Steve Hartman goes "On the Road" for Father's Day in Albuquerque, N.M. to tell the story of Tim Harris -- a man with Down syndrome who owns a restaurant -- and his proud father Richard Harris.
Just an example of how far a Down Syndrome child can go with the support of a truly loving family.
Too bad everyone doesn't always have those same opportunities.
Here's to YOU, Jesse! Have a WONDERFUL day!
ReplyDeleteA truly inspirational story. The stark and horrifying difference between this family and the Palins is astounding.
ReplyDeletePalin never talks about how much a child with Down syndrome can accomplish. She only ever talks about how wonderful and brave and noble she is to have "chosen" to take on the onerous task of raising a child with Down syndrome.
She talks of how much they love him, even though... She has mentioned what he will not be able to do (but they love him anyway), not what he possibly could. She talks about him as if he were a pet puppy who will never be more than a puppy, not a human being with hopes and dreams like everyone else..
She could share Trig's step by step accomplishments with the world. She could make known to everyone the vital importance of early intervention programs and funding. She could educate people on the vast changes in prognosis for people with Down syndrome today compared with decades ago. But she doesn't.
But she never talks about Trig, the child. She only talks about the pregnancy (and her brave nobility) with Trig. What mother would still be stuck on the pregnancy four years later?
Great comment.
DeleteWhat mother would still be stuck on the pregnancy four years later?"
DeleteBut it is only about the pregnancy. The pregnancy is Sarah's religious testimony and political credentials. It's based on the premise that every conception is the result of God's will. She didn't want to be pregnant or have a child but, once the child was born, God changed her heart. Her pretense of praising God is a vehicle for self-congratulations, obtaining the praise of others, and stirring anti-abortion sentiment: God changed her heart and made everything okay, therefore, God can change anyone's heart and make their situation okay. Moose nuggets!
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO YOU, JESSE!!
ReplyDeleteXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Happy Father's Day.
ReplyDeleteThough, knowing that you have helped produce and influence a child as great as your daughter is probably the best gift of all, particularly when she acknowledges her love of and respect for you. Almost nothing compares to that.
Again, Happy Father's Day. You have earned it.
Good stuff, Gryphen. Thanks ! When I see pics like that, of Trig, I just want to give him a big hug and hear him laugh. Meanwhile, can't help but wonder if Tripp will be seeing his dad today - whether that is really Levi, or someone else. Happy Father's Day !
ReplyDeleteThat looks like the hideous bear rug in the palin house, its head is right over trigs shoulder
DeleteWonder when it was taken. Is that brisdull in her socks? Again?
I didn't realize the rug was hers, did she declare it as a gift?
DeleteWhy is it weird that someones in their socks at home? I don't think they like people walking around in shoes. Would make sense. And anon 1016, the bear rug was shot by Chuck.
DeleteHappy Father's Day Gryphen! You seem quite happy and comfortable in your chosen role !!
ReplyDeleteHappy Father's Day!
ReplyDeleteThat picture bothers me. It looks like whomever belongs to those legs could whack Tripp on the head pretty easily. And is that the infamous missing puppy beside him (not Bristol's Newfie, but the Palin family dog.)
Happy Fathers Day dude...and to all the IM dads, too. I hope the weather is nice, and you get a chance to do something fun with your daughter. Enjoy the day.
ReplyDeleteHappy Father's Day, Gryph! Hope you have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteHappy Fathers Day Jesse!! Cute picture of Trig and that must be Charlie..is he wearing a Dog for Obama scarf? hehe
ReplyDeleteGryph -- I hadn't watched the video prior to my earlier post. What an amazing story; thank you so much for posting it. "I love my Dad so much. It's awesome." *sniffle* (Darn onions!)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and heartwarming story!
ReplyDeleteA very Happy Father's Day, Gryphen, enjoy!
Happy Father's Day!
ReplyDeleteThe way that the Sea of Pee scratched each other's eyes out might give you a smile today, too. Read the last few pages of the most recent comments. http://conservatives4palin.com/2012/06/open-thread-334.html#disqus_thread
Happy Father's Day Gryphen!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous story - thanks so much for sharing this video about the Harris family - and thanks too also for keeping us strangers out here up on all your dad & daughter antics during the year. It's always a pleasure to read how you and yours are faring in life :)
Fondly,
OzMud
OK, smiling wet face watching this!
ReplyDeleteHappy Fathers Day to all...
fromthediagonal
I love that story. Love love love love love that story. It made me cry, because it's just exactly what the world needs to hear/see about people with Down Syndrome. My daughter is only 12, but she's an inspiration to everyone who knows her. She is the sun, moon, and stars to me - of course along with her sister and brother - and we have HIGH hopes and expectations for her. So many people just don't seem to realize that just like anyone else, children with DS will rise to the level of expectation. No lowered standards here - accommodations, of course - but we expect best effort and good attitude just like with our other kids.
ReplyDeleteGryph, you have always struck me as a great dad to your daughter, and I wish you that happiest of days today. Happy Father's Day!
It too makes me ecstatic thinking about how happy Trig is with his family, and how much love is shared. In the Palin home, no one is different. All is deserving od equal love because we're all human.
DeleteSo wonderful to see the many good things out there. There are loving caring people everywhere, they just need to be found. The majority of news centers just on the petty backbiting politics and sometimes we just have to back away and take a fresh breath of air.
ReplyDeleteHappy Father's Day to dads, biological, or not, and to the uncles and non-uncles who help being the good role models for the so many young confused people out there.
With whom will TRIPP JOHNSTON spend his Father's Day?
ReplyDeleteA surrogate father? Bristol Palin will be an UNWED OLD HAG in a few years. Happy PIMP DADDY'S DAY to Bristol and Willow. Check the Facecloths before washing up. Aren't you Palins proud of Alaska's shortest PIMP?
Happy Father's Day, Jesse! And thanks for the heartwarming video.
ReplyDeleteI love the kitten on the floor instead of a gun. So telling.
ReplyDeleteI think that's Charies when he was a puppy..Trigg looks very young there.
DeleteHappy Father's Day Gryphen! Have a wonderful day :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Father's Day, Jesse!!!
ReplyDeleteHow truly tragic that the most pontential Sarah wants for Trig to realize is "always being a dependent cuddly" person and "tinkering in the garage wearing carhartts".
ReplyDeleteGod help that poor child.
It's not even a lack of faith in his abilities, I am sure- its the same exact reason they won't let Tripp around Levi. Trig has no guile, no agenda. So she KNOWS Trig would tell family secrets. That's why he's never, EVER in his prescribed hearing aids- teaching him to talk and communicate would be the death of Sarah.
Things Trig might say if he was able to speak:
"we have so many BABIES!"
"grandpa Todd sleeps in the garage with his snow-mow-bee-ows!"
"Tripp is my best friend and my 'brudder'l
"mommy is on her phone allllll a'time!"
Trig may have developed a certain mastery of language even with Sarah's consistent and cruel attempts to keep him silent and isolated. And THAT may be why we've not seen him recently.
Happy father's day, Gryphen. I hope you and your daughter have a fantastic day.
Happy Father's Day Gryphen! I hope your daughter treats you like a KING!!
ReplyDeleteI have to change time zones, Happy Father's Day Gryphen, and all IM Fathers !!!
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspirational story, and the fact that someone searched for them to share it makes it even more wonderful. There are so very many "unsung hero" Fathers who respect and love their kids unconditionally and ask nothing in return but the satisfaction of knowing they changed a life for the better.
(Notice I didn't mention ones who carry their kids as human shields, props, or as a great philosopher once said "A loaf of french bread")
I love these stories. Childre in loving homes like Trigs are blessed beyond belief. They feel as if they can accomplish whatever they want and they always pursue what makes them happy. Trig is a perpetually happy child for a reason. Love hearing about loving families.
ReplyDeleteHopefully, the children are in loving homes UNlike Trig's. There is a great deal of narcissism in Trig's home, but not much love for one another.
DeleteI see you're still speaking in myths and ignorance. At least have the ethics to say so. People don't like malicious people who slander. Though you do frequent blogs that know nothing but slander.
DeleteNo offense Wake Up, but there's really no point in continually attacking people. 1. Those who actually know the family know you don't just from your bad characterizations and myths 2. The Palins won't weaken with your attacks. They only strengthen.
DeleteYou do the world, yourself and your party no favors by acting like a judgmental, ignorant baffoon.
I will be in Albuquerque all next weekend and I plan on trying to eat at TIm's place at least once. I bet I get a hug.
ReplyDeletehttp://timsplaceabq.com/
http://timtheman.com/