Ignorance: the lack of knowledge or information

The world is full of ignorant people. I used to be one of those people when I was younger. I think all of us are at some point. Then there are some who never out grow it. I can't say if I would still be ignorant on the subject of handicapped and disabled people if I didn't have a son with a disability. It is hard to say. It is also hard for me to admit that I used to use the word "retarded" as loosely as I did. Being in high school, it was just a phrase that everyone used - not even realizing the impact it had on people. I wish someone had put me in my place. Someone eventually did though, my own son.

When you become a part of the special needs world, your whole world changes. It changes for the better. You notice disabled people more and aren't afraid to approach them and ask questions or even make a comment about the cool wheelchair or walker they have. I remember doing this at the mall last year when I spotted a teenage girl walking in a really cool walker with her parents. I mentioned how awesome I thought her walker was, and although she was non-verbal, her parents weren't. They were very friendly and from what I could tell, happy that I engaged in conversation with them. It was their daughter's 16th birthday that day and I got to wish her a happy birthday. It was a very humbling experience.

Eric and I have always been very open to people about Alex and his disability. I would much rather someone stop to ask the question they have in their head instead of staring at my son as they walk around him or are passing by. I actually wish more people would ask questions, including my own family.

I am not sure if everyone in our families fully understand Alex and his disability. This isn't something that he is going to just snap out of, yes therapy does help him and please don't feel sorry for him. We don't, because he is happy and healthy and we try to do as many "normal" activities with him that we can. I don't ever want to hold him back from having the life he deserves. He may or may not walk or talk. Even at 5 years old it is still too young to tell.

Over Christmas, a member of our family made a very hurtful comment. It wasn't directed toward Alex, but the term "short bus" was used very loosely. I wasn't present when it happened and it is probably a good thing because I wouldn't have been able to keep quiet. When I was told about it, it felt like a dagger going through my heart. I was so angry, but then quickly heartbroken. How a person, one who is part of our own family be so ignorant and disrespectful? I am sorry, but words such as short bus, retard and retarded are no longer a part of our vocabulary in our house. We don't make fun of handicapped or disabled people. We are a special needs family and there is nothing wrong with that. I am a strong advocate for this because my other son Evan, who lives a typical life will NEVER disrespect a person with a disability and ALWAYS defend his brother. He isn't going to grow up being ignorant in this area because we are going to teach him well so he won't know any different.

I was going to keep quiet about this because it does hurt, but I couldn't. People need to know where we stand as a family and that those words are NOT OK. It isn't right for me to keep quiet about something I feel so strongly about. It is my duty as his Mother and Number 1 advocate to fight for him, and that I will do.

Happy 2016

Better six days late than never right?

Happy New Year to all. I hope everyone has a happy and healthy 2016.

I wish I had more time to do a more in depth recap of 2015, but life is crazy right now but I will highlight some of our favorite moments. You can click on the links below to view the post from last year. We had a lot of fun moments and created a lot of great memories with family and friends.


January
Shrine Circus

March
Bavarian Inn Getaway
Oakwood Elementary Goes Green for CP!

May
Alex and Evan's First Detroit Tigers Game

June
West Michigan/Michigan's Adventure Weekend

July
*Camping up north
Alex and Evan turn 5!

September
First Day of Kindergarten!
Cider Mills, Septemberfest and Apple Picking

October
Fall Color Tour Petoskey, MI

November
*Chicago - (4 Part Series in the December 2015 Folder)

December
Christmas Fun!

I am not sure what this year has in store for us, but my hope is for good health, happiness and peace. I cannot wait to start creating memories for 2016!

Christmas Fun

Christmas is my favorite time of year despite being overwhelmed, stressed out and tired. In the end, I still think it's worth it. We have a couple of traditions that we have developed as a family. We usually go to Bronner's Christmas World (The Worlds Largest Christmas Store) which is about an hour north of where we live. The boys pick a new ornament each year for the tree. We do that in November before the crowds get too crazy.

Last Saturday, we went to Midland with our friends to Santa's House. It was something new and different for us, but I think the boys liked it a lot. There were trains set up, a big sleigh with presents and it even snowed inside! They had a Christmas Train outside that we rode as well and the best part of all is that it is FREE. Rachel and I LOVE free. :)

The Boys with Santa

Alex and Santa

Evan and Santa

Lauren and Santa

Nathan and Santa

Rachel with her kiddos in the Sleigh

I am surprised it turned out this good. Wish Alex was looking.

Love this one of us!

Giant Santa out front

Waiting in the cold to get in to see Santa

The next day, we went to grandma's house to make and decorate cookies. This was always one of my favorite traditions as a kid and I am so happy that I still get to do it with my Mom and now my boys. Another fun but tiring tradition.

On Monday night, we went to  Wild Lights at The Detroit Zoo. It was really neat to see that many lights and Evan even got to go into the Reptile House. The boys rode the Carousel and had hot chocolate. My Mom and her husband came with us which was really nice. The only thing that I wish we could have changed was the weather. It rained. But because we bought pre-sale tickets there was nothing we could do but deal with it. We made the best of it.

Finally, yesterday we went to the mall and visited Santa again at Bass Pro Shop. I like going here - because again, they have a bunch of free activities for the kids.

Now onto the celebrations. Today is cleaning and starting on some food for Christmas Eve dinner tomorrow. I am hosting my family this year which I am looking forward to. It is a lot of work, but there is nothing like having a house full of people to entertain with bunches of presents to open for the kids. We are very blessed. So, with this being my last post before Christmas, From our family to yours: MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Chicago Series Part 4

Chicago Series, Part 4 - November 26, 2015

Our time in Chicago went fast, but we have truly enjoyed every moment of it. I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that The Shedd Aquarium and The Field Museum were both open on Thanksgiving Day. We considered going to The Thanksgiving Day Parade and The Willis Tower Skydeck, but figured that The Aquarium would be much more enjoyable for the kids - not to mention there were protesters all over downtown and we didn't really want to subject the boys to that.

So, to the Aquarium we went and it was pretty nice and not super busy - but busier than I thought it would be. If you are ever in Chicago, this is a place you have to see. We visited last year, but the boys were tired and we didn't get to thoroughly enjoy it. This time we got there shortly after they opened and spent 4-5 hours enjoying every bit of it. Needless to say, we didn't make it to The Field Museum because we wanted to head home and stop for dinner on the way. My favorite are the Beluga Whales. I could sit and watch them for hours. Evan really enjoyed the Shark Tank and both boys loved touching the starfish and sea urchins. As a treat, they each got to pick a stuffed animal from the gift shop. Evan picked a Beluga Whale he named Belugie (it is a girl) and Alex picked a Penguin we named Frankie. They LOVE their little stuffed animals. :)

After the Aquarium we started on our journey home. We stopped for dinner at The Cracker Barrel and had Chicken and Dumplings for Thanksgiving Dinner. We finally made it home at 10:30 that night. It was such a great trip and I think we will continue to enjoy trips to Chicago for years to come. Eric and I would love to take the train someday because we think the boys would love it! Thanks again for reading and following our journey here at Double the Love and enjoy our pictures from the Aquarium. 

-