To one and all:

I want to comment on the recent threads involving girls and surgery. I have read and reread all the posts and would like to say a thing or two. Every single post was filled with valid questions and comments. Every person has the right to make comments and post questions. I think we all must stop, take a deep breath and remember that this is exactly what it is called.: A message board! Opinions are to be expected. I am sure that not one person who posted purposely meant to hurt anyones feelings or antagonize anyone. Obviously, this is a very sensitive subject for some. It is not unlike other subjects that people feel very passionate about, et. abortion, the death penelty etc. When we have strong feelings about certain things, some of us are more apt to give our opinion. As long as everyone remembers that that is what it is, an opinion. Nobody told anybody "You absolutely should not" or "You absolutely should". They just merely asked everyone to rethink this. Now, if someone has already made up their mind, like Kaye, so be it. Good for her, I have already wished  her and her daughter well. And I mean it from the bottom of my heart. I don't know what my decision would be in this situation. We are not here to judge, nor should we be allowed to. HOWEVER, we should be and are allowed to elaborate on how we feel. I respect Julie tremendously for her passion in regards to this. She has obviously educated herself enormously and feels she has something to offer. If she makes just one person think twice about their decisions, I think that is wonderful. Maybe that person will still go ahead with what they intended or maybe not. These kinds of discussions allow everyone to think "outside the box". Maybe think of something we hadn't even thought of before or made us 2nd guess ourselves. That is not bad thing! If someone truly feels hurt, I don't think you should. Now, I am NOT telling you to not feel bad, I am merely stating that I don't think you should! :) Maybe being from a big Italian family, I can say I am used to giving my opinion and receiving the opinions of others (even when it hasn't been asked for! :)  ) and not holding it against anyone. Holding a grudge is such a waste of time. If someone repeatedly ticks you off on this board, then just don't deal with them.Or thicken your skin and tough it out. The options are endless. Just read some posts and don't reply. Or read and reply , but expect that someone may disagree with you wholeheartedly and not hold back. Diverse opinions should be expected  as long as they are accompanied by one thing: a degree of kindness and understanding. I think we just all need to remember one very important thing here: We all love our children and only want the very best for them. Naturally we won't all agree, that is what makes the world go round! Freedom of Speech, the abilty to say what you want. We love all the children, not as our own of course, but certainly to some degree. They are all the leaders of our future. Lets make them proud!