Disturbing

Wow. During an interview, Virgina Ironside, an advice columnist in the UK, speaks of smothering a child to death to alleviate their suffering if there is nothing else that can be done. "My feeling of horror, suffering, is much greater than my feeling of getting rid of a couple of cells because suffering can go on for years." And then when the host suggests it was horrifying what Ms. Ironside suggested about smothering a child, Ironside asks, "What?" as if she's confused that what she could be considered horrifying? Wow. I'm speechless. I love my little Samantha more than anything, and I am certainly not among the mothers Ms. Virginia Ironside refers to who would want to do such a thing. Not at all. Samantha is far more than a couple of cells to me and a lot of other people.

I've read some reports on it...read the full argument which was about abortion. Her argument is that abortion could be a form of compassion for "unwanted" children. Ok. She's pro-choice (though since we're there, I want to say I really don't like that term. Wasn't the choice made before a child was conceived? I'm pro-choice too...pro make-choices-and-be-accountable-for-them. But that's a whole other argument and before I get some angry comments about this...I strongly believe there are exceptions for rape, incest...but I'm not going there right now) But even if she's pro-choice, it's hurtful to me that she would put a disabled child in the same category as "unwanted." What is her definition of "suffering" or "deeply suffering"? She mentions these children who there's no hope for...no cure? Well, that would be Samantha. It's just disturbing to me.

Look, everyone is entitled to their opinions, but it strikes me rather hard when the opinions and comments refer to my children. I cannot imagine my life without Samantha. She definitely is here for a purpose. She, and many other disabled, delayed, and "special needs" children, are apart of a much greater plan that I think Ms. Ironside is unable to see. I know there must be others out there who feel the same way...who are quietly supporting her...but to them, I say "Look at Samantha in the eyes. Look at her face. Look at her smile. Look at the joy in her and our life." Maybe, just maybe one of those people will be convinced that we are all more than just a few cells.