Posted by Dinah on September 28, 2009, at 9:41:28 [reposted on September 29, 2009, at 8:24:32 | original URL]
In reply to Re: Regarding PBC on Sarah Palin, posted by Sigismund on September 27, 2009, at 23:38:29
Down syndrome is not a mental illness.
People with down syndrome are, by all the accounts I've heard, not unhappy.
My nephew has genetic birth defects. While I regret that he wasn't born hale and hearty, he is a delightful child. Full of smiles and hugs. His parents seem to see him as a gift.
I had to consider the possibility myself, when I got pregnant. I was old enough that it was a possibility. I do thank God that I didn't have to test my strength, but I hope that I would have accepted a child with Down's syndrome as a gift and a blessing, just as I accepted my son as a gift and a blessing. My heart goes out to those parents who have to adjust their expectations of what their child will be. But I honor those who see their child as a blessing rather than a burden.
It is a culture of cruelty to value those with disabilities? Then let me be cruel.
poster:Dinah
thread:918937
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20090827/msgs/918938.html