Sarah

My mom and my 8-year old niece, Sarah, are here. Tomorrow night I'm taking her into the Won by One class with me. I can't wait to see her there. We're probably not going to stay, that'll be up to her highness.

I am so proud of her for wanting to meet her Unky Roggie's kids. [BY THE WAY, SHE IS THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN CALL ME THAT!!!!]

My sister, and brother in law are very fond of the word "retard". Example, you dropped ketchup on your shirt...RETARD!!! I hate it when they do that.

A few months ago, Sarah and her daddy were watching a movie. In that movie there was a character who was a racist. I don't know the movie, but the "N" word was used. My brother in law, was very good. He took that moment to teach Sarah that this word was bad, and very hurtful to people, and that she should not use it.

What's the difference? The "N" word is bad. Horrible, and stupid. However, is "Retard" better? I don't think so. Not at all.

I know "retard" has it's place, as in "Hoover Dam retards the flow of water" but when used as a casual insult....I cringe.

Oh, don't get me wrong, my sister and brother in law would never walk around calling my class "retards" they know better. They understand that it's inappropriate. I just hope that, in a few years, Sarah will take whatever she learns tomorow and has compassion on kids like that.

She's such a good girl.