Thursday, November 5, 2009
flu-zy
i am not one to berate, belittle or stridently oppose the choice of another (at least not publicly when it would embarass or cause a fight - i hate contention, even a hint of it). we elected not to vaccinate our children against h1n1. instead, we chose a homeopathic prophylactic (a "vaccine", if you will, minus some nasty additives and preservatives...minus the needle as well). i am amazed at my reluctance to share this in some circles i frequent...too many times i have been the object of open scorn, ridicule, contempt, snorted laughter, what-have-you for my non-traditional approach to health and parenting. i nursed briar until she was nearly 2 years old, and our family doctor frequently made comments about the impropriety of nursing a child of her age (this began when she was 14 months). i usually let such negativity just slide off, but sometimes it stings a little. i did share our alternative to the vaccine on facebook with zero apprehension, until i realized that i put it out there and at least one "friend" will find yet another reason to mock our differences. my nervousness at publishing our decision has yet to come to fruition...so far all is calm. what my unsettled feelings are teaching me, however, is to tread carefully and lightly, always. i have my opinions and i live by them, but i'm going to try harder to make sure i don't express them in such a way that makes anyone else feel stupid, exposed, ignorant or marginalized.
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You're such a sweetie. I nursed Kate until she was 17 months, and people thought I was so weird. When I thought, and still do, it is the most beautiful natural thing in the whole world. I only had Nora get the H1N1 vaccine since she is so little, I do that for the regular flu with the little ones too. We've had our kids immunized, but there were a few times I was so freaked out and paranoid beforehand, that I either prayed really hard, or had Jeff give them a blessing that everything would be ok. So basically, I'm too scared to not immunize them, but I'm also really scare to have them immunized. IT's a no win. I also believe firmly that high fructose corn syrup is of the devil, and that my boys especially react poorly to it. And Henry can't have apples or grapes because he gets eczema from them. You should see the reaction I get on that one "reaaally, grapes and apples? I've never heard of that before" Basically people think I'm a nut job mom. But I don't care. MOther's have a sixth sense about their children, and I go with that.
ReplyDeleteI think people shouldn't have to be afraid to share their opinions, it's just that some opinions end up sounding more like judgement. Like, you're STILL nursing, or, why would you put that color on your walls, or why would you name your child that? All things said to me. I hate contention too, so I usually just let it slide and don't say anything cuz it's not worth arguing with someone. But I can still think they are dumb for saying it!! ha ha
Chawntelle, I love you! You are so awesome! I miss you! I love that you have always stayed true to yourself. I am sorry there are people out there who feel it necessary to mock the opinions or lifestyles of others. I try not to, although I am sure I am not perfect. Keep on keepin' on, girl! You are fabulous and beautiful. Love forever, Tina
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