Society is very obsessed with the idea of "contribution to society," whether that be financial or intellectual (The R-word is a hateful slur, February 26). That intellect is highly valued is obvious in the way people treat each other everyday. It saddens me. That we feel the need to feel “better” than others in some way or other, what is that? As far as I’m concerned there is no better or worse, just “is.”
Emma Brooks, Athens, Greece
I just got the Bloom e-letter and was scanning the content. All I can say is Wow. You're doing an amazing job of covering this territory—there's so much to dig into here, and all of it addressed in such a smart way, acknowledging and honouring the human, emotional side while grounding it in the latest research and delving into the moral and philosophical underpinnings as well.
Kim Pittaway, Toronto
I can't stop thinking about the questions you raised (What makes us human? January 12). I also can't help thinking that the folks who view mental disability as a measure of humanity are wandering into a materialistic view of the world—a very cold and heartless view. My little guy has damage on over half of his brain, but I've never met a soul who so utterly relishes every moment of life—he's teaching me how to be a human all the time. Folks are always musing on the percent of use we get out of our brains. My little guy has made me believe it's far more important to measure the percent of use we get out of our hearts. Kudos on a great, thoughtful and heartfelt piece Louise. You're an inspiration.
David Sexton, New Jersey
I read your BLOOM magazine (Winter 2009) and my spirits are uplifted. You have really managed to capture the essence of these kids’ lives. It is not a question of what they can't do, it is what they teach us to do. They are an inspiration.
Barb Farlow, Toronto
I cried reading your reflections about Ben at camp (To infinity and beyond, Winter 2009). What struck me was the giving and receiving—he was able to give such joy to others and they were able to receive him as who he is. He was able to receive help and others were able to give in ways they never had before. What a picture of grace, hope, and beauty. Thank you!
Amy Julia Becker, New Jersey
I read the last issue of Bloom, and I was very impressed with all the articles! I especially appreciated the entry you made on Down syndrome, and it really made me think about what it is to evaluate the inherent moral and ethical prejudices that stem from intellectual ability.
Adrian Anantawan, Toronto
I am so relieved to read your opinion on the word ‘disability’ (The tyranny of two words, March 3). I have never been able to swallow the ’DIS’ aspect of ability, and still don't understand why it’s such an accepted term. I live in Switzerland and the German term holds a similar connotation towards what CAN'T be done, which makes me sad—especially because it's so engrained that most people don't even think about it. We're all differently-able... able in different ways to live our lives. I wish there was an easy way to say this.
Tekeal Riley, Bern, Switzerland
I am a case manager at Central West Community Care Access Centre in the children’s services department. BLOOM was highly recommended by one of the parents on my caseload and I wondered if it’s possible to get some backdated issues. There were some very helpful articles that would be beneficial to a lot of the families I visit.
Noemi Amero, Toronto
I so get this, Louise and only marveled to find it here on your blog (Sweet sixteen, March 29). I know that you usually write of the "good stuff" that comes with parenting a child with special needs, difficult issues are usually framed in looking on the bright side, etc. It was "good" to read of your own ambivalence because I think your feelings are common and those of us who share them can find some relief when they are articulated so beautifully. I also loved the laughter and humor implicit even in these sobering thoughts. Thank you.
Elizabeth Aquino, Los Angeles
I was so terribly touched by your editorial on The Enough House (June 2009) that I have copied it for each of my colleagues, and many of the families I work with. I also laminated a copy for my own use. It is beautiful and ever so wise.
Sandra MacDonald, Dufferin Child and Family Services, Orangeville, Ont.
Your letters
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your thoughts on “The Enough House,” (Dec. 2009). I have made similar bargains about my daughter's health and development. “If only she could... then I will be grateful, satisfied and happy.” Yet she has done so much more, and I still don't feel satisfied and happy every day. Thanks for reminding me about the most essential moments of life.
Elliette Portal-Stanley
I wanted to congratulate you on your very profound editorial letter. Accepting our kids for what they offer us and the world takes time. Some families get there and some families continue to search and truly miss out on their children’s gifts. As my son Dave turned 35 this year, I reflected on all the things he has done, especially when the docs said “forget about him, put him in the institution” when he was a baby. Dave has done remarkable things in his life.
Alison Ouellette, Windsor, Ont. (editor’s note: The DVD My Life, My Choice features Alison’s son Dave and is available through Inclusion Press).
(I) found your words so important for all parents to remember. I would like to have “The Enough House” story framed and put up in our clinic area for everyone to see. I work in pediatrics and try my best to support parents with the news and path of parenting a child with special needs.
Grace Koehler, Social Worker, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton
The article you wrote, “The Enough House,” moved me to tears as it brought up so many memories and was so well written! I feel like it is the biggest lesson I have learned coming from 18 years of parenting two kids with “issues.” What a fabulous article!
Raquel Rozenberg, San Diego
I love your story, “The Enough House.” It took Claudia and myself as well such a long time to get to that point. I read the whole magazine and I have to tell you, it’s absolutely beautiful.
Brett Langill, Mississauga, Ont.
My experience over 38 years supports what Felicia Jervis has to say (“When children hurt themselves,” June 2008) in the work I have done with both children and adults with disabilities. “There is a lot of good research to show that children will continue to self-injure when something positive follows the behaviour," writes Dr. LaRose in her Talk back column “A different approach”(Dec. 2009).”
There may be research showing this, but I would need to look at it and see what the context was, know what understanding existed about the “reasons” for the behaviour. Children with disabilities often experience profound rejection early in life, become deeply wounded by how others see and thus treat them, often in negative role stereotypes. The “reasons” are therefore not always obvious or knowable unless one sees the larger issue of societal devaluation.
David Yeiter, Director of Quality Enhancement and Training,
Monadnock Developmental Services, Keene, New Hampshire
Re “When children hurt themselves,” June 2008. I guarantee that when we as adults are feeling “out of control” (and we all do) that a warm cup of tea, a sweet, a hug from a caring individual does not teach us that feeling out of control is the way to be, but that it is okay to feel this way. Greater problems arise when we as human beings choose not to validate an individual’s needs, wants and desires.
Caroline Carrington, online
What a fantastic resource! Would love to subscribe! I’m a mom of a 5-year-old autistic boy and finding good resources like this is a goldmine! Keep up the good work!
Jennifer Cluff, London, Ont.
I checked out the magazine and your blog online and they are both fabulous – a great resource for parents.
Amy Baskin, Guelph, Ont. Author of More than a Mom and the special-needs parenting blog at Today’s Parent
Keep up the HARD work. Families like us appreciate it.
Allison Mylymok, Sechelt, BC
I always find the articles really engaging and easy for families to read.
Margaret Spoelstra, Executive Director, Autism Ontario 
Posts
