Discussion over at Faith and Family Blog

In my new role as director of International Down Syndrome Coalition for Life, I led the discussion when Danielle Bean blogged about Jennifer Anniston using the word "retard" as a pejorative. Several members, at my request, joined in to explain why banning the use of 'the R word' was more than political correctness run amok, it was a refusal to join in on the dehumanization of our fellow man.
 Some, unlike me, object to the clinical use of the term retarded, while I only object to the term "retard" as a derogatory word. The word retard in French means slow, and yes, Christina learns more slowly than others. It is a simple, measurable fact which in NO WAY makes her less worthy of my love or a place in society.  I know words can sound dated; when I lived in London, I passed the "Spastics Society" building every day, wondering how the Brits didn't find that term offensive. I am not so concerned with the evolution of terms throughout time, as the intentional dehumanizing of an entire class of people who are slated for destruction, as evidenced by the 90% abortion rate.
We were battling an intense barrage of people who refused to listen to our side of things, and were fed up with banned words. I understand, with politically correctness dictating so many of our actions in society, that it can be frustrating, however, Catholics must guard their speech and never be a party to the Culture of Death, no matter how burdensome.
 Danielle remained our champion, as you can see by her follow up post in Faith and Family Live blog, where she shows appreciation for my contribution to the conversation.She also expressed so much sorrow at the horrible statistic which haunts my life; 90% of babies diagnosed with Down syndrome in the womb are aborted.
Thanks, Danielle!

Kristin Bothur on Catholic TV Show; "This is the Day"

I was so proud of Kristin, who faced the big cameras, and answered questions like a pro during her interview Friday morning at Catholic TV. First, we attended Mass and were welcomed by host Jay and Fr Reed in the green room, who did a wonderful job of setting her at ease.
Then we went to Quincy Market for a celebratory lunch, and rushed home to share the link with our children.
Congratulations, Kristin!

Watch her on this link.

Queenshhip of Mary and a hidden life

The Friars of the Immaculate celebrate the Queenship of Mary with a beautiful outdoor Mass and potluck lunch. Christina sat during the Mass, holding a bouquet of flowers from our new garden, smelling the fragrant red roses. She knelt in the grass at my side and received her second Holy Communion.
Then we shared a quiche made from our garden's fresh zucchini with the community of 200. We sat with our friends the Bothurs as they planned their house blessing tomorrow. Christina played on the swingset with her friends while I met Patty, a 52 year old woman with Down syndrome and her mother. They seem to have such a close friendship, I could see Christina's and my future relationship in them.
Mary, lived with Our Savior for 30 years in relative obscurity, and, while we prayed the rosary after Mass,  I wondered what He had gained from so many quiet years with only his Mother for company, to prepare Him for three years in the public eye, and for His sacrificial death on the Cross. Looking at that quietly happy pair, mother and adult daughter with Down syndrome, I could see some of the peace and joy which must have filled those 30 quiet years which Our Lady shared with Jesus. What a blessing for both of them it was!

Thank you Mary for this meditation, for your example of the hidden life in Nazareth with Jesus, and for the special relatiionship Christina and I will share when her sisters have grown up and left home, just as she was my only companion at Mass today, patiently holding flowers for you, and resting in my arms.

 It was a blessing to help  her receive Our Lord again on your feast day.

She is truly a gift from God's Hand.

Has there been enough joy this summer?

Although my girls were happy in school, after ten years of homeschooling, I missed them. Sure, there was plenty of time to write, and my blogs were more frequent, but I spent a lot of time planning the fun things we were to do this summer. Now that summer days are dwindling down to that precious two weeks, I look back and ask myself if there was enough joy this summer?
Sure, we decluttered the house, we painted the bathroom, we finally unpacked the wall art and hung it in my room, we helped our friends move, we helped at Birthright, and St Marys' Rummage Sale, we attended Mass more often and began a weekly eucharistic adoration appointment. All these are worthy projects and have made me very satisfied, but did we forget joy this summer?

No, I must say, no, we managed to fit in joy between all this busy-ness. Maybe even because of it.

Weekday Mass and adoration, spontaneous campfires and visits to friends, lazy sunny afternoons spent in the pool, cool twight learning to ride my bike uphill with Molly running alongside (yikes!) enjoying visits with Grandpa, Abeula, Uncle Bill and cousin Mike, sharing the wonder in Christina's eyes when she received Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist for the first time, watching her watch hatching chicks at farm school, two trips to wonderful Monfort Retreat in New Hampshire if only for the day, a week with old friends on Long Island, three, (count em) inspiring writer's conferences in New York, Philadelphia and Boston, meeting famous writers face to face, learningn to take care of our new chickens, finally transplanting my favorite perennials from my home on Long Island,  growing a super-abundant  veggie garden  (we have 300 tomatoes ripening as I write this, I am preparing to can tomatoes for the first time!) and enjoying all this abundant joy to the soundtrack of "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" (See my favorite song below)

There has been so much joy this summer, I haven't shared much of it because of intermittent computer glitches (two of three computers in this house are STILL down) and just plain lack of time.
We may not have achieved all our goals (getting to swim in the ocean, visit Mark Twain's home, Sturbridge Village, and climb a mountain as a family, though Bella did climb one at camp), we still have a week to go. . .enjoy these last precious days of summer with your children.

Kristin's big move

It took me two years, yes, two years to finally fully unpack and feel moved into this beautiful new home. Yesterday, my family and I helped Kristin Bothru of 11 On My Own and her family move into her new home, and today she'll be unpacking books. Books for a homeschooling mom are ususally 50% or more of our boxes when moving, and the last thing to be unpacked, so I am so impressed.
The reporters from the Hartford Courant and Fox 61 were duly impressed as well, and said so, as we formed human chains and passed boxes along smoothly and quickly into the waiting truck. One asked me what our secret was, and I mentioned the fact that we had just coordinated efforts for our parish Rummage Sale. The Holy Spirit made it a smooth and peaceful move, and we finished by saying grace over 8 pizzas, the first prayer in Kristin's new home. I was honored to give the statue of Our Lady a ride, seatbelted into my van, and the photographers loved it, taking photos of her trip, and her arrival in the new home.
I hope we were a witness to the life of Christ in our hearts, and that when this appears on the Fox 61 website and the Sunday August 22 edition of the Hartford Courant, that many people exclaim, "See those Catholics, how they love one another?"
UPDATE: Read the Courant article here, and see the photos here.

 

Fr Benedict Groeschel to speak at Ave Maria Home Banquet Sept 25

Ave Maria Home Gala!

on
Sept 25, 2010,

at the Holiday Inn,
10 Laura Blvd,
 Norwich, CT

Keynote Speaker:

Fr. Benedict Groeschel!!!

Plan to Join us!

Christina's First Holy Communion

Yesterday, on the feast of St Theresa Benedicta of the Cross, Christina Maria received Jesus for the first time in Holy Communion.

Catholic Mom Handbook

Afrer writing for more than a year for Catholic Mom.com, it was a pleasure to meet Lisa Hendey, and learn from her tips for writers. Lisa is as upbeat and warm as she seems online, and she ignited interest in podcasting, just in time for the Catholic New Media Conference in Boston this weekend.

Catholic Writer's Conference

This is the author's reception at the Catholic Marketing Network in Philadelphia this week. My friend Kristin Bothur is down to her last copy of "11 On My Own". I was able to meet the authors of some of the books I am reviewing and those, like Mary Eberstadt's "The Loser Letters", which I am dying to review. We were treated to a preview of "There Be Dragons" which features St Josemaria Escriva (more about that later).

I just returned from the Catholic Marketing Network

Lisa Hendey was quick to upload this photo to Facebook, with yours truly, Lisa, Ebeth Weidner, and Kristina Bothur. It was great to meet you Ebeth and Lisa!

Changing Minds Foundation

Many times I have spoken here and on The Face of Pro-life about Dr William Mobley's research on improving cognition and memory for our children with T21, yet I am suprised to find this wonderful group already holding conferences and doing field research on the research medications.
The Charing Minds Foundation is a group of parent advocates whose children have Down syndrome and are dedicated to supporting Dr Mobley's resarch.
Read their inspiring press release about the recent Houston Conference here.

An important meeting for our children

A very important meeting this week at the Royal Society of Medicine in London.

Prof William Mobley / USA, Prof Michael Crawford / UK, Prof Jacqueline London / France, plus our brain researchers. Discussing medicines and research to improve memory and brain function.
Check our website http://www.dsrf-uk.org/ for more information.

Dont forget to support this research - we are in this together - fighting for our children looking for that miracle. Its just around the corner.

Peter Elliott 
I might add that Dr Jerome Lejeune felt the same way, that we would find a treatment for Down syndrome. May he pray for us from his seat near Our Lord that these good doctors may find a way to help our children.

Cathy McMorris Rogers on the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Dear Friends,

Today, I join you in celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA was a landmark bill - one of the most important civil rights achievements in U.S. history - because it gave more than 50 million Americans the opportunity to live the American Dream.

One of those Americans is my son, Cole, who happened to be born with Down Syndrome.

When Cole was born 3 years ago, the disability community welcomed me and my family with open arms. With their friendship and support, I've found a new focus and passion for being a Member a Congress:
 To make sure that Cole – and all disabled Americans – have the best opportunities for education, employment, and independent living.

Today, I spoke on the House floor to recognize the ADA anniversary (click here to watch it). I also spoke at a press conference with some of the leaders of the original ADA law (including Sen. Tom Harkin, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, former Majority Whip Tony Coehlo, Rep. James Sensenbrenner, and Anthony Imparato, President and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities [AAPD]). At the press conference, we reaffirmed our commitment to fulfilling the promise of the ADA – not just expanding opportunities for people with disabilities, but also empowering them to lead independent, successful lives.

In related news, last week I had the privilege of addressing the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) National Convention. You can see my power point presentation – plus some of the highlights of my speech – at my new webpage, Down Syndrome Legislative Updates. Click here to view the page and let me know what you think.
Also, last Wednesday, I had the privilege of receiving the AAPD's "Justice for All Award." In my acceptance speech, I said that, "We've come a long way in 20 years, but we still have a long way to go. Let's use the ADA anniversary as inspiration for creating a 'more perfect union' for people with disabilities and all Americans."
I look forward to continuing to work with the disability community – a community I'm proud to be a part of - on the issues that are important to us. Thank you for your support, leadership, and friendship.

Best Wishes,
Cathy McMorris Rodgers
Member of Congress

The Challenge of Imperfection

Is the title of an interesting article on MercatorNet which talks about the Spanish World Cup coach whose son with Down syndrome helped his team celebrate victory.
I loved the author's description of the absolute necessity of those who are ready for parenthood being ready to commit to  selfless sacrifice, but was disturbed by his quote of President Obama's Inauguration Speech near the end of the piece.

"What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition… that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept, but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character than giving our all to a difficult task."

Maybe since he doesn't live in the USA, the author hasn't had acces to the independent media who would inform him how our president has failed to live up to this gradiose rhetoric, especially with regards to the unborn child.
The unborn child in America has never been at greater risk, as under the Obama administration. In less that two years, a billion dollars has been given to Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion business in the world, and for the first time, federal tax dollars are going to be used for abortions, thanks to his health care plan. Doctors like Ezekiel Emmanuel who favor rationing of health care to the healthiest among us are prepared to take over the health care system and ration the care to those whose higher score on "quality of life" calculations merit more attention. In short, those whose genetic predispostions like Down syndrome,  include expensive treatments will be denied care. Sarah Palin fears these "Death Panels" will deny her son Trig medical care. I fear the same for my eight year old with Down syndrome.
I take my responsiblity very seriously as a parent. I was down in Washington DC to protest Obamacare, for the good of my special needs daughter as part of Health Care for Gunner Press Conference on Sept 15, 2009. Were you listening, President Obama? We want you to be responsible for our children's well being, since you chose to take over our health care system.
Our children are precious to us, and you use them only to be the but of your jokes. We are ready to fight for them, and take you out of office.
http://web.me.com/kristanhawkins/www.healthcareforgunner.com/Welcome_Page.html

Do children with Down syndrome feel inferior?

Super post over at Vital Signs blog about the so called breakthrough in prenatal testing for Down syndrome. I wince every time it is said that lives will be saved, because it is simply not true. Typcial babies may be saved the risk of miscarriage posed by Amnio, however the ten percent of babies with Down syndrome who escape the knife at this time, will likely perish. I suppose if you consider them less than human, then they don't count.
You'll have to tell my spunky eight year old Christina she's not worth saving.
I can't.
You see, she thinks she is a beautiful, unique, irreplaceable child of God.
Poor simple girl, what does she know?

I am becoming a Culture of Life speaker

Sometimes I have to pinch myself,  God is changing me so much, I hardly recognize myself.  I was the shy girl whose music teacher recommended she learn violin since she was so quiet, and didn't have the wind for a wind instrument. I was the one who dreaded oral presentations in her high school classes. Now, I am embarking on a career which includes getting up in front of large audiences, both in person and in the media, and giving a speech. You know this is the work of  the Holy Spirit. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined myself speaking in front of a gaggle of cameras on Capitol Hill at an official press conference against Obamacare last September. I participated in a panel discussion of Catholic mothers of children with Down syndrome for the Catholic Speakers Series for the Joint Parish Respect Life Committee and the Faith Formation Office of the Diocese of Brooklyn this spring which included a short TV interview for Currents, a program of Net TV, the diocesan TV station. View the video here.

Here are some of the speaking engagements I have been planned for this year.
I am speaking this Saturday at St Mary's Church in Coventry, CT after the 9AM Mass for the Gospel of Life Society about my founding of Keep Infants with Down Syndrome and my upcoming book "A Special Mother is Born".
 I will be interviewing for Catholic TV in Boston about my book sometime this summer.

Now, I have a major speaking engagement on October 30, 2010. I will be speaking alonside Fr Brian Mullady, OP, author and  popular EWTN show host.
I will be moderating a workshop titled WINNING THE WAR FOR HEARTS AND MINDS OF YOUTH at our Respect Life Conference scheduled for Saturday, October 30, 2010. The Conference will open at 9:00 a.m. and the workshops will start at 9:30 a.m.
I hope to have my book available to purchase at this venue.
See you there!

Worldwide Consecration to Mary on August 15

This is from a Facebook friend. If you haven't tried Facebook, you should, there are so many wonderful Catholics events and groups,  that it is difficult to keep up with them all. I just completed my Marian Consecration as part of my first year of formation in the MIM Militiae Immaculata Mediartrix, the third order of the Franciscans of the Immaculate. I completed my consecration the day before my birthday. It was a life changing experience, I feel closer to Our Lady than ever before in my life. Imagine if there were a mass consecration of souls to her Immaculate Heart? Could we help bring about a mass conversion, bringing the world a step closer to the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart?
See how this might be happening.

As we get closer to August 15th, The Feast day of the Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary, our thoughts turn to the Consecration to Jesus through Mary as a way of preparing to celebrate well that wonderful feast day of our mother Mary’s assumption. Because Mary’s assumption is always a blessed day here on Earth and in heaven we need to prepare to celebrate it well. So today, I would like to let you know of the Worldwide Consecration to Jesus through Mary, where by you can consecrate yourself to Jesus through Mary. I would really encourage you to join in the consecration if you can, it’s really wonderful and can take your spiritual life to a higher level. It’s the method of John Paul II, Mother Theresa, and Fr. Corapi.


I recommend you pick up a copy of St. Montfort’s True Devotion to Mary, I am sure you can find a copy at your Parish / Church Book store or any Catholic Book shop in your town.

You can also check out the website:

http://www.icatholicradio.com/station-events/consecrate-yourself/

Also, here is the link to the facebook group, you can join

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=108292985916&ref=ts

just a few words, the Worldwide Consecration to Jesus through Mary was started last year by one of my friends Steven (an employee at the Station of the Cross Catholic Radio) together with Fr Corapi. Where by Catholics Consecrate themselves to Jesus through Mary according to the method of St. Louis De Montfort and its been tried and proven by John Paul II, Mother Theresa, and Fr. Corapi that is I recommend you to join as well and be blessed as join.

Participate in study about how famlies deal with Down syndrome

Below is a message from Dr Marcia Van Riper at UNC Chapel Hill.
She is doing a study about how famlies cope with the diagnosis of Down syndrome. Please participate and encourage others to do the same. We want the message to get out that our children do change our lives, for the better.
Leticia

Our goal is to collect information from a large, diverse group of families. We are planning to use the results of this study to increase awareness about what life is like in families ofchildren with Down syndrome.

If you know parents who might be interested in participating in the
study feel free to share my email
vanriper@email.unc.edu
and the linksbelow with other families.

Here are the links to the online survey.
Link for mothers: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3KBM795

Link for fathers: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3KBQN5M

Precious Lord the song and the story

from my email

THE STORY OF THE BIRTH OF THE SONG 'PRECIOUS LORD'


Back in 1932, I was a fairly new husband. My wife, Nettie and I were living in a little apartment on Chicago 's south side. One hot August afternoon I had to go to St. Louis where I was to be the featured soloist at a large revival meeting. I didn't want to go. Nettie was in the last month of pregnancy with our first child. But a lot of people were expecting me in St. Louis . I kissed

Nettie good-bye, clattered downstairs to our Model A and, in a fresh Lake
Michigan breeze, chugged out of Chicago on Route 66.

However, outside the city, I discovered that in my anxiety at leaving, I had forgotten my music case. I wheeled around and headed back.

I found Nettie sleeping peacefully. I hesitated by her bed; something was strongly telling me to stay. But eager to get on my way, and not wanting to disturb Nettie, I shrugged off the feeling and quietly slipped out of the room with my music.

The next night, in the steaming St. Louis heat, the crowd called on me to sing again and again. When I finally sat down, a messenger boy ran up with a Western Union telegram. I ripped open the envelope. Pasted on the yellow sheet were the words: YOUR WIFE JUST DIED.

People were happily singing and clapping around me, but I could hardly keep from crying out. I rushed to a phone and called home. All I could hear on the other end was 'Nettie is dead. Nettie is dead.'

When I got back, I learned that Nettie had given birth to a boy. I swung between grief and joy. Yet that same night, the baby died. I buried Nettie and our little boy together, in the same casket. Then I fell apart.

For days I closeted myself. I felt that God had done me an injustice. I didn't want to serve Him anymore or write gospel songs. I just wanted to go back to that jazz world I once knew so well. But then, as I hunched alone in that dark apartment those first sad days, I thought back to the afternoon I went to St. Louis . Something kept telling me to stay with Nettie. Was that something God? Oh, if I had paid more attention to Him that day, I would have stayed and been with Nettie when she died.

From that moment on I vowed to listen more closely to Him. But still I was lost in grief. Everyone was kind to me, especially one friend. The following Saturday evening he took me up to Maloney's Poro College , a neighborhood music school. It was quiet; the late evening sun crept through the curtained windows.

I sat down at the piano, and my hands began to browse over the keys. Something happened to me then. I felt at peace. I felt as though I could reach out and touch God. I found myself playing a melody, once into my head the words just seemed to fall into place: 'Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn, through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light, take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.'

The Lord gave me these words and melody, He also healed my spirit. I learned that when we are in our deepest grief, when we feel farthest from God, this is when He is closest, and when we are most open to His restoring power.

And so I go on living for God willingly and joyfully, until that day comes when He will take me and gently lead me home..

-Tommy Dorsey-

The Word Made Flesh

It was a weekend full of inspiration for writers at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, NY where the first annual LI Catholic Writer's Conference was held.
 I met old friends Lisa Mladinich, founder of LI Catholic Writers,  Alice Gunther, MacBeth Derham, Mary Ellen Barrett, Catherine Cammarata,Michele Merrinan Berg,  and Dawn Eskew. I was able to renew my friendship with award winning children's author Josephine Nobisso of Gingerbread House Books (read my review of Take it to the Queen), and Among Women podcaster and Faith and Family contributor Pat Gohn, whose presentation encouraging writers to use social networking lit a fire under the audience, many of whom have connected with me since then. Pat has had me on her Among Women podcast twice and has been a mentor and cheerleader for me in my writing career. She garnered quite a few more mentorees with her dynamic presentation.
I was honored to finally meet  Elizabeth Scalia, that insightful columnist  known widely as The Anchoress over at First Things, and Celeste Behe of Faith and Family. I had the pleasure of listening to Michael Behe describe his book "Darwin's Black Box" at a CHAPLET Conference,  now I know where his inspiration comes from! Nice to meet such seasoned professionals in person.
New to the blogging scene, but certainly a rising star is Dr Gerard Nadal, PhD whose blog Coming Home has made him both friends and enemies by his courageous defense of human life. I had the honor of introducing him to Theresa Bonapartis, the directer of Lumina post abortion ministries affiliated with the Sisters of Life.
Catholic Writer's Guild president Ann Lewis made it all the way from Ohio, and we had time for a chat about the Catholic Arts and Letters Award, on whose committee I serve. She gave the CALA award to Long Island Catholic editor Rick Hinshaw, the keynote speaker. Monsignor Fink gave an oustanding homily a the Mass with extensive references to Tolkien's Ring Trilogy, reminding us that our writing contributes to the music of God's creation, and will be heard in heaven.
Many thanks to Peggy Clores, Alice Gunther and Lisa Mladinich whose tireless dedication made this conference possible, take a bow ladies!
Here is the Diocese of Brooklyn's net TV coverage of the conference in it's Currents program.
Read Pat Gohn's post at Among Women.

Among all these celebrated writers, I must mention Gabriela, my lovely seventeen year old whose essay My Sister is Special which won first place in the Diocesan Respect Life Essay Contest has been reprinted more times than I can count. First the Spanish diocesan paper Fe Feurza Y Vida translated it, then editor Marta Moscosa suggested a youth column be started in the Long Island Catholic. As soon as he took over as editor, Rick Hinshaw was on the case, asking Gabbi permission to reprint her essay as the first piece in Youth Voice. Rick remembered that, and he greeted Gabbi when she came to the conference. TLIC reported Lena Pennino who reported on Gabbi's winning the Respect Life over five years ago, asked Gabbi if she remembered her. An impact far beyond her years, I am so proud of my celebrated young writer.

Lutz family to get Extreme Home Makeover

I am always impressed by the generousity of parents who adopt children with disabilities. The Lutz family of Long Island adopted 18 children altogether, six of whom have T21. Now the parents are gone, and two of the simblings are caring for those with Down syndrome. Their family home is crumbling and Ty Pennington and his crew are coming to the rescue with Extreme Makeover; Home Edition.
The kickoff happened this week at Yankee Stadium, with lots of hugs and fanfare.
Read the entire article in the Daily News.

Happy Father's Day

To my husband, the father of my three girls, to my Godfather Al, to my dad Ralph, and my pastor, Fr Joseph Tito, Happy Father's Day.

We love you and appreciate all you do for us!
God bless you, and give you a wonderful day.

View The Voyage of the Dawn Treader trailer

In a nod to the power of Christian filmgoers, the producers of the next film in CS Lewis "The Chronicles of Narnia" series, "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" have pre-released the film's trailer to Christian media outlets.

We will be reporting to them the number of hits we achieve within the next 24 hours. Do your part and click here to view the trailer on my site Catholic Media Review and pass the link on to your friends.

Show Hollywood that the Christian audience which made "The Passion of the Christ" an international phenomenon has not diminished. Make your voice heard.

Modesty at Mass

This is one of the most discussed topic in our house of teens. We have a modesty check of the skirt wearing young ladies BEFORE they enter the van to go to Mass. We don't do veils all the time,unless we are going to Latin Mass,  but we dress up in skirts and modest tops, nice shoes, shirts and dress slacks for men.
We change as soon as we get home so the clothing will last longer.
Here is a fasinating article from Msgr Pope of the Archdisocese of Washington on modesty in church.
HT Spirit Daily.

Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta :

The feast of the Immaculate heart of Mary, cause of our joy, is drawing near. Our preparation for the great day should be that of deep, humble gratitude to God. Let us ask two special graces from Our Lady:

The grace of perseverance in our beautiful vocation, and delicate love for God’s poor. The greatness of Our Lady was in her humility. No wonder Jesus wanted to live so close to her. We learn from him and from her one lesson: To be meek and humble of heart.

Thirsting For God, 120.
Source: Mary Vitamin

Nutrient offers great promise for people with Down syndrome

My husband will back me up on this, Christina's new favorite breakfast is "eggs". She asks for them constantly. It didn't strike me as unsual or prophetic, till now, when it sends a chill down my spine.

A nutrient taken by expectant and new mothers may offer lifelong "dramatic" health benefits to people with Down's syndrome, according to new research.


The study, which was carried out at Cornell University, claims that the nutrient choline, found in egg yolks, liver and cauliflower, could provide lasting cognitive and emotional benefits to people with Down's syndrome.

DId I mention we have just added a chicken coop to our yard?
Thanks to our three hens, we get fresh brown eggs every day. How generous is God's provision for us!
Read the entire article here.

Walk-a-thon for Ave Maria Home

Last Sunday, the famliy of Kristin over at 11 On My Own joined us for a walk-a-thon for Birthright and Ave Maria Home. Kristin blogged about it here. She has photos, check it out.
We enjoyed a long walk in the summer air, with the rainstorm holding off thanks to our chaplain's prayers.  Then the Bothur girls sang folksongs while we rested and enjoyed lunch together.
I am accepting pledges late for this, I walked five miles. All funds will help the Ave Maria Home for homeless pregnant women.
Leave contact info below in the comments or email me at marysjoys@yahoo.com

New England Catholic Homeschool Conference

Kristin Bothur my author friend over at 11 on my own has a post on our wonderful day at the conference meeting our favorite authors, Danielle Bean and Susie Lloyd. 
What Kristin is too modest to mention is that great numbers of conference partipants recognized her from her blog and she sold a lot of books.
I was certainly in good company, between great Catholic authors Danielle Bean, Susie Lloyd and Kristin Bothur. I hope to joing their ranks shortly when "A Special Mother is Born" is published this fall.
We were flanked by our dear friends the Friars of the Immaculate from Griswold, CT, and the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary from Still River, MA. We enjoyed many edifying conversations on the faith and Catholic education, not to mention a delicious Polish lunch.
I was able to visit with my friend Patrice Fagnant McArthur of Spiritual Woman, and meet Margot Davidson of Hillside Publishing, which publishes Mater et Magister magazine. I love her book Lingua Mater, the seventh grade Literarture based writing curriculum. With this book I taught a class of homeschooling girls how to hone their writing skills, and four of them entered and won essay and poetry prizes in the Diocesan Respect Life Essay contest. The next year, the Diocese of Rockville Centre added the category "Homeschooled" to the list of participants. Thank you Hillside Education!
I enjoyed Susie Lloyd's talk on St Francis de Sales, one of my favorite spiritual writers, and Allison Gingras' on home educating children with special needs.
It was a  blessed day of sharing what we love about passing on our faith to our children.

The results of my eye exam were good; for now

Here is what Dr Vavvas of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary told me.

I have a 1.7mm high choroidal nevur behind my right eyeball. He called it a 'suspicious lesion'. It's smaller than the 2 mm which they use as the cutoff point for concern, and I have no additional symptoms like detached retina, flashing lights, floaters, pain, etc. So it may be nothing, however, we are being cautious and monitoring it.

Since they don't have any photos to compare the growth or non-growth of the lesion, they will examine me in six months in December to see if there are any changes. This could develop into a uveal melanoma and require the insertion of a button with radiation to kill the cancer. This could damage my better-than-perfect eyesight in my eye. I have had excellent eyesight up to now, thanks be to God.

The doctor I saw was covering for Dr Gragoudas, who 'wrote the book' on treating this type of condition without removing tissue from the eyeball. I am trying to modify my diet and pray during these six months that God has given me to be able to save myself from surgery which may damage my vision.

Thank you all for your prayers. They keep me going.

Leticia