Think BEFORE You Speak

It doesn't matter what our background is or what opinions we have, we are no expert on any situation, and sometimes should really think before we talk. I am guilty of this all the time, but this one isn't about me. There is something that can be learned from people who do have personal experiences with whatever you're blabbing about. 

Consider another perspective and maybe you/me/them/him/her won't feel like such an idiot for being completely ignorant and wrong.

This applies to all situations, but the one that kills me more than all of them: special needs kids, specifically Down syndrome kids.

Each one was given life, like you and me.

Each one has a heart and soul, like you and me.

Some are rejected by peers, even by families.

Each one is a daughter or son of God.

Each one has a purpose in this life.

Each one will change lives around them. 

[& sorry, but here's where it get's heated.]

They are individuals like me and you.

They are AMAZING.

Each one has their own personality... purpose, plan.

And for someone to say they need to be screened or aborted...

makes my heart break in half, 

make my eyes swell with tears 

and my hands shake with anger.

I'm yelling at the girl who said this from inside right now.

The comment was made in my class yesterday that "Down syndrome kids need to be screened in a genetic process." The word choice was necessary. "It is NECESSARY for Down syndrome kids to be screened in your pregnancy" 

Why? Her reasons were as sickening has her claim. 

"...Because everyone wants their child to succeed. Everyone wants their kids to have a quality life... and if they have a DISEASE like Down syndrome, they can never grow up and have that quality life"

Let me distinguish two words here. 

illness and disability. 

illness: A disease or period of sickness affecting the body or mind 

disability: A physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.

If a baby is going to be born with an illness aka be sick, in pain, diseased... that is completely separate from a disability.  Being aware of life threatening illness gives a fair warning to decide of the medical process for healing them. I get it. However, a disability doesn't make a person unhealthy, it makes a person different from what's considered "normal," but who decides normal anyway???

Every single child deserves a chance.

The comment made by this girl that "every parent wants their child to succeed..." made me feel bad for her. She thinks succeeding is times tables and reproducing. She thinks succeeding is talking, walking, riding a bike. She thinks succeeding is having kids with typical problem behavior, being able to make a PB&J, learning to tie their shoes....

She may not ever really know success. 

Succeeding is being happy with what you have, 

striving for perfection, 

counting your blessings and 

leaving an impact on the world. 

Success was modeled by Jesus Christ.

A man who was perfect.

A man who was humble.

A man who gave his life for everyone.

A man who didn't judge.

A man who loves everyone.

If the concern here is success of a child, there should be no fear in raising a Down syndrome baby. The ones that I know are the most accepting, loving and happy people I've ever met. They have been given mental challenges that keep them from the worldly norm, but I know they will be some of the first to live with God again. Ask yourself what is more important, friends in elementary school or eternal presence with Heavenly Father?

I know thousands of people and the one who leaves the biggest impact on my life has Down syndrome. If he was screened or aborted I can honestly say my quality of life would've gone down. 

If you don't have this passion about it like I do,

I don't blame you and I understand.

You must not know the people I know.

You must not have the uncle that I have.

But I can tell you this... think before you speak.

Cuz some things you will never EVER know.

<3