Perspective on Palin

Recently I was asked my feelings concerning Sarah Palin, and her effect on the Down syndrome community in general.

Two words:

Love Her!!

All politics aside, when she and her husband first had Trig, we all knew it. And we rejoiced in the fact that Trig was loved and not discarded like so many are before they are born. We welcomed her into our hearts as a soul-sister into the club of extra chromosome.

Then when she was picked as Vice President by John McCain the national spotlight hit and man, it was blindingly hot. So many issues, so many emotions, so many divisions. People have their feelings about who they want to support.

In one forum I am active in, mostly she received support from the members. There were some Obama-ites who really couldn't stand her, even with the common bond of having a child with Down syndrome. There was a lot of accusations and name calling until the forum owner put a stop to it.

In general, she has caused quite an uproar in the Down syndrome community! I think it's great. Most people totally support her and absolutely love her, not only for who she is but for her promise to us as parents as given in her speech at the Republican convention:

And in April, my husband, Todd, and I welcomed our littlest one into the world, a perfectly beautiful baby boy named Trig. From the inside, no family ever seems typical.

That's how it is with us.

Our family has the same ups and downs as any other — the same challenges and the same joys.

Sometimes even the greatest joys bring challenge. And children with special needs inspire a special love.

To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message:

For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters. I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House.

She may not be perfect, she may not have all the answers, she may even disagree with me on some political issues. I don't care. She's my girl, my choice for VP. I was going to vote begrudgingly for McCain-if only to thwart Obama from getting in-but now? I am back in this election, baby!