Today I would ask you to go to this blog: Chewing The Fat and read about Brent Martin. Then come back because I have something to ask of you.
Because I am homebound with Parker wearing a black armband won’t garner the attention that Mr. Hingsburger is looking for. But I simply can’t allow this story to go without doing something.
We are living in a time when disabilities are becoming more mainstream. Gone are the days when a parent of a child with an intellectual disability automatically drops off their newborn to be raised in an institution. This could be, in part, that due to the advancement of earlier and earlier prenatal testing, many children are being ripped from the womb before having the opportunity of being born.
But I believe it is more than that. I believe that slowly, painfully, and with the courage of those who have gone before us, parents of children with intellectual disabilities are becoming both advocates and educators. They see the worth in the lives of their children and they want others to see and value that worth as well.
I watch as new parents of a child with Down syndrome look with wonder at a child whose diagnosis at first brought such an assortment of mixed emotions now express what an absolute delight that child is. How much like every other child he is. And those same parents wish that they would have known then what they know now.
And they want others to know what they know.
They want the world to be as accepting of a child with an extra chromosome as of a child with the typical number. They want to build a bridge over that chasm of fear, unease and even hatred that differences tend to create.
But they know they can’t do it alone.
So I am going to ask those of you that read Parker’s blog to do a little something in remembrance of Brent. I’m going to ask you to make the decision now to be an advocate for those with disabilities. I am going to ask for you to advocate by example. I am going to ask that you do this with respect, an open heart and with the words from the Golden Rule as your guide.
Is there a person in your neighborhood with a disability? What about in your child’s classroom? Have you spoken with your children about those with disabilities? Have you talked about ways to include those with needs that may differ from yours?
One thing that I can promise you. Your children watch how you interact with those with special needs. If you are uncomfortable or tend to look the other way, they will too. If you make an effort to be welcoming, make it known that you support inclusion within all areas of society, this too will be the road your children will take.
Make sure your kids have opportunities to interact with those who may be different. If opportunities don’t present themselves naturally, create them. Yes, it may take a little more effort on your part. But it will pay off by making the world a much better place. Your life and your child’s life will be much richer for these experiences.
Because, if you really think about it, we all get by with a little help from our friends.
Each and every single one of us.
About Tammy and Parker
You can count me in!
Tammy,
My oldest son Ashton has a little girl with Down Syndrome in his class. She is able to do the work and everything and has a special teacher with her at all times. I think it is wonderful. I have taught my children since they were really little about those with disabilities and other issues. I refused the triple test with my pregnancies because I didnt care if something was wrong with them! They were my babies and a part of ME and that was not going to change! CHildren are beautiful and have a place in this world no matter what!
You can definitely count me in!
Much Love,
Amy
I meant to say, PEOPLE have a place in this world not matter what. What an AWFUL, torturous, sad story about poor Brent Martin. I just cant take it! I wish I could have five minutes with the animals that did that to him….
My children are very comfortable around special needs children because we have Luke in our family. I love it when someone comes up to say “hi” to Luke even though they know he will not respond at all. People need to realize instead of staring at a child with special needs they need to talk to them as they would any other child.
Thank you for posting this important issue. I’m so sorry to hear about Brent.
Love in Christ,
Sue
howsluke.blogspot.com
i sent the blog post to a few friends and one posted the story on his blog–it is sad that this is not on the front page but brittany/paris/etc are. i will pray for his mother tonight.
Amen. What a powerful post. Thank you for articulating so well what I’m sure many others are thinking. None of my trio have special needs but I am going to bring your post up tomorrow night at dinner. Maybe we can help someone too or make a little difference. Thank you for getting us thinking about it.
I love you, Tammy. I love this post. You know how in I am.
I will work on a post to link to this and to Chewing the Fat.
Our special children have such purpose…the world has yet to realize.
Beautiful.
Growing up in the 70′s and 80′s with a special needs sister, I can truly relate to this. It is much easier today, though. Although the world can be more cruel, it can also be more understanding. My mother was one of those unfortunate people that the doctors told “She will not have an easy life, and you will not either. You can send her to an institution, you don’t have to keep her.” My mother was appalled, and took a beautiful child that was only supposed to live a few days. 32 years later, my sister is still a bright shining light that has surpassed every expectation that Vanderbilt doctors bestowed upon her.
Your story is beautiful, and I am sure your life is more blessed due to your amazing child. As for a sibling, I know my perspective on life is more optimistic. I truly believe in miracles.
Blessings,
Gina
Hi Tammy
I bloggged about you and this post. Please pop by, when you get a moment and let me know if it looks okay. I’m happy to make changes!
What a beautiful post, Tammy. Your words are both powerful and informative. The world needs to hear them.
I look forward to diving into your archives.
xoxo steph
great blog…thank you… count our family in…
lets all do this for brent martin…feel so das for his parents
Oh wow… I just went and read the story… and then I blogged. I wish my voice was bigger…