It came to my attention yesterday that there are those, a small number of which I am aware, who mock my daughter. It’s funny, you see, because she is learning impaired. Hilarious, in fact.
No, it is.
How it works is, she is seen and heard saying one of the few things she can and someone over hearing her makes similar-ish sounds make in an exaggerated form. Others with them do the same and burst into paroxysms of laughter. Fantastic fun all round.
Now, you are going to ask, “why didn’t you say something?”
I would, if you’ve met me you KNOW for a fact I would. However wonderful and almost all-powerful as I am (I’m not), I can’t do anything or say anything when I’m not there and only hear about it afterwards. Then I hear that the same people have a track record of mocking. I threatened to deal with them retrospectively, I was warned to leave it alone due to other reasons I won’t go into, save to say it’s to protect innocent third parties who are afraid of these people.
Yes, you read that correctly.
It doesn’t mean I’m not still tempted, it doesn’t sit well with me to let that sort of thing pass. I mean, have we met? Even online? Then you KNOW it doesn’t sit with me.
I want credit for no name calling here, it’s costing me dearly.
I am leaving the rest of it there because I want to say too much more.
Now, on to something lighter.
To make up for venting and ten days of not posting (what do you mean that was a good thing?)
Yesterday was 13′s respite day and night again. While she went to a forestry place yesterday and the seaside this morning we went to a different seaside yesterday. I took my camera. Actually I took two cameras, the digital and a film, plus the iPhone so those of you who see my posts on Instagram,Twitter or Tumblr have already seen some.
So, that’s some of Penarth. We had a good time, 13 had a good time at her respite.
All images © L. McG.-E. All rights reserved.
© 2012, Penbleth / L. McG.-E.. All rights reserved.
califmom - That is heartbreaking, as a mother. It’s wrong, as a human being with a soul. It is also one of those twisted bits of life when our hands become tied into a knot of being unable to act in the way we know we should or want. I hate that knot. I hate that your hands have been tied—for her and for you.
califmom recently posted..Thinking About Her: My Other Grandmother
Janet Isserlis - lovely photos. people are assholes.
I love you and hate that they are.
Penbleth - Thank you. I do understand why I’ve been told to hold my tongue but it is horrible that I have to. Thankfully she didn’t over hear, despite severe learning problems my daughter isn’t stupid, she knows if someone is mocking her. I would have found it harder to comply if she had been upset.
Thank you again.
Penbleth - Thank you. Yes they are. I love you too and I agree. xo
Catherine - There is a man who lives near me who is taunted on an almost daily basis and he is the nicest kindest person you could imagine.The people who taunt are the ones with a problem and not the other way round.
Love your photos.
Keep smiling xx
Penbleth - Sadly it is an all too common situation. I have to agree with you as to who has the problem. Thank you regarding the photos. xo
First full day of the holidays in the bag. - [...] of the school holidays but the first full day for me. Monday I worked till early afternoon, then 13 went to respite. Yesterday I was home but 13 didn’t return from respite till after 1 p.m. That brought us to [...]
Kimberley McGill - It hurts my heart to hear this and it makes me so angry! My husband teaches special education and is acutely aware of this. He’s started an awareness program for children (but lots of parents need it too!) He invites kids into the classroom, out on the playground during recess etc. so all that the kids can get to know one another. Most of the time, when one kid gets to know another sp. ed. kid they get along well and the sp. ed kid has found an a friend and ally. And if he witnesses it he’s quick to take care of the situation.
My husband also wears two hearing aids and even as an adult he has overheard snide remarks from other adults! It’s unimaginable to me. Take good care.
Penbleth - Thank you for your comment Berley. Your husband is quite right, mixing people early so that everyone can see that just because someone may need some extra help or see things differently they are still people and can be good friends. Sadly, and you are the second to comment to me about kids, these were adults. I know, stunning. Grown men mocking a child with profound difficulties. It makes one wonder what goes on inside some people’s heads.
Thank you again and I hope your husband’s work bringing kids of all abilities together bears great fruit in future for greater understanding for those kids who have come under his care and teaching.
Lynn