Today's Treasure.

The "R" word....

It always hits me right in my gut, then fumes northward to my heart and a fire is ignited. You know, when someone says, "that's so retarded". 
Sick, it makes me sick to my inner core that in today's society people still manage to think this is an acceptable term.

Let me explain to you that I would hope I would find this word just as offensive had I not had a family member who has Down Syndrome. Garrett, is my husband's little brother. Their mother was a stay-at-home mom all there life. She was diagnosed with cancer in November of 2001 and died the 4 weeks later, the week before Christmas. She had done all of the care for Garrett as her husband, Garrett's dad was the sole earner for the family. I don't think my father in law had ever given Garrett a bath, changed his diaper, or cooked a meal. At this point my then boyfriend-now husband moved back home to assist in caring for Garrett who was then 5 years old.
Garrett has been the person who taught my husband patience. Garrett has shown his family what love is and how to show love through genuine affection. Garrett brings laughter every-single-day. Garrett learns something new every single day. Garrett is a home-run-champ most summer days in our backyard. Garrett praises our Savior uninhibited, like we should all do, without fear of what people think. Garrett, is my son Leo's FAVORITE person(and as a mom that's kinda my spot) but he stole it right from me. Its ok I'll let him have it:) Some days he can outrun me. He is a Vikings fan just ask him. He is IN LOVE with Big Time Rush the band and wants all the Fox boys to be in his band, Garrett of course is Kendall the lead singer. When he grows up he wants to be a weatherman like Adam Frederic on KIMT. Garrett, or Gary as we like to call him loves to play the guitar. He LOVES to sing and is the biggest Elvis fan ever. He wanted us to name Leo Elvis...thats how big of a fan he is.

Garrett has brought more joy to our lives than he will ever know. God made him perfect in His eyes. He is a gift to my dear family.

re·tard

   [ri-tahrd, for 1–3, 5; ree-tahrd for 4]  Show IPA

verb (used with object)

1.

to make slow; delay the development or progress of (anaction, process, etc.); hinder or impede.

I can assure you he has never "hindered" us.

He has never "impeded" us.

See, when people say this, they say it like its a negative thing. Like people with disabilities are less than the rest. THEY ARE NOT

So the next time this word flows freely out ya mouth...think about what you are saying and what it really means.

LEO and UNCLE GARY

SWEET 16

He was making jokes with me!!

The face he gives me when I've taken too many pics for 1 day

ummmm yeah, like one of his fav people MR. Zack Fox

My sonny boy's smile!

Ohmygosh! memories! this is at a canival when we lived in Iowa City

He calls me his "baby girl" He always says "dont cry babygirl"

His "Bradey" My dad!

He "conqured" Wild thing...lets just say it wasnt pretty!

He calls Ryan "His best best brother"


Do you think this almost 18 year old slows us down??

Think about it....
Love,
MAnda