Thursday, December 10, 2009

Precious

A must see movie.

A very intense and difficult movie.

I am at a loss for words on how to describe this movie so I will direct you to a wonderful review on The Feminist Spectator.

And how does this relate to my blog and my journey with Joaquin? Well, I had no idea myself until a scene with "Little Mongo" appeared and took my breath away.

An excerpt from The Feminist Spectator's blog:

Precious’s first baby by her father has Down syndrome and has been banished, by Mary, to live with Mary’s mother. Mary, who can’t stand the sight of her, calls the baby “Mongo,” short for “Mongoloid.” The sweet girl is friendly and affectionate, cheerful and placid. When Mary’s mother, wary and suspicious of her own daughter, brings the little girl to their Harlem apartment in anticipation of a city social worker’s visit, the three-year-old’s non-discriminating, innocent affect throws into even sharper relief the cruelty in which Precious lives.

Innocent, non-discriminating, friendly, affectionate, cheerful, placid. Words l love to hear associated with children with Down syndrome. Words I've found to be so true.

All I can really say is, go see this movie. It will move you.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Litmus Test

I seriously think that Joaquin could be the ultimate litmus test for whether or not a person is truly good or capable of true joy and love.

Case in point...going through the airport with Joaquin in the stroller waving hello and blowing kisses to ABSOLUTELY everyone. And he does this with absolute abandon and at the same time is so genuine about it. Watching people's response to this type of open affection was truly remarkable. I felt like I was the director of some social experiment. People either completely "got it" and were just as open with their affection back to him or people just looked with confusion or disbelief. I really feel bad for the latter.

It was so refreshing to see people give the love back to Joaquin or just to see that their day was made brighter by the smile of a child. Even young children were touched by his enthusiasm. On the other hand, it was so sad to see some people who were so inside themselves or so downtrodden that they were not able to embrace or even acknowledge this sweet boy giving them love.

All I can really say is that it was a joy to be a passenger on Joaquin's love train through the airport.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Christmas Card 2009


To all my blogging friends who are now my extended family, here is our Christmas card this year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!