I watch as they stare
snicker under their breaths
'retard' the word Carl hears, I hear
stop! I scream inside my head
JUST FUCKING STOP
my son is a thinking, feeling human being
who happens to be developmentally disabled
he is kind, funny, generous, trusting and capable
he makes everyone in his life "better"
ignorant people like you
people who snicker and stare
humiliate and mock
don’t deserve to walk on the
same side of the street with him
You are right, Helen. I believe "Judge not, yest ye be judged." It is so hard when those we love are hurt by the insensitivity of others.
ReplyDeleteheck yes....ugh on people and the way they stare and judge...he is special just as you, just as us all..feel you in this...
ReplyDeleteMaybe he just surprises people, being challenged yet holding down a full-time job.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Brian (above).
Sorry, no poetry this time. Too late at night.
oh Helen you are a brave mother and yes he is like every other person as everybody is unique ...its bad when people can't take this wisdom.....lots of love for you and your son.....
ReplyDeleteEvery person is special .... and both you and your son are blessed :-) Have a great day :-)
ReplyDeleteA Different Intelligence.
ReplyDeleteIt’s hard to know who
they really are,
hiding their special thoughts;
safe from the judgement
of math and grammar.
Sock it to 'em Momma!
Shout it from the roof tops!
ReplyDeleteNext time, out there, out loud: don't keep it just inside your head.
I feel for you. It makes me want to scream with you. Let 'em have it mom!
ReplyDeleteI hear the voice of the protective mother, loud and clear. I'm sure there are many times when these words should have been screamed aloud instead of internalized.. but what good would it do to change the perception of the ignorant?
ReplyDeleteAh, the sad truth about our ignorant ways!
ReplyDeleteAmen. Such a nasty world for anyone who's the slightest bit different. My grandson is on the autism spectrum, and I couldn't agree with this more.
ReplyDeleteWhew! Wouldn't it feel good to truly yell that as big and far reaching as it is on the page?
ReplyDeleteOh Helen, I so hear you, Mother Bear! I have a son with schizophrenia, who is most definitely and obviously disabled. A kinder, sweeter, more generous and often joyous human being doesnt exist. People so fear Difference, yet there is nothing to fear. These young men are a gift to all who love them. We wouldnt change one hair on their heads. GREAT writing!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI can hear you too ~ We love our children and believe in them, no matter their challenges ~
ReplyDeleteI can really understand this, Helen. The age-old problem of people not knowing how to handle seeing people they consider "different"...however, I believe people are improving, but it took a long, long time to see some small improvement, so it will take a lot longer for serious change.
ReplyDeleteI love that part of you Sherry calls "Mother Bear"!
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