Thursday, November 12, 2009

Having my say

My letter to the editor was published, and I have the proof! How cool is that! Thanks to Shamae for sending me the hard copy. I really wanted to have it so I could show it to Elise one day.

If you missed the whole kerfuffle, here is the original letter to the editor that had all us D-Mommas up in arms:

Complaint

On Oct. 3, myself and my girlfriend were eating lunch at Burger King. A family came in and sat across the aisle from us. While the father was ordering food, we were shocked and appalled to see a boy inject himself with whatever medication, in front of God and everybody all while sitting at the table. We found this extremely offensive. That sort of business should be done in private. How about a little respect for those around you. Other than the obvious fact that it's not sanitary for those who use the table next, you have no idea how something like that can affect people. People go through a lot in their life and things like that may bring up certain feelings and memories best forgotten. I would like to thank those that day for totally ruining my meal.


And my response (4th draft with expletives and yo-mama jokes removed). It's the one entitled "Injection":


Here is the text in case you are unable to read it:

I do not live in your area, but read the letter from the man who was so disturbed by a child giving himself a shot at a restaurant (October 25 edition) with total dismay. My two year old daughter is a Type 1 Diabetic, and we often have to inject her with insulin when we eat out in public.

The fact that there are people out there who have nothing better to do than complain about something so minor is very disheartening. Does he not understand that the very thing that disgusts him, we have to do in order to keep our children alive?

This person is in desperate need of a lesson in compassion. Diabetes is already a horrible thing to have to live with, and according to the letter writer, we should make our kids feel further isolated and ashamed by giving them their medication in hiding. Where would he prefer we do it, in the bathroom? And he complains that giving a shot in public is unsanitary.

This letter really illustrates the lack of understanding people have about Type 1 Diabetes. I, for one, applaud this young man for bravely taking care of himself, whenever and wherever he is.


I'm glad I was able to toss my two cents in!

11 comments:

  1. Good for you! Elise will surely cherish that one day!

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  2. BRAVO! Can I get your autograph?

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  3. right on Joanne you are so awesome . that is just foo fa lah !!!

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  4. Very well said!! Love the letter, and I hope this gentlemen reads it.

    It is very sad that people are so ignorant for things that are just done differently!

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  5. Good for you Joanne!! Loved every word!

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  6. Well congrats on being a published writer in Idaho. hahaha You did great! Thanks for your support!

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  7. Congratulations! I know several Mommas who responded to the ignorant man's letter, but you're the first that I know was published. Awesome!

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  8. You are awesome. Elise will be so proud of her momma! We are all proud of you and all that wrote in to respond.

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  9. Woo hoo! Great letter - I hope the guy who wrote the original letter read it (repeatedly). :)

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