As those of you who manage to remain awake by the end of these know, the Finish Line is a recap of the week's best posts on the SD. This week, we've had a lot of them -- tons, really. But nothing stands out quite like the one written by our very own Karen "Lion and Magic Boy" Murphy.
Her account of playwright Arthur Miller's decision to institutionalize his son after birth because the child has Down syndrome goes well beyond the newsy recap and strong, snarky opinions you've grown accustomed to. She offers a window into this life's shades of gray, and in a sentiment reminiscent of the best in Harper Lee, reminds us we can never know a person unless we're standing in her shoes -- and maybe not even then.
And so it deserves something special -- something unprecedented in the history of the Finish Line.
Its very own edition.
I don't judge Arthur Miller, nor do I condone him, for his actions surrounding his son Daniel. All I can do is simply offer them up as something that will remain to me a mystery, something that is not for me to know.
Yes, it's sad and it's awful that Daniel Miller lived so much of his life in what sounds like horrible conditions. It's sad that he didn't know his parents. It's sad that his parents didn't get to know what a wonderful person it sounds like he is. It's sad that so many kids with disabilities have, throughout history, been pushed aside and marginalized. There are so many sad things in life, but truly, I am thinking that this one turned out happily after all: Daniel Miller is healthy and happy. Does life get better than that? Maybe he can be a symbol, then, of a society which seems to be changing into one of acceptance.
I can only hope so, and for my part I will try to begin in my own home, for that's all I can do, really
If you read one thing on this blog -- any blog -- this week, read this.
