We received a lovely, well-written letter in my oldest son's backpack last week. It was from a mom of a little girl in my son's class that has Down syndrome. It brought tears to my eyes as I read the words on the paper. The love for that little girl jumped out and grabbed your heart as you read it. I'm hanging onto it because I'm certain that I will have to send a similar letter as Hailey enters school. In a perfect world, maybe not.
I very rarely use the word "hate" but I feel strongly about this. I hate that we live in a world that this letter is necessary. I hate that we live in a world that anything out of the ordinary or different is considered "less than perfect". I hate that everyone is judged on what they look like or what they wear. I hate that I wonder every time someone comments on my beautiful little girl, I question whether or not they noticed she has Down syndrome. I hate that some people feel they have to feel sorry for me because my daughter is different.
Ok...I'm not sure what set me off on that rant but I do feel better now. I'll be back to the "Land of Rainbows and Unicorns" tomorrow!
Here are a few pictures of my "less than perfect" little girl...shame they don't know her because she is perfect in my eyes! (some are a little blurry...we are still learning the new camera)
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| There she goes with the eyes closing again! |
(Don't worry, she was fine. Daddy came home after this last pic and gave her one-on-one attention!)
Rant away! I completely agree with you.
ReplyDeleteAnd when you write that letter, your love for sweet girl will be felt through your words. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree......rant all you want! You deserve it!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, though, it surprises me that a letter would need to be written. Or maybe I am just living in unicorn and rainbow land? I was hoping that society is better than what it used to be 20 years ago when I first saw a person with Ds in my school. I guess I was wrong?!?! Okay.....back to rainbows and unicorns! Hang in there! :)
LOVE!!!! She is beautiful! I love it when Joey cries and fusses and defies "the happy all the time" stereotypes. :-) Great post!
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who has an eight year old with Ds. And she has neighbors who call her every year to find out which teacher her daughter has... so they can make sure their kid is in a different class!!!!! If only they'd realize what their child is missing by not being in her class. No unicorns over here :(
ReplyDeleteI know a few people who send those letters to school at the beginning of each school year. I think the main purpose is to prepare the parents for any questions their children may have about the child with Ds. I haven't done it myself, and am not sure yet if I'm going to, since it seems like the children have accepted Samantha very readily. If we get through Kindy with friends intact, wouldn't it be likely that as 1st graders that same acceptance will still be there since it's the same group of kids?
ReplyDeleteYes in a perfect world you wouldn't have to send a letter, too bad that's not the case. Great post, you can always rant :)
ReplyDeleteI think little miss Hailey is perfect too! And ps, I think it's ok to not always live in the land of rainbows. :)
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