08-20-2008
Retard = Caring, Sharing & Hugging
Retard = Caring, Sharing & Hugging There has been some recent press over the newly released movie “Tropic Thunder”. I will confess, I don’t usually pay much attention to the new releases since there will never be anything equivalent to the caliber of Barney. That purple dinosaur really knows what’s important in life ~ caring, sharing, and hugging! It has come to my attention that the main character in the movie (played by Ben Stiller~ my brothers loved him in Night at the Museum) is named Jack (spelled wrong). They refer to him as ‘Simple Jack – the retard’. I even heard the movie‘s marketing campaign is selling mass quantities of t-shirts with that slogan. Personally, I can think of several things that money could be better spent on, such as feeding the hungry and finding a cure for seizure disorders.
· I have heard a lot of people use the word ‘retard’ and it seems more and more popular. I only recently was told that it is often used to make fun of someone or in a derogatory way. I was confused since my family has always taught me that retard means; “holy, wonderful, child of God”. So, I looked it up and here is what is in the dictionary: 1. to make slow; delay the development or progress of (an action, process, etc.); hinder or impede. As I read the definition, I couldn’t help but agree with what my family has told me that ‘retard’ is a good thing. People in the world around me seem to be moving so fast all the time, the fact that I have been given the gift of being able to slow down, not hurry up; to be still and listen instead of being constantly surrounded by noise; to be able to be present in each moment and appreciate every breath I take and every song I hear Barney sing. No matter what I am doing, I always have time for caring, sharing and hugging. I definitely see why me being ‘retarded’ is a good thing. So even if there are people who don’t get it and perhaps might even make fun of it (forgive them Lord, they know not what they do) I just think they might need more hugs.
I I wish for you a day of slowing down not speeding up, of delaying the hurry and making time for being still, for listening to the birds instead of the TV, for laughing with friends, smiling at strangers, and always having time for caring, sharing and hugging! In the words of my great mentor Barney, “With a great big hug, and a kiss from me to you… never forget I love you” (I changed the last part, but I do love you)!
Namaste,
Jac Labeled by this world: globally delayed, speech disabled, autistic, epileptic, special needs, hypotonic, mentally retardedLabeled by God: my holy son, my prophet, my saint, my beloved child, the perfection of love~ perfect exactly as I made you! More thoughts by Jac are available in Special Angel: Through the Eyes of Jac. Copies can be ordered through his biggest fan –his mom! http://icydk.com/2008/08/05/ben-stillers-movie-in-disability-fight/http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=retard
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