Monday, February 18, 2013

Good Advice!

Thanks to all of you,
I have now leashed
and tethered my blog.
Should it ever disappear again,
I will gracefully (?)
ride off into the sunset.
 
Until then
I want to share something with all of you.
I'm generally pretty upbeat but, as  you know,
I have a passion.
Several passions really
but the nearest and dearest to my heart
are those people with Special Needs.
 
I have seen my children
and other children face
prejudice against them.
It's something we deal with often.
When they do not see.
I see.
When they do not hear,
I hear.
When they do not speak,
I speak.
 
Today, I speak.
This is a prejudice that stunned
me and shook me to the core.
 
Here is the story...
I work with a wonderful, perfectly delightful,
smart, 16 year old boy with Downs Syndrome.
He is social and has acquired countless friends.
 
I also work with an 18 year old girl
that suffers learning delays and some
physical limitations.
She is equally delightful.
 
They share a van ride
home from school
almost every day.
One day,
they kissed.
Ever so gently on the lips.
Just like any other teens,
they are learning about
attraction to the opposite sex.
 
We, at the school,
dealt with it appropriately.
Sad to say,
it went off the road
when the father of the girl found out.
No, he wasn't upset she kissed a boy.
He was upset that she kissed
a boy with Downs Syndrome.
 
This was like a kick in the heart
for me to hear.
It was exemplified by the knowledge
that her father is a minister,
as is her mother.
 
This is just one more example
of the injustices these
SPECIAL people have to endure.
Even from others that should
be the most supportive.
 
I know in the end,
all will be well.
as we will see to it,
without offending anyone.
 
I think I have spoken...
on their behalf.

27 comments:

Donna said...

This is just Sick!! They should be SO ashamed of themselves for their reaction! And Ministers??? Of What?? Oh... I best just shut up.... I know you've had a heartbreaking day.
(((Hug)))

TexWisGirl said...

what can one say to that? i'm glad you're involved in these kids' lives...

Lynne said...

Yes indeed, you have spoken . . . You are the advocate in the lives of many children . . . keep speaking out Jill!

Teresa said...

How very sad. One would hope these parents had eyes to see, really see people but they apparently are blind...

Elizabeth Edwards said...

i agree. i'm not sure what are the right word to say in this situation. i'm sending big big hugs your way. ( :

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh Jill I wish there was more people with that passion in this world. You are amazing to care so much. Hugs. B

Paula said...

These ministers are just the reason so many people don't go to church. Thank goodness they aren't all like that and thank goodness there are people like you to take up for Special Needs.

Nancy said...

Christian much? Hypocrisy is difficult to see, let alone understand.

These kids have an awesome protector in you. Keep up the good work. xo

Scrappy Pink Corner said...

What a beautiful story unitl the end. How dare him to judge something that he himself has so close to him. We all want the best for our kids, but sometimes what we want is not what we get. My daughter has special needs and although you can't see them they are there. I want the best for her but know in my heart that is she comes home with someone that has her same or worse problems I will have to learn to accept it.
TFS this wonderful story. Ana
Have you ever seen the movie, The Other Sister. It is a wonderful movie.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I'm sorry Jill. I'm glad you are making a difference in their lives every day. Hugs.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

You have an extraordinarily kind heart Jill. Thankfully there are people like you in the world to balance out the unkind...

Anonymous said...

How very, very sad.


Hugs Jill. Keep being the voice for those who aren't able to speak up for themselves.

Susan said...

The ignorance of some is sad. It's to bad the parents reacted that way. They are not being good examples to their daughter. I am so thankful that there are people like you to help them along their path in life!

Gina Gao said...

Keep up the good work. Don't worry about anything.

www.modernworld4.blogspot.com

My Mind's Eye said...

Jill if I live to 100 I will never understand human predjudices.
Seems those folks need to take a hard look at their hearts.
Lots of hugs
Madi and mom

Debbie said...

oh jill, we learn what we live, will it ever end?? all we can hope for is that people like yourself, will show others, how to live life kindly!!

Jeanne said...

People can be so shallow, how can that be, I don't know. There are so many good folks out that but those nasty ones keep getting attention.
I have a close friend who adopted a sweet little boy from Haiti. He also has two beautiful blond little girls and someone had the nerve to make an ugly comment about it.
Shame Shame Shame!!!

Chatty Crone said...

As you know this cause is near and dear to my heart too. To me - they are the greatest kids ever.

Blessed Serendipity said...

Hi Jill. This makes me so sad. The parents of the girl could learn some things about life and love and need to rethink their Christian values.

Danielle

EG CameraGirl said...

Hmmmm.That girl's story makes me feel so sad. Really sad.

Marie said...

Oh Jill, I know you are sad for the students, we all are. I am sad for the parents too, as they are only seeing a part of the whole. They love their children and want the best for them, but they are letting worry and ignorance get in the way of seeing what really is best. I hope they will come around.

At Home in English Valley said...

Dear Jill, I know how this made your soft heart ache. Ministers are Hunan, and we are wrong to put them up on pedestals...but they are supposed to be doing the Lord's work, right. No God I believe in would ever have a problem with this innocent sign of love. Take care my friend. Love, Penny

Rosemary said...

We all have a lot to learn and then, the more we know the more we have to learn. This task is daunting to most people. Thanks for sharing this story and speaking on behalf of those who cannot.

Dawnll said...

Just popping in to say hello...hope your doing OK sweetie

Debbie Jones said...

You are making a difference in the lives of these wonderful people. So sad that her parents didn't use the kiss as a moment to teach compassion instead of teaching prejudice. So glad you are speaking up for these children and young people. God bless you.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

I'm sorry this happened. You are such a blessing in these two kid's lives.

Catherine said...

Dear Jill, You are the voice for so many..who are not heard.
Thank you for visiting and encouraging me. Times get difficult for us all and I am grateful for each and every bit of encouragement. xo Catherine