Monday, January 21, 2013

Losing the "R" word

 

This weekend I overheard a conversation of two people talking about an appliance being retarded and that it must have been made by retards because of how it worked. I actually lost track of how many times the word retarded was thrown around. I was literally two feet away from these people sitting there with my two sons, in shock but remaining calm. I have always said that I will step in and say something only when it affects me or my family. Yet I left the party and thought about it, woke up this morning and thought about it and here I am now still thinking about it. I do realize these individuals were not plotting to hurt my feelings nor my child's but do not think they realize the hurt in the word itself "retarded". I cannot even say the word aloud because I actually feel like I am swearing. If it comes out of my mouth, it is referred to as the "R" word. Hearing it feels like a kick in the gut, it stings and brings me back to those first couple days in the hospital after having Carter. One of the doctors said the words "mild mental retardation" in reference to my baby. My son, the small precious bean that had just been born into this scary world where the word like "retard" is thrown around. I knew from that day forward the word had a whole new meaning to me. I will admit I too was guilty before Carter of using the word, never directed at anyone but in other situations because I never realized the impact of such a word. Now it takes on a whole new meaning.
In the medical community today they are actually working towards removing the word "mental retardation" from literature and replacing it with other terms like intellectual developmental disorder,  intellectual disability or intellectually challenged. I personally would rather use the words "special abilities" instead, because honestly my child is rocking every ability he has to the fullest and that is what counts.
In other news last Friday Carter and I were invited to Kentwood High school to talk about our family. The teachers at school had seen our family video done by Children's Therapy and asked if we could share our story with their Home and Family lifestyles class. Nervous as ever, we agreed and I put together a few things to show the kids. I showed the class our video and then talked about how our lives were just like their families even though Carter had been born with an extra chromosome. And the last part of my lesson concluded with asking the class to refrain from using the "R" word. Making our younger generations aware of the impact of this word will hopefully start to make a difference. I hope and pray that this word will be a thing of the past and no longer be used by the time my little one enters school. The thought of Carter hearing that word, well it breaks my heart. I never want him to feel an ounce of hurt because of that word.
So this is where my crusade began, the last couple days have lead me to here. I have started a Facebook page called "Losing the R word in support of those rocking an extra chromosome", you can find it on my Facebook page "Alison Becker Tharaldson". Please like us and pass on the message. I have no idea where this will go or how many people we will reach but it has to start somewhere. So here we go, are you ready to roll with us? It takes a village, please be a part of our village!

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Holy moly!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I literally blinked and the holidays came and went. The last of the Christmas tree pine needles were sucked up in the vacuum today, the house looks empty but it feels good to be cleaned up and organized. Our living room looks like an auto zone with all of the boys new cars, trucks, and machinery. I think I love new toys as much as they do. It is exciting having something new to play with! Unwrapping presents this year was even more fun because the boys were so expressive and enthusiastic. Every present got a "Wow" or an "Ohhhhh", nothing better then watching their little faces light up. And just think next year I will be wrapping little baby dolls under the tree for the first time. As I finished shopping this year for the boys I went down the girl isles (because now I can)  just browsing and literally crying every time I saw a baby doll.
We had the best Christmas present ever this year, knowing our little family will be complete with a baby girl. I can't wait to watch the way my boys love their little lady! Now Happy New Year and I can't wait for Spring!
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Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Christmas crafting. . .

 Homemade table coasters
 

A few girlie hair clips for some little ladies

A gingerbread village
 

Gingerbread masterpieces

We let our creativity flow this season. Also created but not pictured Eric's handcrafted table centerpieces. And as a treat because of my slight obsession with salted caramel, mason jars filled with rich heavenly sauce and spiced candied pecans to sprinkle over ice cream. Umm, yes please. I like the homemade treats for gift giving! I think we just embarked on a new holiday tradition!
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Movie time!

 

Movie time requires going in the middle of the day when you can count on a empty theater, lots of snacks, sippie cups filled, and a good movie with music to keep them entertained!
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