Today, March 3, 2010 is End The R-word Day.
Sixth grade at Lake Magdalene Elementary School was the first time I met someone who was slow or "r". I had never know anyone who was not normal. Sure there were some mean boys who teased beyond belief, but this new boy was quiet, sweet and polite. I can remember as a child feeling sad for him and uncomfortable. Not because he was different, but because I felt unsure if he would understand when I read to him or helped him as the teacher had asked. That has stayed with me all of these years.
So for as long as I can remember I have felt uncomfortable using this "R" word.
For almost 20 years now, this has been a very difficult word to say or even think. Our younger son Chris is developmentally delayed...no reason, no named disability or condition. So for almost 20 years now the "R" word has even more impact on me as a mother of one of the most amazing, brave,
bighearted people I know...my son.
This past Saturday we took Chris and his friend Jenna to a "Mad-Hatter's Dinner and Dance" sponsored by Special Olympics and The Knights of Columbus. It was such a wonderful afternoon of fun, happiness and great food. A few hours to just forget all of the challenges and have fun. It was just amazing and I can not believe that I forgot my camera!!Hopefully I will have photos to share in the next couple of days.
As we all know words are very powerful. Please take a moment and watch the videos on this link and spread the word:)
Stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves
Stand up for Respect.♥
8 comments:
Lynn, the R word is one I have never used for anyone, but when my sweet sister was little it was common to call someone like her R.... I really don't think they meant any harm, just didn't have a better word for it. But with today's knowledge there is no reason to use this word. She too didn't have a special name for her problem, she just never developed mentally past 6 mos old.
She was born in 1938 and passed in 1959 before things changed.
Molly
Hi Lynn...what a beautiful post! My grandson's first grade teacher was one of the best examples I have ever seen of teaching acceptance to eager little minds. The children got to go help in the class for the students with disabilities as a reward for doing something special. He is in the third grade now and is one of the most compassionate people I know. I am sure that experience added to that! Your son sounds like a wonderful young man! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie
Hi LYNN!!!!!
I will stand up and start asking people I hear say that to please not use that sord around me, it is sad and insulting and it should never to acceptable.
I'm with you on this!!!!
Thanks for writing!!!
have a gret weekend!!!
hugs,
jamie
I love his new CD and I Praise the Lord the entire time I have it blasting from my cd player at home, it makes my day feel like a day in heaven!!!!
Hi Lynn,
I have a special needs son and have this logo on my sidebar. It is very important that the R word just disappear from out vocabularies.
I have seen first hand how painful it can be.
Thank you for bringing this up again.
big hugs,
Barb
Hi my dear friend! Your post is wonderful...you know how I feel about it! I haven't heard that word for a long time, except when people are referring to other people who are just acting stupid, but not directed to a special needs person. I think the place most common for this abuse is in school, but it is very encouraging to know that teachers and parents are finding ways to change the stigma we "normal" people have placed on those less fortunate. It only shows ignorance and lack of love for others, making those that use the word look very, very small.
I didn't find the link, but then, I'm still not up to par...headache and earache are still present, along with slight dizziness...that, at least, is diminishing, thank God. Would you mind sending it to me via email? Thanks, and God bless you for posting this much needed information!
Love and hugs,
Mary
Great post Lynn!!! I agree with you~ The R word is harmful and should not be used!!! To be honest, those using the R word have major problems...
Have a great day! Yvette
Lynn, this is such a beautiful posting. We were always very sensitive to this growing up since our neighbor's child was a special gift (those are the words my Mom said our neighbor wanted us to use).
I am trying to catch up on Blog visits this morning.
Hope you are doing well my lovely friend.
LuLu♥
I know a Florida woman who has an adult mentally retarded son who rues the day when the word retarded fell out of usage. She feels, quite strongly, that's when the tide turned and retarded children were put on the wrong side of the fence. Less money going to fewer programs and the children and families were the ones left to cope. She felt the word retarded an honorable one but, sometimes, the people using the word were ill mannered and rude. She's worked for decades to promote a better lifestyle, better working environment, more education, etc. for retarded children and adults.
I'm not writing this to be argumentative but to show there are differing opinions, even amongst parents.
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