Aunt Christine (Down Syndrome)

When I was a very young girl I learned of Aunt Christine. I was told she was ‘retarded’. That was the ONLY word EVER used (by my mother) to describe her. I was made to feel like something was wrong with Aunt Christine. I was afraid of her. Yet, I was made to eat a coconut cookie that she’d made during the only visit clear to me. I didn’t like the cookie & have not developed a taste for coconut to this day. Aunt Christine had Down Syndrome. She was not ‘retarded’. She, I’m sure, was a precious gem. If I had been taught to respect her & love her unconditionally, she would have been the purest safest soul on that side of the family. But they didn’t have it in’em to teach/give. If you ask me, a whole lot of something was wrong with everyone else & NOT Aunt Christine. She would be somewhere in her 80’s if she were still alive. I look forward to knowing her & loving her … & sharing in the excitement of being together in a world that is new!

From the Bottom to the Top

If you were forced to wear one outfit over and over again, what would it be?

New Balance running shoes, rubber soles. Levi’s (high waist, stretch, boot cut, deep pockets). Long, heavy weight t-shirt. Oversized hooded pullover sweatshirt (with deep pockets). Mid sized leather crossbody bag (with several practical compartments), RFID ready. Pearl post earrings. BAM!!!!!!!!!!!