1. Someone says something mean about the way your child looks. You
A. Walk away in a calm manner
B. Drop kick them
C. Swear at them and then wash the floor with their face
D. Agree with them
E. All of the above except for D
F. None of the above. I will leave a comment that goes into depth about what I would do.
Why the pop quiz you ask? Because some people should not be allowed to speak. Yes it is true...some people should be banned from opening their mouths. Today I met one of those people. I took the kids to Safeway to grab Grace's medicine for her breathing treatments and Grace was crying so I was carrying her while pushing the cart. A middle aged, Caucasian woman came up to us and said, "Oh, a baby!" I turned so that she could see Grace (since Grace's back was facing her) and the lady got an odd look on her face and said, (in all seriousness) "She looks funny." I was in shock. I should have/could have said a number of things and I really wanted to call her a really bad name but I was in such shock I couldn't speak. She then said in a snotty tone, "What's wrong with her?" I simply said, "Actually, she has Down syndrome and we think she is cute as a button." I walked away and tried not to let her see the tears in my eyes and tried even harder not to knock her teeth out. Anyway, luckily most people aren't that rude and luckily for the lady, I had Grant with me or else things might not have turned out the same way. Don't worry little butterfly, you are beautiful inside and out! Don't you EVER let ANYONE convince you otherwise.
2. What would you have done?
23 comments:
Oh wow. . . I agree, some people shouldn't be allowed to speak! Thankfully we have our kids to keep us in line, I know there have been several times that I have restrained myself due to my children being around. So I probably would have done what you did. . . tears and all. And I think she is so adorable. I'm so glad you called me the other night, I have had a great time looking through your blog. Grant cracks me up. . . what a fun kid. You are such a cute mom. Hopefully we can see you in Utah sometime.
Wow, I really want to egg that lady's house! That is absolutely uncalled for. You handled it with such class, though. And Grace is absolutely gorgeous, and I can't imagine anyone ever saying otherwise. I still think one night, we could go out and buy some eggs...!
Hope you're doing well these days!
I can't believe some people! I would have asked her if she had looked in a mirror recently!! NO, I wouldn't have, but I would have wanted to do the same things you wanted to do. Grace is so lucky to get to grow up in a home full of love that will instill in her the confidence she will need to get her through all of the bad things the world has to offer. She will be a bright spot to all of those who know her. There are places reserved for mean people like that lady.....and then there are places reserved for people like Grace--and you. Fortunately, they are very far apart!! Shake it off......that lady will never know the pure love of Christ you feel by being Graces' mommy. Next time, let her see the tears!!
Wow, I cannot believe how well you handled such an awful situation. We have gotten a few mild remarks about being a transracial family but nothing like this. I am so sorry this lady made you feel bad but am so impressed at how classy you were in your response. What a great example for Grant to see.
I probably would've drop-kicked her. Honestly, I'm not sure that I would have been able to keep a handle on my temper at all. Kudos on your self-control. Grace is such a sweetie!
Oh, Jaci! I would like to think that I could stand up for myself and really let the woman have it, but I think I would have reacted the same way. You are right, Grace is as cute as a button and anyone who thinks differently is crazy! I'm sorry this happened to you, I got tears in my eyes when I read this...no one messes with our kids and gets away with it!
WOW! I can't believe some people! I would have wanted to hit her in the face for daring to open her mouth and spew rudeness!! But, I probably would have just cried. Grace is beautiful, and she is so blessed to be in your family! What a good mom you are!!!!
Way to be the bigger person Jaci!! Grace is BEAUTIFUL and don't ever let her think different!! She is so lucky to have you and Adam for parents! Hang in there!
You're right. Some people just need to KEEP THEIR BIG MOUTHES SHUT! I think I just might have slapped her. Good job turning the other cheek. You are one amazing mom.
Oh Jaci, I cried when I read that post....I can't believe how rude and insensitive some people are. For me, I would have probably lost it and called her some really mean names, names for which I would have had to repent for later. I would have told her off. You are so much stronger than I am! I am proud of you for the way that you reacted. You did a great job, Grace is so blessed to have you as a mom.
First off you are my hero for not putting Grace in the cart and knocking her lights out. If it was me, Sami (my daughter) is so out spoken that she probably would have let the Samoan out and told that lady what was what. The lady probably would have left with tears in her eyes! Don't mind her...Gracie is as cute as they come. :0)
I think you handled that situation great. You took the high road which is very rare nowadays.
My older brother has Downs, so I totally understand how hurtful an ignorant person's words can be. Thankfully, Downs is being viewed with more understanding and acceptance today than even in my brother's youth. We can only hope that women will have enough sense to keep her mouth shut next time.
You did what I would hope I would do, the nice part of me anyway. The mean part of me would have picked to wash her face with the floor. I honestly can't believe the things that some people say to mommies. Shocking.
I'm getting on a plane and I will do the drop kicking, floor scrubbing with this lady. I will stay at safeway for as long as it takes for her to come back!
By the way. I saw the cutest thing... I was following a car that had a "Downs awareness" ribbon on it and on the back window were the words "Cromosomally Inhanced". That word doesn't look like it is spell correctly, but I don't have time to look it up. Anyway, I instantly thought of your BEAUTIFUL little Gracie. I'm sorry, I wish people weren't so rude.
side note: An old lady flipped off my friends kid at the McDonalds down the road. He was 4 yrs old! We now refer to people like this as "Satans Grandma"
Can someone honestly be that stupid? I can't believe that anyone in their "right" mind would make a comment like that. She is adorable... I'm sure you blood was boiling!!! And you made the perfect comment...
Yeah, what is wrong with people? People are idiots sometimes. I love the pictures at the top of your blog!
Grace is beautiful! I think it everytime I look at your blog. I am sorry that you have to deal with stupid people, if I was there I would have hit her for you!
I think "punch her in the face" is the correct answer to your question. Not that I even know how to hit, but that would be a great time to try!
You are awesome Jaci- strong and sassy as always, but still poised!
I am totally blog hopping as I saw your comment on Kym's blog about gaining more insight on her (our) Down's bro. So Hi! I'm Kym's sis!
Anyway you daughter is beautiful! Down's kids are so amazing and special. My brother is tops-
Just a couple of tidbits...
My mom always treated him the same way as she treated all of us.
EX. if he did something naughty he got in trouble like we did. He learned to water ski, snow ski, swim, participated in the special olympics, rode a bike, clean the house, with all of us and because of all the opportunities he has great social skills and self confidence!
Remember lots of love and lots and lots and lots of patience will be needed! Good luck - I believe Down's kids are a special gift from God, and only special families are blessed with their presence.
Oh Jaci I am so sorry. I know a tiny little bit of how you feel. My little boy has an ear that isn't all developed. It is called microtia. We have people stare at us and ask us what happened to it all of the time. We tell Miles that he was born Lucky. I think that Grace was born "lucky" too.
Are you coming to Utah for the holidays? I would love to see you if you are. We are moving home the week of Thanksiving. Let me know, I really want to catch up with you.
Gracie is going to change the world one crazy, close-minded, big-mouthed lady at a time. The only problem is that you have to keep having an extreme amount of patience and kindness to let her do it. It's so hard. I am crying with you. She is beautiful and you will be amazed at the lives she will continue to touch.
Dear Precious Jaci,
What a beautiful woman you have grown up to be. A beautiful woman with a spirit and attitude that is as beautiful on the outside as on the inside.
Thank you for your example of Christ Like behavior towards someone who has obviously not been touched by an angel like Gracie.
As hard as it is to walk away you did the right thing. Thank you for teaching Gracie and Grant true Christ Like behavior.....
All my love
Aunt Sandy
P.S. I did share your story with the ladies I work with and they are ready to catch a plane, bring eggs and help with any sort of retribution that is necessary....
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