Soapbox Time - 2012 edition

About once a year I get cranked up and jump on my soapbox. It is time. But not a time for chastisement. A time of celebration. A time to say, "Thank you." It has been over a year since I've had the need to call any of my fellow bloggers out on using the R-Word. Thank you.

At the DSAG Buddy Walk

For those of you who are new to my blog or may not have delved deep enough into the archives, my daughter, Caroline, has Down syndrome. Down syndrome occurs when some or all of a person’s cells have an extra full or partial copy of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development.

Caroline and Edison

Caroline is in the first grade. She is mainstreamed in the public school, but does attend speech therapy. Last semester she made the honor roll. She has a great imagination and loves to read. She plays NASCAR with her Hot Wheels and blocks, will have tea parties with her dolls, has a 'boyfriend' at both school and church (yes, two different guys), the normal stuff. She likes to watch her brother, Edison, play football and she likes to imitate the cheerleaders. She doesn't like loud noises, likes routine, loves her daddy, and thinks she wants to go to church camp this summer so she can ride the zip-line. Again, the normal stuff.

Respect

Many people, from all walks of life, feel the need to use the word, retard or retarded. For me and my family it is a hurtful word. It is not necessary. I'd invite you to join with me in a show of respect and help end the use of the R-word. Jump on over to r-word.org and sign the pledge not to use it. This is not a guilt thing. This is an encouraging thing.