It’s amazing that in this day and age that there are still some people that still ridicule the handicapped.  Whether it be someone with a physical deformity, Down’s Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, or mental instability just to name few.  You’d be surprised that anyone from any walk of life or profession still discriminate or look down upon them.  I find it hard to forgive those that are not tolerant of those people living with some type of handicap, claiming ignorance just won’t cut it for me.  Guess growing up with a sister that has a handicap has turned me into a cynic when it comes to those type of things.  All my life I’ve gotten into fights because there were people who constantly teased her; it was my way of protecting her and in a subconscious way learning to cope with that “Why me?” and “Why do I have to have a sister with a handicap?” attitude.  Granted at times it was rough and I was put through the ringer but there were great times as well.  And the good always outweighs over the bad in my opinion.  I learned to understand my sister’s disability and became more tolerant of her shortcomings.  I can’t imagine how my parents did it all these years and to add to their credit – with a smile on their faces.  They grew up in a time where this type of disability was shunned or kept in the closet.  Yes, times have changed and it is more out in the open than in the past but the acceptance is still quite not there.  In the end, we’re all people and we all have feelings even if some of us are unable to convey them outright due to our handicap.  I learned accept the handicapped because I had to grow up with a sibling with it and looking back, I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I’m a better person for it and I constantly teach my kids the importance of being understanding towards those that are handicapped.  Don’t get me wrong, I still see red when I observe the ignorant making a snarky remark or stare towards the handicapped but I’ve learned to accept that those type of people have a disability that nothing can cure – stupidity.