Proving, I guess, that either autistic kids have an ironic and delightful sense of humor or that I should keep better track of him. I tried to be polite while letting Smockity know it is unkind and hurtful to mock kids with special needs and it’s odd to do so while mentioning several times that you’re reading the Bible. I’m going to give her the benefit of the doubt. I assume that ordinarily she is a delightful and kind woman. Perhaps she had a bad day or was feeling pressure to finish the aforementioned Bible in 90 days. I certainly have said and thought spiteful things that I’ve been ashamed of later. And I hope that I’m a better and kinder person than I use to be. I put my foot in mouth regularly and often I have to spit it out to apologize.
But I no longer keep my mouth shut when I hear harsh comments made about people with special needs. I remember when I was in 10th grade listening to two girls mocking someone with special needs. I was so upset I told them off in my mind! But I didn’t say anything out loud. I still wish I had.
Update: Smockity Frocks posted an apology on her website and I feel much better about the whole thing!
After I calmed down I thought about why I was so upset and had to apologize for my over reaction.
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9 comments:
Hi LatMo4,
I'm keeping a running list of responses to Smockity's post, including yours. There's been some good responses in the comments.
It's a good challenge for the next month, learning more about the challenges other families face.
Thanks. Reading things like this makes me realize how much further we have to go to get acceptance and respect for individuals with special needs!
Hi! sorry I haven't been here in a while..life sometimes has a way of running by us..you know?
This was a great response.:) I worry so much about the world in which we raise our kids..special needs or not. Smockity's post upset me on so many levels..she did a wonderful job though at teaching her own children intolerance through her actions.
That's a pretty harsh post for someone who wants to be like their mother.
Liz- Really? That's what you want to spend your time on?
How about some "acceptance and respect" for Smockity too?
Kathleen- She didn't say any of these things in front of her children. She blogged it. Your comment upsets me on so many levels.
Squid- good for you for showing that she issued a sincere apology.
Thanks Squid I appreciate the comment.
Nicole, unfortunately, I am not as sweet and kind as my mother despite her stellar example. And to be honest with a severely autistic child who doesn't look any different than any other child I have received more disapproving and unkind looks than I care to remember. Usually I look at them as an opportunity to educate. I say something not for me but for the mother who just received her child's diagnosis and whose heart is still tender.
And Nicole, Smockity is lucky to have a good friend in you.
Anonymous,
You don't get to come on my blog and call someone else names. Nicole didn't call anyone a name, she gave her opinion respectfully. This happened months ago. Please let it go. I felt better when I did.
You might be interested in Nicole's comment on my next posting. You will see why I have a soft spot in my heart for her.
Nicole said...
I am upset for both sides. But my heart is so sad for the children who are being judged prematurely. Please accept my apology for my snippy comment in your previous post. You can withdraw it if you like.
My hat goes off to you. I will do my best to educate my children and set an example of tolerance. Please forgive me.
Nicole
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