Well, I feel terrible about the fact that the article has upset you so.  It was very hard for me and my family in the beginning, and we lived in a small town as well, as the article points out, we were not immune from cruel remarks, and those came directly from family members.  My courage came from those who advocate choice for children with CAH, as well as those who choose surgery, and of course, my daughter.  I don’t want her to grow up feeling any different from anyone else, she should not have to because she isn’t.  My mother used to say to me "Kaye, if you are going to be or do something in your life, ALWAYS, be the best at it".  "When faced with difficulties in your life, do not shy away from them, rather walk tall and proud with your head held high, face to the sun and wind and always smile as you do so".  I chose to talk about her condition because there is no shame in it, and by doing so others will become more educated.  There was a time in this country that children with cancer were avoided, now it is understood and embraced.  I want the same for CAH. 

No harsh tones are meant by this message, and I am sad that you or your daughter may be hurt by it.  I spent time in the Marine Corps and one phrase the D.I.’s used to scream at us was "no pain, no gain".  I have never forgotten it.  Many paths in this world have been paved because of others, and for that I am thankful. 

As for mixed marriages, if people choose to spend their lives wallowing around in such trivial issues, so be it.  They will be so busy swirling around in their own pot of refuse many more open doors of opportunity will be available for me.

Blessings,

Kaye