Category Archives: empathy

Why My Sister With Down Syndrome Is Smarter Than Her “Normal” Brother

Posted on September 9, 2018 by

My latest installment of, “When the Witless Go To Washington” — or maybe, “You Can’t Outwit the Wittiest”? Or, “No One is Dumber Than Dan”? This actually happened. As I explained in previous posts, our brother Jon died in August … Continue reading →

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When Your Siblings Become Cartoons To Promote Human Rights

Posted on September 8, 2018 by

This is my illustration of an event that happened at my brother Jon’s memorial service on August 10. My sister Amanda has Down syndrome and we are both brokenhearted over his death. We loved Jon. I wanted to take her … Continue reading →

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Toxic Siblings, and the Bailey Legacy

Posted on September 6, 2018 by

Lately, I have seriously considered permanently changing my name. Because I am an artist and writer, I have always just kept my own name to avoid confusion, even maintaining it through an eleven-year marriage, now defunct. There is the matter … Continue reading →

Posted in abuse, amanda, Dad, down syndrome, down's, down's syndrome, Drummond, drummond island, dysfunctional, empathy, families, family | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Down Syndrome, Guardianship Abuse: A Timeline

Posted on August 27, 2018 by

Once a guardian figures out he is an oligarch and answers to no one, including the law, there are no limits to his behavior. This is a rundown on how the situation escalated with my sister, Amanda, who has Down … Continue reading →

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Clicker Training A Mare To Tolerate Clippers

Posted on August 25, 2018 by

Sophie is a Morgan mare who, at the impressive age of 36, has developed Cushing’s Disease. This has led to her inability to fully lose her winter coat despite 90+ degree temperatures in Eastern Washington. Her owner wanted to clip … Continue reading →

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Down Syndrome, and Freedom of Speech — The Truth Isn’t The Truth

Posted on August 23, 2018 by

Who will be your guardian? Who will take control when you are deemed unfit to make decisions? For my sister Amanda, who has Down syndrome, this has already been decided. She is not allowed to mourn for her brother in … Continue reading →

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Blood Sisters Part 3 — Is Amanda’s Guardian Mean, Crazy or Just Stupid?

Posted on August 17, 2018 by

Falling into the category of, “Making a Hard Loss Harder Than It Has To Be”: #griefsucks #familysucksmore #guardianshipsucks #downsyndromedoesnotequalstupid Mean Sees Amanda just lost her favorite brother, Jon. (Yep, sorry Ted, he is way ahead of you. I am sure … Continue reading →

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A Little Respect – Blood Sisters, Part 2

Posted on August 16, 2018 by

Aretha’s death is puncturing the airwaves just as her voice did. The RESPECT song is a hallmark of the #Metoo movement, and we need it now more than ever. It is the handle of a hammer for women. We will … Continue reading →

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They’re Back At It — And We’re Still Blood Sisters

Posted on August 14, 2018 by

If this seems like something that doesn’t concern you, as my sister Amanda would say, “Think again.” Amanda has Down syndrome. How does this relate to you? Let me explain it. At some point, God willing, you will grow old. … Continue reading →

Posted in abuse, amanda, disability, down syndrome, empathy, guardianship | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

It Ain’t Dyin’ I’m Talking About, It’s Livin’

Posted on August 10, 2018 by

It’s ironic that I have to follow up my last post, “When the Curtain Grows Thin”, which was about messages we receive from loved ones who have left their earthly shell and gone to what Jon would call the Happy … Continue reading →

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