She's eight, but she has a lot on her mind, that one...
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Dear Barack Obama,
When you said the thing about the Special Olympics, it really hurt my family. My little brother, Jack, has autism and we felt like you made a joke out of him. He's a great person. Sure, he has autism. But he's the same as anyone else in the world. I think he's the best little brother in the whole world and he shouldn't be made fun of.
I am in third grade and my little brother gets notices about kindergarten but he can't go to my school. A lot of people in public make fun of him, and it makes me feel bad. My brother doesn't even seem to understand that people think that he's dumb or stupid. He is practically normal, but it's just something in his brain that makes him different.
Really, he's not dumb or stupid at all, but he is unique.
Now a lot of people think it's okay to make fun of people with special needs. But I think that people with special needs are strong, because they have a hard time learning. But they're trying their best.
Sincerely,
Amy Ursitti
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We are stamping and sealing and sending this on. Special needs siblings have so much to say.
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To read more about perspectives from siblings of kids with autism check out the new book from Ouisie Shapiro called Autism and Me. I'm so proud to say that Amy contributed to this beautiful book. I think I'll be sending a copy of it along with Amy's letter to the President.
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22 comments:
I LOVE IT!! You guys have obviously done an incredible job with Amy. It's obvious she gets as much from you as Jack does, and I can't imagine how hard it is to balance that. From all I've read from you and her, Amy is an amazing young lady.
Judith-
It is so very obvious that Amy gets her strength and convictions from you...
What an awesome girl you've got there! Be proud!!
She really is a beautiful human being. I'm so proud of both of my children. They have changed my life in ways I never, ever anticipated. The change has been painful at times, but it's all been for good.
I am so blessed. Thank you for sharing my joy.
WOW!!!! my four year old is starting to ask questions about his sister... that is amazing that she came up with that!
That is one special girl you have there. That's awesome.
You go Amy!! You kick butt and take names just like your Mama!!! Then you send them to your Aunt Jenny in Jersey and they go on my voodoo doll.
Read the book already. Will Amy sign mine please?
Also please write me a parenting book, Judith as umm yeah I lost my clue.
xoxoxo Happy Easter!
beautiful!
try as we might, it is these kids that will change the world
love to all of you
Amy's my hero, and ditto for her mommy. Thanks for sharing this touching letter.
That is amazing and incredibly insightful! She is wonderful and you obviously did a fantastic job raising her. maybe she could show our new president compassion
Great Job Amy!! and MOM and DAD!
So, so beautiful. Thank you, Amy. And thank you, mama, for sending it to the man who needs to hear it.
Ditto what Kim and MMD said.
Even Presidents need a good talking to sometimes.
I'll pay double for the book signed by all 3 of you.
Here's to a great Mom.
Take care,
Mark
Hi Judith,
That's perfect. Good for Amy, and good on you guys for raising her right!
Also, after months of hibernation I started writing again, and I was happy to see your blog over here. You're too good a writer and deserve more control over your own content!
Thank you guys ... This all came from Amy's beautiful heart and I really can't take much credit there.
Pardon the indulgence, but my favorite line is this:
"Really, he's not dumb or stupid at all, but he is unique.."
She hit the nail on the head with that one. She's got it all figured out and she's only eight.
She said it so much better than I could. I love her heart.
You GO, Amy. :)
Amazing the insight of a child! I hope you don't mind...I love this so much I posted it on my blog and linked back to you.
That's so nice of you! :)
Hi mom. Thanks for posting this on your blog. I can't wait to hear your next blog!
I hope you read all of the really nice things some of the grownups wrote here Ames.. You should feel really proud of yourself!
So profound and so true. Thank you for sharing that letter.
I just have to add that we are still waiting to hear back from the president on this...
Not..cool...
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