The Letter

Like many in our community, I have been trying to avoid sharing and offering more air time to a letter that has been circulating in the media and across the social networks reminding us that we still have so far to go.  If you can stomach it, you can read the letter here.

I originally dismissed this letter as the work of an internet troll. I was shocked to realize that it was legitimate and was being investigated by the police in that area.

I don't know why I was so surprised that this letter was real.  If you scan any number of news networks you'll find hate drives most of the stories behind them. I am having a hard time articulating how disgusted I am.  I know one thing, though.  I know for sure that the person that wrote that letter suffers more than any of us.  

Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated. Coretta Scott King

I just want to say that I hope with all my heart that this person is prosecuted to the full extent of the law for their hate crime.  They will be fortunate if the courts decide their fate.  The courts are bound to be fair and just.  The rest of us are not.  I am reminded of a favourite line in a favourite book:  "There is nothing to be feared like the anger of a gentle person."  They have angered so many gentle people.  

But, more than that, I hope the family that received this letter is reminded every day that they have the full support of their community locally and the autism community, too.  I know they will.  It's what we do.

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