These are my children. Caroline is 9 and in the third grade. Edison is 19 and is a freshman at college. Caroline has Down syndrome. Down syndrome occurs when some or all of a person’s cells have an extra full or partial copy of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development.
Many people, from all walks of life, feel the need to use the word, retard or retarded. For me and my family it is a hurtful word. It is not necessary. I'd invite you to join with me in a show of respect and help end the use of the R-word. Jump on over to r-word.org and sign the pledge not to use it. This is not a guilt thing. This is an encouraging thing.
Caroline and our family thank you.
A great reminder. Thanks Mark. Good looking kids you got there.
ReplyDeleteThanks. You're welcome. And thanks.
DeleteGreat post and great kids, Mark!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking kids. Definetly a great cause
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame that there needs to be a site like that, but I'm headed there now.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who has special needs family members and who has worked with special needs people I can't agree with you any more. Black people are hurt when the N word is used to describe them and the R word really isn't any different.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately you seem to hear the word now more than ever.
ReplyDeleteNice post Mark.
ReplyDelete