Please Combat Hatred and Ignorance About Disabilities

I had to post this video. A friend shared it with me this morning.

The "I Am Viable" Poster Campain

I made this poster of Catherine today at iamviable.org. I think it is one of the most precious pictures I have ever taken of Catherine. She is such a sweet girl and always has a good attitude. I hope that lasts with her.

I believe this little girl is a wonderful gift from God. That's why I made this poster. I want people to see just how blessed I am. Catherine will amaze us all someday.

An Old Worn-Out Record

When I was a kid we played this Gene Autry Sings Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Other Christmas Favorites LP over and over at Christmas time. This is a picture of the exact album we had. (This one pictured is owned by someone else, of course. I found this picture on eBay ) It is a 1962 print of this album. I wonder if it is still at our parents house or if it is gone. Either way, I think the identical recordings are probably available on iTunes. I remember we played it so much that it has a distinct "pop" on the album every time it goes around and around on the turntable that we had. So I would not want to try to digitize this on a USB turntable (something I wish I owned to digitize the many LPs that are at my parents house, as well as at my in-laws' house).

However, I found myself listening for that distinct "pop" the other day when I heard several of Gene Autry's songs played on the local radio station here in Tulsa, or over Pandora which we often stream through our speakers at home. So maybe if I find this album at my parents' house, and I get a USB turntable, I will digitize it--pop and all--just to have that little comfortable memory from my childhood. It is so funny how my brain works, and that I would remember that small detail.

There is something about playing records that I miss. But then again, I love the convenience of the iPhone. But it is at times like these (around Christmas) that I want some nostalgia. Many years ago my parents threw out the old Reader's Digest turntable stereo my dad bought way back in the early 1960s. Of course it did not work anymore. But it would be cool if it did. Fortunately they still have all the LPs, which is why I want to get one of those USB turntables. They have a wonderful collection of Broadway  Children's and Classical music.I used to listen to those albums often. There were even times when we would put on that music, close the drapes, and have dances in the living room. Those times were rare. But I do remember them. I am glad to say that Christopher and especially Noah, LOVES music. They ask us to plug in our iPhones or iPads to the set of computer speakers I use as a stereo in my living room. Haven't things changed? I don't even have to own a stereo anymore. I just have to have a smart phone, a set of computer speakers, and a wireless connection to the internet. I stream Pandora or listen to the music from my phones. Things are really different now. But from time to time I still miss the old vinyl LPs of my childhood. Now I want to find some, get a turntable, and play them.

The "Wordle" on this Blog!

This is the "wordle" based on this blog so far. I am glad that the word LOVE is prominent.

Noah's Best Feature

Elisabeth was recently asked, "What is Noah's best feature?" for something with his school. She told me about this, and we had to admit that his best feature is probably his INNOCENT LOOK when in reality he can be so stubborn at times. I guess that is how he takes after me, except I can't look as innocent as him. I took this picture Friday evening after we decorated our tree for the upcoming Christmas season. He looks so happy that we decorated our house. He donned his Santa hat and was hugging this puppy Angel. He loves that little puppy, so much so that he tries to kiss her and lets the dog lick his face ALL THE TIME. It seriously drives us crazy. But he does not know yet how to be gentle with Angel. I supervised the dog cuddling at this moment. Even with his stubbornness, Noah is so easy to love! He constantly wants my attention. I get frustrated when I am busy doing a chore, or caring for his sister, that he demands I stop and pay attention to him, or play a game with him, or look at videos on the iPad. Nevertheless, this boy is easy to love and gives wonderful hugs. So pinning down a "best feature" is difficult because there are so many things to love about him. He, like Christopher, is incredibly smart in spite of his lack of speech. He listens to our conversations (when he wants to) and responds to our surprise. The other day he wanted to get in the shed in the back yard. Discovering that it was locked, he went to the place where we keep our keys and got the correct key ring to try to unlock the shed. He did not figure out which key on the ring it was, but he knew it was in that set! He simply amazes me. I pray for him that he will get speech and communication very soon. Christopher is doing so well in school with his letters and sounds. I believe he will eventually talk too. I think it is just a matter of time. We must wait patiently and keep working with him. He continues to be a challenge when it comes to things like sitting in church quietly. But what kid wants to do that without a little (or a lot) of encouragement from Mom and Dad? He struggles with a limited diet because he doesn't want to try many things we present to him. So we pray for his bravery and willingness to try new foods. Christopher as really taken off on that this year and LOVES the foods in the school cafeteria. He gets high marks in lunch! That is good I suppose. He is thin, so I don't have to worry. Both Noah and Christopher love their little sister Catherine. I am so thankful for that.

So here is a question for my Facebook friends: What do you think is Noah's best feature? While you are at it, what is Christopher's best feature? If you know them I would love to hear from you.

Enough for now. We hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and look forward to a wonderful Christmas this year.

Playing With Picture Editors

I have been playing with picture editors lately on my phone and on the computer. I love to see the effects I can create. Catherine looks so beautiful in the pictures I create because she IS beautiful.

URL of this Blog Officially Changed

I thought since I was now calling this blog "Kissing Catherine" that I would officially change the URL as well. Now the blog URL is officially http://kissingcatherine.blogspot.com/ instead of the otherone I jokingly used for so long. I think this is better. Here is a lovely picture of my little baby girl. She is so pleasant 99% of the time. We all love her so much. Greg

Fall Break With My Sweet Girl

I should be working on getting things done around the house, but I have been spending time with my sweet girl. I was getting her to smile and laugh today. She is so wonderful and pleasant.

Disability and the Gospel Trailer

Moments With Mom (Catherine's Grandma)

A week ago we drove to Illinois for what we expected to be our final moments with my mom. Elisabeth, the children, and I arrived on a Saturday evening, checked into a hotel, and went over to the hospice home to see her. Our first impressions were that she was on her deathbed. She was extremely tired and very much hard to understand, but we took Catherine and put her in mom's arms. Mom was aware she was holding Catherine, but not very clear headed. But somehow Mom's reaction was like it was soothing her to hold our little girl. Catherine just lay there looking into her grandma's face.
We went up there daily and brought the children with us. While the boys played in the playroom, or out on the playgound set up for young family members, either Elisabeth or I sat for a while with Mom so she could hold Catherine in her arms. Even when mom was not herself, I wanted to give her those final moments holding Catherine.
We did get a chance to talk about some important things. Even Mom believed she was close to the end of this life. She told me she was ready and had no fear because she had Jesus. She told my sister she wanted me to preach the sermon at her funeral and make sure I mention Galatians 2:20, her favorite verse from the Bible. I was preparing for the end. My prayer for was that God would do what was most merciful according to His infinite wisdom. I told the Lord I did not know what to pray other than that.
Evidently God does not feel she is ready to meet Him yet!
By Wednesday night things started to make a huge turnaround. Mom woke up and started talking to us with a very clear mind. We kept bringing Catherine to her every day, and she was able to hold her with a clear mind. The hospice nurses and aides came in one-by-one to see my mom hold her. They were all charmed.
It looks like Mom will survive this if things keep progressing as they are. I like to think that God has used our little Angel Catherine as an instrument to sooth my mom with her presence and her happy disposition, and to give my mom hope that there is still something giving her the desire to live.
I tell people all the time that Catherine's life will bring glory to God. God used that little girl this week--an infant of only four months--and somehow communicated hope to my mother.
We took Catherine up to see mom before we left today. (We kept the boys away because they developed colds and are coughing.) I asked Mom, "Isn't she something to go on living for? Don't you want to see her grow up a little?" Mom replied, "I want to see her walk." May God grant that, and even longer for my mom. I want her to know Catherine, Christopher, and Noah very well. I want her to enjoy them.
But no matter what happens, I know my mom is ready to see Jesus. I told my parents that I pray for the Lord's return often so that we all might walk heaven's streets together glorifying Him.

Snuggling on a Friday Afternoon

It was kind of chilly in the house this afternoon. Catherine had been crying. I picked her up and realized she was a little cold. It was time to snuggle with her in a baby blanket. I love taking these close up pictures with Instagram, then playing with the color changes. She is such a cuddly little baby!

Physical Hearts and Spiritual Hearts

Today Catherine had both an echocardiogram and an EKG (electrocardiograph).

Catherine still has a small hole between the two valves of her heart. But her heart is formed normally. The doctor told us we should consider ourselves "lucky," and that he does not have to see her for another year.

What wonderful news. But we consider ourselves blessed. Luck has nothing to do with it because God  is in control of Catherine's life. He made her just the way He wanted her.

Tonight we went to Olive Garden as a family for dinner. Left is a picture I took of Elisabeth holding Catherine and Christopher taking one of his many, many, opportunities to kiss his little sister.

I am thankful that Catherine's physical heart is pretty good so far. It certainly is not what it could have been, and I am confident that this little hole will eventually close because of the doctor's reassurance that we don't have to take her to him for a year.

But I am even more thankful for moments like this one above.I thank God that He has given us sons who have a good heart toward their little sister. I am sure that Catherine will love them back with all her heart. This is the biggest blessing I can think of. Just look at her look up to him and receive that kiss. I really think she is enjoying it.

We may worry about the condition of the physical heart of a child or an adult. But are we worrying about the heart that matters most? More fundamental and more basic should be concern about our spiritual heart. So many verses of Scripture deal with the spiritual heart. See here for a list. http://www.christian-information-center.com/bible-quotes-on-heart.html.  I pray that my children come to realize their need for a heart that would love God and embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ. I thank God that He has given them loving hearts toward Catherine. I'm just worried about Christopher and Noah's hearts toward each other (they fight over toys constantly), toward us, and toward the Lord. I pray they will come to realize their deep spiritual needs even more than their physical ones that they must deal with on a daily basis.

Greg
September 21, 2012

The Light That Gives Sight AND Blinds: A Sermon on John 9

Catherine having her feet kissed by Noah and Christopher the day I preached at Bethel Owasso.

On Sunday, August 26, 2012 I had the opportunity to preach a sermon on the Gospel of John, chapter 9. It is the story of the healing of the blind man, and the ensuing debate that followed.

I believe it was one of the most important messages I have ever given in all the times I have been in the pulpit.

I spoke about the importance of the question that the disciples asked Jesus concerning WHY the man was born blind. I said that it is a question that does not escape parents of children with disabilities--that it can be taken as a cruel question--but that it is one that Jesus needed to answer the way that he did.

Ultimately the sermon is about God using a disability for the sake of the gospel. He can do that whether healing takes place (as in the case of this blind man) or not (as in the case of the Apostle Paul who struggled with a thorn in the flesh). God will use disabilities for His glory, so that our boast will be in Christ alone, not in ourselves. The Pharisees, on the other hand, chose deliberate blindness in their disbelief. This passage calls us to a decision when we encounter Jesus that does not allow us to remain neutral. We must choose to walk toward the light, or risk becoming blind.

Therefore, just as the blind man was an illustration of the need for the light of the gospel, so having people with disabilities among us in our churches is a reminder of our own disability before we come to know Jesus Christ--before God enables us to believe with the effectual call of the Holy Spirit in the gospel. Before that, we are unable to believe. But we come to believe when the Holy Spirit calls us in and through the gospel. Therefore, we need people with disabilities in our congregations to remind us of this deep spiritual truth. But sadly, many churches are conspicuously empty of people with disabilities. This needs to change. The church needs to be ministering to them.

You can hear the sermon on sermonaudio.com. I am posting the link here:
Gregory Yankey: The Light That Gives Sight AND Blinds (John 9)

Please consider listening to it.

Wayne Brady Takes Responsibility for the Joke

I am grateful that comedian Wayne Brady has now taken responsibility for the cruel down syndrome joke referencing Trip Palin. Here is the text of his letter from his Facebook page.

This letter has taken me a few days to compose because of the conflicting emotions that I've experienced since the day of the Roast and it's subsequent airing. The environment of the Roast is a comedic (hopefully), tasteless (mostly always), affair that encourages everyone to out-filth each other. Not normally what I'm known for, right? But, when I was invited, I jumped at the chance to play outside of my perceived "norm" and have fun. The Jeff joke was written for me and at the end of the day I take full responsibility for saying it. It wasn't meant as a slam to Trig and at the time I didn't see it that way.

I could defend it as a performer, but I would rather apologize from the bottom of my heart as a father. I understand how a parent, who loves their child, who tries to nurture and shield them when they cannot defend themselves, would take offense.. I have many times experienced this feeling. I've had awful things said about my daughter.. Violent and most times racial stabs. Being in the spotlight I have built a thick skin to these sorts of things. My daughter ( who's now old enough to understand ) is another story. That being said I write this letter with sensitivity and a strong stance of responsibility for my actions.

I thank everyone who's expressed their opinion for reminding me that my voice is heard... It's easy to forget sometimes in front of cameras and lights.

To the Palins, please know that no malice or harm was meant. To the other families who were touched negatively, I hope you'll be able to accept this apology as well.

I've always said that people in the public eye should be held responsible for what you say and I'm no hypocrite. Thanks for reading and letting me express my side.

Take care all,
Wayne

I am glad his role as a father made him realize that he had to take responsibility for his actions. I truly hope that Mr. Brady finds that his best success as a performer comes on programs that are clean and wholesome, not raunchy and in the gutter.

It reminds me of the story Mel Brooks once told about John Wayne. Mr. Brooks, after he wrote the script for Blazing Saddles, convinced John Wayne to read the script because he wanted the part of Taggard, played by Slim Pickens, to originally go to John Wayne. John Wayne declined, admitting the script was funny, but that he just could not play the part because it was "too dirty" and did not fit with his wholesome screen image. That is certainly something to be respected. I certainly have to say I love old John Wayne movies, and knowing he had this kind of wisdom makes me love his memory even more!

Therefore, I hope Wayne Brady decides that future career choices avoid the raunchier side of comedy in favor of the kind of comedy people originally came to love him doing like his performances on Whose Line Is It Anyway.

Again, thank you Mr. Brady for your apology. 

Gregory A. Yankey
A Proud Father of a Beautiful Little Girl
and Two Handsome Boys!

My Letter to Sesame Street Concerning Futher Employment of Mr. Wayne Brady

I wrote this letter below to Sesame Street, and encourage others to do the same.

Dear Executives of Children's Television Workshop and Creators of Sesame Street:

I am a father of a beautiful little girl born on May 26, 2012. My daughter happens to have Trisomy 21, commonly known as Down Syndrome. You probably are aware that this is a chromosomal abnormality when a third chromosome is attached to the twenty-first pair of chromosomes. The result is developmental delay and can cause numerous other health concerns. We are fortunate that major health concerns like a severe heart or gastrointestinal condition have not manifested themselves. But as with most of these children, developmental concerns are expected.

I grew up watching Sesame Street and have always been a great fan and supporter of the program. My older sons who are 6 years old and 5 years old watch the program regularly as well. They especially love the Elmo and Cookie Monster characters. I have purchased numerous products with Sesame Street licensing for my children. I wholeheartedly would love to see the program go on for many years. I have fond memories of Sesame Street as a child.

One of the great things about Sesame Street is its educating children on diversity and understanding of others. That is why it is with great concern that I write this letter to you.

I am writing to express my concerns about any possible future participation of comedian Wayne Brady in Sesame Street episodes. I know Mr. Brady has participated in several episodes in the past.

I am sure you all are aware that Mr. Brady participated in Comedy Central’s recent roast of comedian Rosanne Barr. I am also certain that you are aware that Mr. Brady used the youngest child of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin—a 4-year-old named Trig Palin, a child with Trisomy 21—in a joke implying that Trig will be an ugly 40-year-old. No matter the political views of any public figure, I believe a joke like this was nothing short of cruelty not only to young Trig Palin, but to his parents, and the entire community of people with Down Syndrome. Even though roasts are often characterized by mean spirited jabs, I believe a 4-year-old child with a disability and his mother—even if she is a political figure—should never be a part of it.

My concern is that Mr. Wayne Brady does not represent the values of the Sesame Street program which has consistently encouraged diversity and understanding of all kinds of people. I believe it would be a mistake and grievous insult to the Down Syndrome community and those who support them, if Sesame Street continued to employ or allow Mr. Brady to appear on any further programs until he has made a public apology for his remarks. Furthermore, I believe Mr. Brady should be asked by those who have employed him at Sesame Street to make amends to the Down Syndrome community by volunteering at and/or sponsoring one or several of their events as a condition of further employment on Sesame Street. If Wayne Brady were to appear on any further programs without any of these amends, the integrity of Sesame Street will be seriously damaged in the eyes of many people.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

Sincerely,
Gregory A. Yankey
Proud Father of a Beautiful Little Girl

First Time Apart

Tonight will be the first time we leave Catherine with a babysitter. It is Elisabeth's 20 year class reunion tonight. Elisabeth's parent's are coming over to watch them while we go out. Today we had all the kids with us for the family portion of the reunion. The boys were introduced to ping pong in the Bishop Kelley commons. They liked it, but what a hot day for a reunion with a tour of a high school not being totally cooled off in the summer! I think it was 112 degrees F. Even Catherine was more comfortable sitting in her car seat rather than being held.

Kissing Catherine: Devoted Brothers

I am thankful that Catherine has devoted brothers. Here are some pictures that illustrate this.

My sons are amazing!

The Birth of My Daughter With Down Syndrome: A Dad's Perspective

Christopher kissing Catherine as
Noah looks on

 I have not written on this blog for almost two years now. I was so caught up in the busyness of life.

But I want to write about the birth of my beautiful daughter Catherine Marie.

I can't describe waves and waves of feelings and worries I had when I found out she needed to be tested for Trisomy 21, commonly known at Down Syndrome.

Catherine is so beautiful.

 Catherine was born on a Saturday morning. She was 6 lbs, 8 oz. She was only 18.5 inches long. She is a wee little thing.


She was not eating from mom, nor a bottle and had to go into the NICU (neonatal intensive care). I was so afraid about her condition and that we could lose her. The nurse assured me she had seen MANY Downs babies before and that she was sure Catherine had it. I hoped it wasn't true. Catherine was released from the NICU before even the next day came up. We came home the next day. But we had to wait for the news. Waiting was difficult. It was a time of worry.

She is almost smiling here.

 I wondered and wondered looking for those common features that come with Down Syndrome. I couldn't tell by the palms of her hands. I wasn't sure about her feet. The only thing I noticed really was her almond-shaped eyes. But when her eyes were closed all the time, it was pretty hard to tell. I just prayed. People from church prayed for Catherine as well.

On the Thursday evening after we came home our pediatrician called us. I put on the speaker phone so that Elisabeth and I could both talk to her. The result? The doctor told us in a stoic voice. Catherine tested positive for Trisomy 21. Her words that followed were exactly this: "I'll give you a moment to let that sink in." But the reality of this possibility was starting to sink in all week as we waited for these results. I remember my training from seminary and reading a little book called Good Grief about the stages of grief. The initial stage is denial. But I think I had been going through that all week telling myself that "I don't see it in her" when in reality I really did see it, at least in her eyes.

She looks like my boys in so many ways. She has the same round head, the same nose and the same lips I think. There is a family resemblance. But her eyes were different.

Christopher in his lack of understanding cares little for these differences. He just loves her. Oh, yes, he was whiny at first a little. But when I asked him if he thought his sister was pretty, in his own limited way, he simply said "yeah."

I asked him if he loved me. He shook his head "no" and laughed in my face. I asked him if he loved his mother. The same response; a "no" shake and a smirk. "Do you love your bubba?" (Noah). Again with a "No."

But when I asked him if he loved his sister he enthusiastically and with a heart full of love said "YEAH!"

What can I say? He has no prejudice. He only has love. She is his little sister. She is not a child with a handicap to him.

She is my daughter. Though she has a handicap, and I must help her get all the help that she needs, she is just my little angel. I desired a daughter, and God graciously gave me a daughter. He blessed me with her in spite of the extra chromosome attached to pair 21. She is my daughter. I fell in love with her early on...but I think in my grief, Christopher beat me to it!

Christopher opened his heart to her immediately because he wasn't worried about her health or her handicap. He has handicaps too. He is not like other kids. He doesn't have full speech development at the age of six.  But he is still a better man than me!

Just look at him kiss her gently in the photo at the top. He was fully devoted to her from the start. I was trying to guard my heart in the case I would lose her. In spite of this, I could not defeat her charms with a hard heart. Every time I held her in my arms or fed her a bottle I knew she was mine and I was hers. Every time I see her picture or hold her I ask myself how this little girl with a serious "syndrome" can be so beautiful.

I've worked through a lot of this new reality in our lives already a little over a month into it. It was hard. Praying and self examination is hard work. I spent many nights in anxiety with earphones plugged into my iPhone listening to D.A. Carson sermons listening to the WORD OF GOD to give me hope, at least a minimal understanding of God's purposes in our troubles and sorrows (though I don't have all the answers), and to just be distracted really from my own disorganized thoughts. What better way than to organize my thoughts by listening to the Bible preached in an intelligent organized way? I've come to these conclusions.

I still believe that GOD IS GOOD. I still believe that GOD IS SOVEREIGN. And I believe more than ever that things like this happen to teach us to let go of this life when the time comes, and look forward to the future life in heaven.

I have more to write later as I learn to love my family in this new reality. I have to embrace change because it is certain in my life. I believe Catherine's life has value. She is not a tragedy. She is a blessing. And she has succeeded in charming me. She has softened my heart. And she is teaching me deeper of what it means to love. Christopher is teaching me too. Noah is somewhat of an observer. But he will come along. He loves her too. I know it. He wants to kiss her too. Who wouldn't?

Greg