Disbelief

I am NOT making this post about the controversy over vaccines.  However, I will say, that Michele Bachmann's statements regarding the HPV vaccine and it's link to "mental retardation" has sparked a whole lot of anger for me when it came to Facebook yesterday.  I saw a whole lot of ignorant comments and the use of the "r" word.  I've talked about this before (here and here) and I still can't get past the way the word is thrown around so freely.  I responded back on a few comments...and made a general comment on my status, that I wished people would think about how hurtful it is to myself and my family, as well as people with disabilities and their families.  I was trying to make it a point to educate people on how hurtful it is.  I would like to think that my "friends" or their "friends" aren't intentionally saying these things, and are perhaps uneducated or unaware of how hurtful it is.  What did I get?  Some pretty unbelievable responses, that's for sure. 

One of my best friends posted a quote tonight from Isadora Duncan, "What one has not experienced, one will never understand in print."  This could not be any more true.  It's exactly what I tried to explain to someone tonight, but I'm fairly certain that my message was missed.  Until you have a child with a disability, you have NO idea how hard it is, or the emotions that come with it.  I love my daughter more than life itself, and I want the best for her.  I want her to be able to do anything she wants in life, and I want her to be able to live her life with out being hurt by ignorant comments from uneducated people.  Kennedy has brought nothing but love and joy to our family, and she has touched the lives of many.  We have challenges ahead of us, that many do not understand.  One of our challenges shouldn't be dealing with closed minded people. 

So I am going to ask once again, please show your support.  Put an end to disability slurs.  This isn't just about Kennedy.  This isn't just about individuals with Down syndrome.  This is about ALL individuals with ANY disability. 

Please "like" the Facebook page Stop Disability Slurs!  And the next time you hear the "r" word used, remind that person how hurtful it can be to others.