I just wasn't ready for it. Today Lucy had an appointment to get her blood drawn. We were sitting in the lab, and another patient came in and got her blood drawn first. On her way out, she asked me if Lucy had Down Syndrome and I said, "Yes". She then said, "I have never been this close to one of those." Folks, I was dumbfounded and my brain went blank. I answered, "Well, she is cute." The woman then proceeded to ask me about health problems and I downplayed Lucy's problems, and said that she had no more health problems than my other kids. Then she asked me, "Are your other kids normal?" I would like to interject here and assure you that there is no way on God's green earth that I could make this up. I looked right at her and answered, "Well, Lucy is normal, but no my other children do not have Down Syndrome." She then asked me how old I was when I had Lucy. I told her and then she brought up the fact that Palin having a child with DS helps put the spotlight on people with disabilities, which is a good point, but at this point I was reeling and done with the conversation. I wished her a good day and then sat back and prepared myself for Lucy's blood draw.
Ever since I had Lucy, I have been waiting for this to happen, and I just wasn't ready when it really did happen. I tried to be positive, because I feel like Lucy is an ambassador for Down Syndrome. Everyone we meet can go away with a different idea of what a person with DS is really like. But I have to tell you it was hard. Back in the car I gave myself 30 seconds to feel sorry for myself and then I looked at Lucy and said, "I am not going to feel sorry for us, there is nothing to feel sorry for." I know you are asking if this woman was older, and I have to tell you that in my book she was not that old and she should have known better. The hard thing is that she was actually trying to be nice. People really feel compelled to tell me the most asinine things. (Just be watching for the post about my red complexion, and you will understand!) I still don't know if I should laugh or cry about the whole thing, but I guess I should just chalk it up to a learning experience that will help me the next time someone approaches us. For all of you that love Lucy, thank you because you make it easier to face down people like this woman.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Did you tail her? I can go beat her up.
Kelley you are easily the most easy going, optimistic, incredible moms I know. Your kids are beyond blessed to have you and what happened at the doctor's office is another example of why. You handled it with grace and that's all we can do right? Man, we love you guys.
WOW, The ignorance of people never cease to amaze me. Nobody thinks before they speak anymore. There is a way to ask questions when one is curious. And you are always so generous with your willingness to answer.. but what a saint you are to not have told her what you really thought of her!! You have such great restraint I would have .. well you know me! Don't let the little pea brains of the world get to you! you know who loves you, and the entire Forbes clan. In time you and Lucy will educate the world and make us all better for knowing you. Love you guys!
I would have kicked some a@$ if I had been there!
And then there are Grandfathers!
My young friend your children are what gives me hope, hope that some day I will be as kind and as devoted to the human race.
You are an inspiration Kelley, even though I know where you spent your Senior year of high School.
We love you all... Thanks for the very cool ski trip pictures and music.
As Elwood Blues once said,"Don't tell the penquin or we're dead!"
Grandpa Baldy
Post a Comment