43. Savage Love, indeed

So, five days ago I declared war on a nationally syndicated columnist because he used a very hurtful headline on his own blog. The columnist is Dan Savage, the headline was "The Tard Supper." I'm not going to go into all of the details about this situation – anyone who isn't familiar with it can read all about it on my advocacy blog, Oz Squad.

Anyway, to sum up what happened, I was offended, along with scores of other parents of children who have Down syndrome. We posted dozens of comments on Dan's blog asking that the headline be removed and demanding an apology. I actually made direct contact with Dan via email. He didn't apologize, but he did read my emails and he did write me back a few times (too bad he had nothing to say). He very likely even visited this blog. But it looks like that's all I'll ever get from Dan Savage.

Days later, I'm left to ask myself why, exactly, this particular episode struck so deep a chord with me. Why did I care so much about this headline? Aside from the fact that the headline was hate speech (wildly inappropriate, especially when used by a syndicated columnist), the answer, I think, is that my idols are falling before my eyes. I was a fan of Dan's column, just like I was a fan of the comedian/radio host I mentioned a few posts back. It's really shocking when a person you like says something so hurtful for such a cheap, disposable laugh. I feel betrayed.

I don't want this to be so personal. I want to just brush it aside and forge ahead, just forgive and forget. But something about this particular brand of senseless mocking is just unforgettable for me. It leaves a stain that never really washes away. I can read Dan's column again, I guess, but I'll never really enjoy it the same way. Not ever again. No matter how hard I try.

I have this uneasy feeling that this sort of thing will continue to happen, and I'll gradually have no more idols. No place to turn for entertainment. Jon Stewart? Colbert? Conan? Please, please no. Please guys, don't say anything stupid. Just let me believe that you are decent men, even if you are all jackasses.

Like everyone, at the end of the day I enjoy a good laugh. But I would appreciate it if people did not make jokes at the expense of my child.

Also, I would appreciate it if Saturday Night Live was funny again - last night's episode was terrible. But I digress.

42. We can make a difference! Let's help CDC!

This message is for other parents who have a child with Down syndrome. Lisa, my amazing and fantastic friend over at Genetically Enhanced, needs our help. Lisa is offering us the opportunity to help update and improve the online Ds information found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site. You can read all about the project here.

41. Update

Hi everyone. Lately I haven't been all that active online, but I have a good reason. Last week I had surgery on the tendons in my ankle, and I have been recovering in my recliner (which is downstairs), far, far away from my computer (which is upstairs). I don't have a cool sports-related injury or anything. Apparently I was born with crummy ankle bones that aren't shaped properly, and those crummy bones have put a lot of stress on my tendons over the years, and lately I have been experiencing a lot of pain and swelling. So the doc has apparently taken care of the problem in my left ankle, which was the worst offender. Anyway, I thought I would share a few recent photos with you.

Ozzie, helping me recover



Layla and Ozzie (Supergirl and Superman) on Halloween