No problem 8step…
I stopped coming to this place for several months because I found myself becoming to wrapped up in the flaming and found not enough of what I felt was legitimate debate and conversation.
After some reflection, I have returned. There were some events in my life that taught me patience, and I forgot that just because I cannot see any of you on my monitor, does not mean that I am not interacting with you firsthand. Since then I try very hard not to take anything too personally. However, when it comes to certain things, I take it upon myself to remind others that they do the same too.
My daughter was born completely normal. She scored high an all of her tests, and began to develop words and recognition skills like any other “normal” child.
Immediately following her first string of standard immunizations, Marissa began to have seizures.
Because we didnt know any better her mother and I allowed more immunizations to be given.
Marissa went into status (seizing without stopping) with each seizure we lost a little bit more of her. Her body ceased to follow the directions her little brain was giving. The anti-convulsant drugs damaged her liver and kidneys.
Through all of this she mantained significant development mentally and emotionally. She is quite aware that she is different than other children, and often gets frusterated because she cannot do the same things.
Now at age three, the little girl doctors said would be nothing but a “vegetable” can crawl, climb steps, and even fed herself for the first time. Unfortunately it was only once. She cannot talk, walk, use the bathroom or feed herself regularly. And sadly she knows it.
Retarded is an ugly word. It is often used as slang for “stupid” much like “gay” is often regarded. I too was guilty of using expressions like this frivilously. But with my child, I suddenly became aware that you never know who you are talking to.
Like I said, I dont care if anyone eats meat or not. My concern was with the possibility that people were not understanding Buddhism’s ideal of compassion. I have contributed in act and spirit for my Native Brothers and Sisters to regain their Tribal fishing rights, and to live in the “old ways” should they desire. I have no problem with that. And I apologize to you, for after reading your post again, I see that much of it was written with a humorous (allthough a bit sarcastic) flair. I should have seen it.
Do not worry about offending my daughter. For one she isnt allowed to use the computer (cept for her Mr. Ptatohead and "Lil Critter CD’s) so she wouldnt see it anyway. And I am not really upset or offended. I realize the harmful intent wasnt there, you were not trying to be mean.
No hard feelins’
Namaste
