Stinging words!

Our little SUPER HERO!

As the precious weeks unfold since the day that Dallen and I learned just how much our heavenly father loved and admired us(enough to send us such an amazing warrior spirit like Remington)! We have been faced with the challenge of letting everyone know just how special we are! Now please do not take these words to think we are not happy about Remington because this is far from the truth. In these last couple months I have learned just how much love I am capable of. Remington is the GREATEST gift that I have ever received and I know Dallen feels this same exact way. What I mean by facing the challenging task of telling people about Remington and his special extra chromosome(down syndrome) is that reaction you sometimes receive from people! I know everyone means so well but it is a hard thing to hear and everyone handles the news different. We have received so much comfort and support from close family and friends but sometimes we receive a somewhat more discouraging response to Remington having super powers! "Oh I am so sorry to hear that! how are you handling this?" "Well how did that happen?" "Didn't you take the test?" "Well he might not get to be normal but you will love him anyway!" and my ultimate favorite "You will learn to love him!" (All said by people that don't really know us very well)! Even though these are meant in the best of intentions they are so VERY hurtful! Remington IS and ALWAYS has been the BEST thing that has ever happened to Dallen and I, we feel so blessed just to be in his presence! We have always known that this is not a "I'm sorry" situation and it never will be! I kinda look at it as a "Wow congratulations!" situation because we get to be around such an amazing, beautiful spirit that will never be anything less then wonderful! We just truly want everyone to know that there is nothing about Remington in our eyes that is not PERFECT!!! He is the most amazing baby and he is such a strong spirit and you feel it just having him around. He Truly makes you want to just be a better person! We know that he is a gift from the most high power possible and we are embracing ever little bite he has to offer us! We all have so much more to learn from Remington then he will ever learn from us!

Such a cool dude!

 One thing I have already learned from Remi is that words can hurt even when they are not meant to! I just ask that all our family and friends make the effort to not use words to anyone that could sting or make them feel not as important to this world. I have to admit that at one point I was the VERY worst with what I now call the "R word" these days. Which those of you that are not understanding what I am saying is Retard(which hurts my heart to even write)! I know that to most people this is just a word that means nothing. More or less it is just used as slang but to some it can mean so much more! These words are not meant to be hurtful but can be VERY harmful! Now I know this is not a perfect world and no one is perfect. Dallen and I have both been guilty of these words and we know how easy they can be to use. We just ask that  through Remington we can all  be a little more mindful of the way we are using our slang words! That we make everyone feel comfortable with the things we say and that we stand up for those that might be a little different because truly we are all just a little different! We all have our handicaps in this life. Weather they be bad hair, temper, or more underlining issues such as Down syndrome! My goal in this world is to prove to my family that EVERYONE is equal and that we all have little imperfections. Some may just be easier to spot then others! I am so glad that age 24 my son who is 2 months old is already teaching me one of the greatest life lessons! To truly love everyone no matter who they are or what their challenge in life is! I love you all so much and know that nothing has ever been said to hurt!

Remington laughing!

The following entry is a letter that Sarah Palin wrote to her family and friends to let them know about her little boy Trig having down syndrome. It is supposed to be written like Heavenly Father is writing the letter! As I read it I began to cry because this is just how Dallen and I both feel and we know this is exactly what Heavenly father would say to us if he really was writing a letter!

Here is Palin's entire letter:

To the Sisters, Brother, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends of Trig Paxson Van Palin (or whatever you end up naming him!):

I am blessing you with this surprise baby because I only want the best for you. I've heard your prayers that this baby will be happy and healthy, and I've answered them because I only want the best for you!

I heard your heart when you hinted that another boy would fit best in the Palin family, to round it out and complete that starting five line-up.

Though another girl would be so nice, you didn't think you could ask for what you REALLY wanted, but I knew, so I gave you a boy because I only want the best for you!

Then, I put the idea in your hearts that his name should be 'Trig', because it's so fitting, with two Norse meanings: "True" and "Brave Victory". You also have a Bristol Bay relative with that name, so I knew it would be best for you!

Then, I let Trig's mom have an exceptionally comfortable pregnancy so she could enjoy every minute of it, and I even seemed to rush it along so she could wait until near the end to surprise you with the news - that way Piper wouldn't have so long to wait and count down so many days - just like Christmastime when you have to wait, impatiently, for that special day to finally open your gift? (Or the way the Palmas look forward to birthday celebrations that go on for three, four days_ you all really like cake.) I know you, I knew you'd be better off with just a short time to wait!

Then, finally, I let Trig's mom and dad find out before he was born that this little boy will truly be a GIFT. They were told in early tests that Trig may provide more challenges, and more joy, than what they ever may have imagined or ever asked for.

At first the news seemed unreal and sad and confusing. But I gave Trig's mom and dad lots of time to think about it because they needed lots of time to understand that everything will be OK, in fact, everything will be great, because I only want the best for you!

I've given Trig's mom and dad peace and joy as they wait to meet their new son. I gave them a happy anticipation because they asked me for that.

I'll give all of you the same happy anticipation and strength to deal with Trig's challenges, but I won't impose on you... I just need to know you want to receive my offer to be with all of you and help you everyday to make Trig's life a great one.

This new person in your life can help everyone put things in perspective and bind us together and get everyone focused on what really matters.

The baby will expand your world and let you see and feel things you haven't experienced yet. He'll show you what "true, brave victory" really means as those who love him will think less about self and focus less on what the world tells you is "normal" or "perfect°.

You will grow and be blessed with greater understanding that will he born along with Trig.Trig will be his dad's little buddy and he'll wear Carhartts while he learns to tinker in the garage. He'll love to be read to, he'll want to play goalie, and he'll steal his mom's heart just like Track, Bristol, Willow and Piper did.

And Trig will be the cuddly, innocent, mischievous, dependent little brother that his siblings have been waiting for_in fact Trig will - in some diagnostic ways - always be a mischievous, dependent little brother, because I created him a bit different than a lot of babies born into this world today.

Every child is created special, with awesome purpose and amazing potential. Children are the most precious and promising ingredient in this mixed up world you live in down there on earth. Trig is no different, except he has one extra chromosome. Doctors call it "Down's Syndrome", and Downs kids have challenges, but can bring you much delight and more love than you can ever imagine! Just wait and see, let me prove this, because I only want the best for you!

Some of the rest of the world may not want him, but take comfort in that because the world will not compete for him. Take care of him and he will always be yours!

Trig's mom and dad don't want people to focus on the baby's extra chromosome. They're human, so they haven't known how to explain this to people who are so caring and are interested in this new little Alaskan. Sarah and Todd want people to share in the joy of this gift I'm giving to the Palin family, and the greater Alaska family.

Many people won't understand_ and I understand that. Some will think Trig should not be allowed to be born because they fear a Downs child won't be considered "perfect" in your world. (But tell me, what do you earthlings consider "perfect" or even "normal" anyway? Have you peeked down any grocery store isle, or school hallway, or into your office lunchroom lately? Or considered the odd celebrities you celebrate as "perfect" on t.v.? Have you noticed I make 'em all shapes and sizes? Believe me, there is no "perfect"!)

Many people will express sympathy, but you don't want or need that, because Trig will be a joy. You will have to trust me on this.

I know it will take time to grasp this and come to accept that I only want the best for you, and I only give my best. Remember though: "My ways are not your ways, my thoughts are not your thoughts- for as the heavens are higher than the earth, my ways are higher than yours!"

I wrote that all down for you in the Good Book! Look it up! You claim that you believe me - now it's time to live out that belief!

Please look to me as this new challenge and chapter of life unfolds in front of you. I promise to equip you. I won't give you anything you can't handle. I am answering your prayers. Trig can't wait to meet you. I'm giving you ONLY THE BEST!

Love,
Trig's Creator, Your Heavenly Father