Not trying to "set up" anyone to be anything...just myself, as well as others who've I've both invited and have gravitated here, have been harshly chastized, condemed and blamed (as well as criticized, screamed at and called names) on FR in the past for our choices. Just trying to warn those people they will not be tolerated here!
People can disagree without being called mean.
ABSOLUTELY!!!! Think tanks are full of disagreements...the sum of the whole is smarter than the individual. CONSTRUCTIVE debate & disagreements help to resolve problems around the world. I COMPLETELY welcome that in here. But I do not want ANY personal attacks...which is kinda the whole philosiphy of FR (however it happens all to often).
You may be trying to give yourself an out.
An out from what? LOL I have no problem with how I am raising my children and as far as anyone else's *opinion* on FR that doesn't know me...well, you know...I'll just say "opinions are like a-holes, everyone has one and they all stink" (not my original quote). I want a forum where people will NOT be afraid to speak out for fear of what you mentioned. It has happened to all of us. Not everyone disagrees as eloquently & in a completely *topical* (as opposed to personal) manner.
Anyhow, again, I welcome you to stay. It sounds like you have some experiences that could be greatly beneficial to us...and perhaps you could learn something from us as well ;o)
Although I do not personally have a disabled child, we do have close friends that do.
For this to come to me today is a bit ironic. We just took a four day vacation, and took my sons best friend along with us. They are both 13, so you can imagine some of the conversations my husband and I overheard :)
For my son's friend, Josh, this was the first time he had ever been out of the state, and this was his first real vacation. The reason for that is mainly because his 16 year old sister is totally disabled. She has severe Cerebral Palsy, and Josh and I were talking today about the day to day stuff. It made my heart swell with pride when he talked about his sister. He said "We don't know how much time we have with Jaime, so we make sure that everyday is special for her and us." He also went on to tell us how he just wants to cry when he hears others not realizing that she is a "real" person, and they tend to talk around her and never to her.
My son has thankfully had a chance to see how they treat Jaime and that makes me happy. We can't throw these children away.
God Bless You All.