tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547437486205245818.post3964281386399006180..comments2023-07-14T10:34:53.273-04:00Comments on Down Wit Dat: [R] EvolutionPsychojenichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936930614210195529noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547437486205245818.post-28537275488203813872013-07-19T12:34:42.662-04:002013-07-19T12:34:42.662-04:00It's a hard revelation, realizing that you hav...It's a hard revelation, realizing that you have been a dick most of your life, no matter how well meaning you thought you were being. However, we reflect, we learn, we grow. Thanks for the comment. :)Psychojenichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02936930614210195529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547437486205245818.post-20682194493587281732013-07-18T08:17:55.554-04:002013-07-18T08:17:55.554-04:00Thank you, Jen!!! I think every parent of a child ...Thank you, Jen!!! I think every parent of a child with a disability has a similar arc of evolution, of awakening. I remember being pretty cavalier when it came to the issue of "what to do" with people with disabilities. We had friends whose daughter had intellectual disability. My mom always made me hang with Rosie when they visited. To my immature, hard-hearted teen self, this was most unjust. We had nothing in common (I thought). Rosie repeated everything I said. Looking back, if only I had approached her with compassion and fun, what might that have been like. Don't misunderstand, I wasn't mean, just unable to see our connection. Now, I look on Rosie's parents as heroes. Rosie was born in an era when parents were routinely expected to commit their disabled children to the large institutions that existed then.....and then to forget them and go on with their lives. Rosie's parents defied the norm, took a walk in faith to raise her at home, and did a wonderful job. Rosie's parents have both passed. Rosie lives in a group home now and has since she was about 30. But when her parents were alive she came home every weekend... They were quiet pioneers. How I wish I had the chance to tell them how much I admire them. I didn't realize how heroic they were until we began facing the challenges of Sam's autism. Sue Kellernoreply@blogger.com