For a few months I have been aware of the name Colin Brewer and to be perfectly honest it has not been in a great way. At first I just believed he was just an ignorant man but after reading this article I just don’t know how to define him.
Now before I carry on I have confess this is a touchy subject for me, I have lost a child with severe special needs and I now foster a child with severe special needs so yes this subject is close to my heart. So I can’t promise this post will be written from an un bias view point, but it is written from my heart and you can’t get more honest than that.
But I cannot not write about it because this man is so very wrong.
Colin Brewer states that he believes that we should look at our children as we do animals and if there are any weaknesses at birth we should to quote the councillor.
“When reminded that the lamb would be put down in that situation, he agreed, and said: “It [the lamb] would be put down, smashed against the wall and be dealt with.”And asked if a child with a similar impairment should be killed after birth, he said: “That would be up to the decision of whoever is there at the birth.”
We should consider smashing our child’s head against a wall!
I could be defensive at this point and tell you want I wanted to do to Councillor Brewer but I’m not going to.
Why because in a way I actually feel sorry for the gentleman.
He obviously judges the quality of someones life on what they can achieve or what they can do.
How awful is that? To only see value in ability.
The councillor comments are mainly aimed towards the cost of caring for a child or an adult with disabilities.
Again his value is in worth.
Well let me inform you Mr Brewer that you simply know nothing!
My beautiful daughter Livvy was born with a condition called Rett Syndrome, a illness which left her severely disabled.
Yes she required 24 hour care, yes she required medication and equipment but whatever the total cost of her needs was, what she gave back was a hell of a lot more.
She was priceless.
The world isn’t run by money, no matter how often we are led to believe this.
The world is run by compassion,
by empathy
by love.
These were all skills Livvy taught us every day.
Take for an example my other three children Livvy sisters, they are remarkable young ladies who have a desire to work in fields that encourage, that care, that protect others.
The compassion they learned by having Livvy in their lives has made them better people, a greater contribution to society.
Their understanding and empathy is something that you cannot teach in schools, yet Livvy taught them.
My husband and I, Livvy’s parents were changed beyond your wildest imagination, we began to look wider than ourselves and learned of joy in the simple things.
We learned about advocating for others that were less fortunate than us, in all spheres of need. Poverty, disability, addiction.
Why because Livvy taught us compassion.
Livvy taught us the value of life.
Watching this brave, wild spirited young lady who had so many issues live life with such pure joy showed us the truth about life.
That each day is a gift to make the most of, to be happy, to make others happy.
Mr Brewer I could tell you of many others that were changed by knowing Livvy, Grandparents, relatives, friends, teachers they all learnt life lessons from this incredible amazing young lady. Strangers whose days were brightened by a smile. Professionals who were encouraged by her determination and bravery.
This beautiful young lady who if you had your way may have not had this chance to make such a difference.
Dear Mr Brewer if I wish you anything I wish you this.
Please take a look at the children that you have dismissed as being faulty, of being worthless.
Look closely at their families and I promise you this. That even with the severest disabilities you will find joy. You will see parents caring for their children with a love that has no bounds.
You will see children who may be limited physically live life without limitations.
Love without limits.
Please Mr Brewer open your eyes and see true value.
It cannot be measured by money but by the lives you touch.
As I said Livvy was priceless.
