Why you do NOT have the right to use the word RETARD

I think there is a gross misunderstanding of the first amendment.

Now I am not a lawyer, but I can read, and this seems pretty clear to me:

"Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."


This says that congress cannot create laws that prevent the free expression of ideas.  It does not say you have the right to call people names or belittle or demean them.  It does not say that you are not liable for your words.  The first amendment in no way relieves you of responsibility for the words you choose.

You do not have the right to use language with malice. You have the right not to have the government restrict your use of language with malice.

You do not have the right to keep your job.

You do not have the right to release of liability from slander.

You do not have the right to release of liability from any resulting damage.

And you do not have the right to stand unconfronted. 

And I promise you; I will confront you.

Mysterious Ways

Years ago, after Jimmie had first been diagnosed, I began to spend a lot of time on My Space.  One day, I got a message from a young woman from my hometown.  She was the younger sister of one of my high school graduating classmates.  I happily returned her message and we began a series of Internet conversations.

It was revealed that she was the best friend of a very dear friend of mine who had been killed in a horrific car accident while I was away at college.  She explained to me her part in the accident.  She had been Shelly's alibi, so to speak.  Shelly was still in high school and had been forbidden to see the boy who had been at the wheel that fateful night.  Christal had lied to Shelly's parents, saying that Shelly was spending the night at her house so that Shelly could go out with the boy.  She told me this with a great deal of trepidation.  I believe she was holding onto a great deal of guilt.  I think she, knowing how close I had been to Shelly as well, believed I would hold her guilty too.  Instead, I met her confession with compassion and forgiveness.  I told her that she had been wrong, but that she had also been a child.  It ended tragically.  But the tragedy wasn't her fault.  Over 20 years had passed.  I told her that the Lord forgives when we ask, and all that is left is for us to forgive ourselves.

As our conversations progressed, Christal asked more about Jimmie.  She asked about his condition.  She asked how we (my husband and I) dealt with such a devastating diagnosis.  I told her that I simply give it to the Lord.  The Lord gives us the life he intends us to live.  It is not for us to question it, but to simply live it.  You just DO.  We never really understand what the Lord's plan is until he reveals it.  It is all in his time.  And I believe in the power of prayer.  Prayer strengthens us.  Even if it doesn't seem to change anything, it changes us.  I told her to read the Book of Job.  Through all our trials, the Lord never abandons us.  We should never abandon him. 

She asked.  I answered.

I never preached.  I just answered.

A few years passed.  Christal and I remained in contact, but not as closely.

Then one day, I received a letter.  The letter thanked me (and a few others) for our support and guidance at a difficult time in Christal's life, a time of addiction and loss and darkness.  Christal told me in that letter that I (and others) had been an instrument of the Lord in turning her back to God and helping her to dedicate her life to the Lord.  I was floored.  I was awestruck.  I was honored.  I was humbled.  I had no idea.  I promise you I take no credit.  It was purely the work of the Lord.  She asked.  I answered.  That's all.  That my answers to her questions were among some of the answers that she sought had more to do with God than with me.  She continues to thank me on occasion.  I continue to say it had little to do with me, but I feel immensely proud of her and thankful that I was of use.  I never would have known at all had she not sent me that letter.

Today, Christal is a member of a new Church family.  She is married.  She has a renewed and invigorated relationship with her children.  And she is the author of a new book.  Way to "do" Christal.  You "do" great.   Here is the link to her website and  how to get her book:
http://www.christalware.com/

My Knight in Shining Armor

Yesterday was Father's Day.  My husband enjoyed a day of doing nothing except watching golf.  He received his cards, both the store bought and the handmade.  We played a piggy game where piggies are thrown instead of dice.  Charlie won both times and was ecstatic!  Daddy gave the boys baths.  And by the end of the day, Daddy was a little frisky.

There are times when he is a bigger child than the kids.  And he likes to rough house.  Nothing wrong with that.  He is a big BOY after all.  And boys will be boys.

He decided to bite Charlie's butt.  This particular form of rough housing freaked Charlie out a little bit.  It must be remembered that Charlie is only 4.  When his Daddy let him up, Charlie ran to me crying (completely unhurt of course, just freaked out).  But Daddy being the big child he is, didn't get that the game had gone too far, and continued to threaten to bite Charlie's butt.  David was having a grand time.  Charlie, not so much.

But my heart swelled to proportions unforeseen when David threatened to bite my butt, and Charlie, as fearful as he was, bristled, puffed out his chest, and turned to face his father and told him in no uncertain terms, "NO!  Do not bite Mommy's butt!"   I saw my 4 year old taking on a dragon to protect me!

My hero!

Kisses

BEST MOMENT EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jimmie has been very loving toward me all evening, showering me in kisses and hugs. So at a certain point, David says, "Hey Jimmie," and leaned his head down and pointed to the top of his head. Jimmie looked at him for a second, then puckered up and kissed his father's head. It was the first time I had seen Jimmie ever respond to any kind of a request. So I decided to test it further. I said, "Jimmie, give Charlie a kiss." Jimmie ignored me. I got a hold of him and Charlie, standing in front of me. I said, "Jimmie, give Charlie a kiss." He tried to pull away. I held his shirt, and said, "No. Stay. Give Charlie a kiss." David said, 'No it's okay." But Jimmie looked at Charlie, who smiled at him, and puckered up, leaned in, and kissed Charlie on the nose!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!