tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7460552419406225222.post6454782894826108989..comments2023-12-05T05:37:23.788-05:00Comments on Down Syndrome Uprising: When We Slip and Slide - A LamentPsychojenichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936930614210195529noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7460552419406225222.post-80145420063400972122013-10-31T14:35:37.467-04:002013-10-31T14:35:37.467-04:00I am not a special parent and my kids are not spec...I am not a special parent and my kids are not special kids. Juli, my oldest, has brown hair, is extremely tall for her age and extremely outspoken. Luci, my youngest, also has brown hair, is very short for her age and reserved. They are both loved immensely. <br />When Juli was born we got a lot of ooohhhhs and aaaahhhhs and were told that she was perfectly adorable and healthy. When Luci was born, we got a book filled with everything that could go wrong. This was my first aha moment (also the first time I felt like choking someone).<br />I could have gotten such a book with the oldest one, after all, there is also a number for her probabilities of having leukemia, heart problems, hearing problems, eye problems, etc. But I didn't. I only got the useless and scary book with Luci. It was then, a single day after she was born, that I knew, she will be viewed as a "type", not a little girl by many and that this would be one of her lifelong challenges. I did not get a glimpse into what would be some of my older daughters' lifelong battles until much later. But I always knew she would have to struggle with something.<br /><br />Struggles, challenges, heartbreak, disappointment, happiness, love, satisfaction, enjoyment - all part of the human condition. Humanity does not discriminate. It does not matter who you are, what your genetic make up is, where you were born, your religion or gender. The minute you are born you have a journey ahead of you filled with pretty much the same metaphysical stuff. <br /><br />So yes, I cringe when I read stuff about what makes children with T21 so wonderful or terrible. I cringe when I read how you have to know them. I cringe every. time. It is hard for me to understand what is trying to be accomplished by awareness. I do not care who accepts or does not accept either of my girls, but I will be damned if I allow for their right to access opportunities to be any different.<br /><br />I see a future for my girls that is very similar where it matters. They will both be loved, stimulated, nurtured and supported. They will each face challenges, deal with heartbreak and disappointment. They will both be misjudged and misrepresented. They will both have to fight. And I will fight right next to them and we may get knocked down a bit, but we will kick ass!Proud Mamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10287612172804017539noreply@blogger.com