mean really, who […]
Jeff & I were raised in a small town (750 people 🙂 ) a beautiful Methodist church, rich with tradition and filled with saints I still admire. It’s glory was the fantastic stained glass windows. I always imagined I was the little lamb Jesus was carrying! [Tweet “Jesus is the Good #Shepherd. He #carries us […]
The Bethany Paradox There is no paradox in loving her- only in understanding……….. I love her so much it hurts- Embracing her vulnerable weakness Dismayed her DNA is destructively damaged. I cry, I laugh with joy, I worry & fret, I ache with longing, yet rejoice in who she is Her spirit- so […]
I actually had someone ask me the other day, “How’s your downs girl?” My downs girl?! MY DOWNS GIRL?!!!! I looked at them in stunned silence? Seriously, if you can’t remember her name, don’t ask- please! “Do you mean my DAUGHTER, Bethany?” They had the wisdom to look embarrassed. I don’t see downs syndrome, […]
Some people struggle with pride and thinking too highly of themselves, (God has a way of taking care of that 🙂 ) e but others hear a different kind of voice…………. s “Loser” “Geek” “Emu” “Goth” “Weirdo” “Dummy” “Idiot” “Stupid” “Trash” “Reject” “Retard” “Disappointment” s (Some people should should have Ralphie’s mom around with […]
Though our constitution truthfully states that all “men” are created equal, the reality in this fallen world is: “All” are not equally endowed. As a mom, I try to be an “equalizer”. You know, keep everything fair and more-or-less-the same. I find it’s a formidable, if not impossible task when dealing with something abstractly complicated such as “intelligence”. e […]
I’m so thankful for people like Miriam! She traveled the road of downs syndrome 6 years before I did and has left some amazing encouragements and spiritual insights! She inspires me to do the same. Recently, the singer, Aaron Schust and his wife have given birth to a son with downs syndrome. Since I’m further along in our […]
This is a true story that illustrates the saying- “Perception is Everything”. [Tweet “What will it take to change our perception special needs adults- from tolerance to acceptance?”] “Hi! How are ya?” The loud, booming voice grabbed my attention- and everyone else s while I was at the Dillon’s check-out line in the front of the store. absolutely no response […]
Ever since Bethany was diagnosed with down syndrome, I ask myself this question: Why do we place so much importance and make such a big deal about I.Q.? [Tweet “Does our #happiness in #life depend on our #IQ?”] Our new adventure in learning: Bethany is running around the house, excited for her first foray into […]
1. Start with THE ONE! The One who is the Creator of all life. The One who has compassion on the weak, helpless, and needy. The One who understands our frame is but dust. The One who has set a plan into motion to redeem and restore His creation back to their full glory. Your child […]
After my ranting and raving yesterday, you probably had a clue that I hit on a sensitive topic for me. 🙂 sorry…I know I way oversimplified the topic. Starting over: Labels are good for many things: organizing, categorizing, identification, and informational. Doctors need to be able to label or group “like” symptoms together so […]
Labels are a great thing for cans or merchandise, but for people- labels really stink! I still cringe every time I hear some one say “Oh, those “down syndrome kids” or even worse the stereotype- “those downs kids” are so loving.” My heart wants to cry out- my child is a “child” and her name […]