So it was a beautiful saturday and my husband and I went to a lovely restaurant on the Harbor. The place has windows that look out onto the water, boats and a large group of sea mammals (mostly sea lions) who play and fight and chase boats for scraps. Birds of all types fly around. The level of activity at the port is like having a meal and a show.
We are dressed for success and interacting with other tourists. The day was perfect. But then something awful happened. The establishment has communal seating on the window tables so everyone may enjoy the view. You can be seated with other parties without permission. My husband and I had a 8 seat table to ourselves and the lunch rush hit. I was shocked and almost choked my food when the waitress sat an obese woman and a very retarded boy at the tabe with us. I tried my best to look the other way and not stare. My husband and I finished what we could of our meal and paid and left as quickly as possible. Why would someone seat such folks with normal people?
Well, before you get all upset, I am the obese woman and the boy is mine. He is a 17 year old and loves to eat at this restaurant. He has down syndrome and autistic spectrum disorder. I am about 100 pounds overweight. I guess to some we should not be allowed out in public. The woman at the table coughed and choked and hurried her food down in such a manner that she became a better show to watch than the port. She turned her head so far away from the two of us in such a painful way that any passing chiropractor would have given her his card.
Republicans, I can smell them a mile away. The "my kid shouldn't have to be in school with your kid" type. The church going hypocrite who looks like the nicest person on earth until she has to share a table with us. The "my taxes shouldn't pay for your problems" mindset. Sorry republicans, we breath the same air. My kid does get to go to school with you kid. Remember republicans, you are pro-life, my boy is a life. Treat him that way.
We have difficult days and great days just like any other family. But having a special needs child has opened my eyes. This is my second marriage and we both came into the relationship with two children. So we have worked every day to raise four boys. For the past 8 years I have had Dylan in my life. He is 17 now and has taught me more than any other person. I have learned acceptance, tolerance, peace, and that sometimes the simple joys in life are the best. He is not perfect, neither am I. Neither is the republican lady who shared our table.
And yes, I can use the "R" word, because I hear it whispered so much by others. Or shouted out at my stepson by the cruel. He is primarily nonverbal but he knows that word, and it does hurt.
So why is Obama in the title? Because he has a wonderful outlook for special education. Because he believes in my child having a future. Because he believes......
So to those of you who are upset by some of Obama's views I say
FISA FISA FISA FISA FISA FISA FISA FISA
now you can keep saying it until it doesn't hurt. I didn't get perfect kids, you don't get a perfect candidate. But we do get a guy who will care, stay at the table with my family or yours, and look us in the eye.
No chiropractor needed.