[MarMema]

Someone called in to a local conservative talk show this afternoon, my husband said. Had a 5 year old whose head was kicked in by a horse. Was told the child would never awaken, etc.

Kid is in college now, second year.

[First Amendment]

I've posted about a couple of friends before on FR. One has a disabled child, who was supposed to die about 10 years ago (she is now around 25). The girl can't talk, feed herself, or use the toilet herself (has to have diapers). She can barely walk, and has to be totally cared for like a one year old. Does she relate to her family? YES. Does she experience and show love? YES. Has she gone through emotional and spiritual growth during her painful years on earth? YES.
Her parents could have put her in some institution - in fact, they were encouraged to. But they love her unconditionally, and kept her at home.

Another friend's husband was in a terrible car accident which left him brain damaged and legitimately comatose. The wife was asked permission to pull the life support. After much prayer, she decided God might give him another chance. She was told he wouldn't survive, then that he wouldn't come out of coma, then that he would be a "vegetable", then that he would be bedridden and totally incapable, etc. He now types, gardens, speaks - he is disabled, but his wife gave him a chance at life. He thanks God actually for the accident because the pain and disability gave him opportunities to face the fact that he hadn't been a faithful husband, and that his relationship with God needed repair.

People need love, and life. I can't express what I am thinking tonight - many people think "it" won't happen to them. When a loved aged parent, or disabled child is wheeled away to the killing chamber against one's protests - when the door is kicked in and a family member is taken away, having been judged unworthy to live - when a child doesn't return from school - not having a high enough IQ - maybe then these people will see that the bell tolls for them.