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Post by Ericsmomma on Jul 10, 2007 22:35:41 GMT -5
Hi all, I just watched a super story on CBN (the Christian Broadcast Network) about the recommendation from Ob docs to test ALL pregnant women for Down Syndrome. The reporter interviewed members from the National Down Syndrome Society, and families that had a child with DS. The parents talked about how they were told the news of the diagnosis and the attitudes of their doctors. It was a very good piece. You can see the whole interview by going to the CBN.com website and click on to the story.
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Post by Chris on Jul 11, 2007 8:54:07 GMT -5
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Post by lorraine on Jul 11, 2007 16:29:52 GMT -5
That's an interesting story, I'm soooooo glad that I didn't have any testing when I was pregnant with William, ignorance can be bliss sometimes Lorraine
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Post by Chris too on Jul 11, 2007 21:49:37 GMT -5
Ditto, Lorraine. I'm a worrier & what I don't expect, I can't dread. Chris, too
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Post by Debbie on Jul 11, 2007 22:25:16 GMT -5
I saw the program too. I thought it was a great story. Did you notice that Pat couldn't say the last word, syndrome? He said it like this, syn-drome. I figured he was reading it on a telepromter or something like that. I felt like they were trying to put it in a positive light but I still felt sad. I mean, I am not a parent so don't get mad at me, but it made me feel like Down syndrome is a death sentence. I have it so maybe I am just sensitive?
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Post by Kristin on Jul 11, 2007 22:39:36 GMT -5
I still think it is the fear of the unknown. Let's face it, not every person can handle having a child that has disabilities, too. My mom, my sister, and close friends have said on many occaisions, "no offense, but better you than I" because they felt they could not have handled having a child with Down Syndrome. Like others, I did not know I was having a child with DS. It was a surprise, but from birth, we knew she was something special and have always strived to help her be her best. It's the comment about effecting the other sibling in the family. I think that my other child benefits from having a sister who is different. There are times her sister demands more attention, but we try to balance that by doing special things with the other from time to time. I try to remind myself that what's fair is not equal, its making sure everyone gets what they need.
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Post by Debbie on Jul 12, 2007 15:35:26 GMT -5
I just take it personally. That is my problem. I always have. I used to think that I was dumb. It seemed to me I was treated that way because I have been talked down to and treated like I was an eight year old. I think it goes back to stereotype's and what people expect. I mean, even with all the education out there some attitudes are not changed. It is different when you have it yourself.
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Post by Chris too on Jul 12, 2007 22:56:20 GMT -5
Debbie, you are right to take it personally. It is wrong to stereotype. I am often undervalued because I am short, but that's just a small percentage of the people I meet. For you, and others with Ds, it's a huge chunk of the population that rudely discount you because you have a little extra genetic material. I'd be seriously irritated if I were in your shoes, and I'm seriously irritated on behalf of my daughter who also has Ds. No one knows what she will do in the course of living her life - no one knows what any person will do in the course of living life. I, for one, am sitting on the edge of my seat, wondering what will happen next.
Chris, too
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Post by CC on Jul 14, 2007 21:29:29 GMT -5
"even with all the education out there some attitudes are not changed." Debbie ~ I absolutely agree with you on that. I am pro choice BUT with that said I do get sad when I hear of one just getting rid of a baby for any reason, KWIM I myself would never ever wish DS on anyone BUT I also would say its not the worst thing that could happen. Its just a different journey and harder sometimes, talking for me. Debbie, I can't imagine having DS and being at these boards sometimes Just know we LOVE you and are happy you are here to share CC ~
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Post by chasesmom on Jul 15, 2007 5:22:03 GMT -5
I am just in the mood to jump on my soap box...I swear if I hear just ONE more person say to me " better you than me" or say "it's your cross in life to bear" I am going to come unglued and someone is NOT going to be happy. People tell me to just bite my tongue and ignore the ignorance but you know what? It's NOT alright and I for one am tired of ignoring stupidity, rudeness and ignorance. Okay, I'll behave and go back to bed hugs, love to all of you, most especially you Debbie. Robin
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Post by Chris on Jul 15, 2007 14:19:47 GMT -5
"Better you than me"...........................
How many times has someone said that while their typical kids are screaming,being brats or just being wild? How many times have I thought exactly the same thing about them? In my case, Sarah is easier than typical kids in some ways but more time consuming. She is just a kid and all kids come with their own unique set of challenges. Sarah's are just more noticable to the average person.
Chris
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Post by Ericsmomma on Jul 15, 2007 14:25:06 GMT -5
Robin, I hear ya....I can't stand when people say " You are a special person; thats why God picked you to be Eric's parent".....SPECIAL? Heck no! I'm just your average overweight, hot-flashing, exhausted, unromantic (headache anyone?) working mom/juggler of duties that we all are. What Eric has taught me is patience, and to enjoy the little victories in life. Now if he could only TALK, I'd be in heaven! Ah, well....
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Post by Debbie on Jul 15, 2007 17:04:26 GMT -5
I especially dislike someone telling me I am "special." I don't want to be special because of what type of disability I have. I am just an ordinary person like anyone else. If I am special I would like it to be because I have some kind of talent or because I am a kind person. It is far better to be told you are special because of what you are as a person instead of being reminded of the disability you have. I am not " gun shy" because of my Down syndrome. I have no problem talking, sharing and educating someone about what I have. It is the sterotypes and misinformation I fight.
Thanks CC, Kristin, Chris and Chasemom's. You are all wonderful friends!
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Post by mollysmomma on Jul 16, 2007 9:11:35 GMT -5
Yall are making me smile....cuz im the evil one
I'm thinking the next time a 'neuro tippy' is throwing the huge fit at the store...i should say...
im soooooooooooooooo sorry for this burden you have to bear!
hehehehehe
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Post by Renee' on Jul 16, 2007 14:47:26 GMT -5
That was a good story.
I found out about Lauren at 21 weeks and 5 days. My doctor called and said you have 2 days by California law to abort. I was scared sh...well you know. My husband and I took a deep breath, called all our family and then prepared for the birth. We met with support groups, read books..looked on the internet. Then she was born. To my surprise she looked like a baby...lol. Has she been a pain in my rear...yep. But so is my clingy 3 year old. I find myself getting snippy lately. I keep saying to myself"renee, they are ignorant and know not what they say. Then I yell out, Hey have you never seen a kid with Down Syndrome?" Yep, I am hormonal! Its the new baby!!
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