***CAUTION*DANGER*IMMUNIZATIONS**DANGER*CAUTION

Hot button of the 21st Century? People think they know what it is. Let me tell you a couple of things....

Political - I am a Democrat and think that Obama is the leader that this world and nation needs right now. He cant do things overnight, so I find it sad that just because he didnt find the 'insta-cure' people were looking for, that now they're saying he's the wrong man for the job. Bullshit.

Religious - I believe in God. I believe that there are higher powers and strengths around us that we can only imagine exist. I however, do not subscribe to religion nowadays. I feel that people who offer themselves up as 'religious' often come across as the most judgmental people I've ever met. Doesnt seem very Christian-like to me. I feel that there are good people everywhere and if they're positive, good energy people, I really dont give a crap what religion you are, or, for that matter, if you're not any kind of religion.

I've just listed two topics that are supposed 'hot button' topics, that you're never supposed to talk about with friends, at parties, or other social events. However, I think really, in the grand scheme of things, that they're nothing. Nothing but idle chatter compared to talking to strong mamas and/or miscellaneous people about immunizations.

I am surprised at how quickly people who like and support each other, will go toe to toe when it comes to this subject. I've seen Facebook postings on the subject quickly go to close to a hundred comments of back and forth opinions. People posting thoughts and condemning other people for what they think is right or wrong about how another is treating their child.

It really has become the topic on which, I shirk at conversing about or making comments on. Not that I'm afraid of anything mind you; but I enjoy the mama community and everything involved in it.

Now, I know some tough and strong mamas, some of the best ever. I believe that these mamas have the right to do what they think is best for their child. It seems wrong to me that anyone, especially other mothers, would chastise them, for doing what they feel is right. Opinions are one thing, imposing your will and choices are completely another. Mother's support for one another should be unfailing. Information should be shared, not fed with a fork (yes, I meant to say fork). I also think that on the flip side of that, all of us as mothers, should be open to new information and glean from it what we would like. Turning your nose up at any information as a mother is like saying you've got all the answers, and I'm pretty sure that no mother does.

Immunization. So prevalent nowadays. When we 30 somethings were kids, it wasnt even questioned. We got our shots, like it or not. It was a different world. And now, we're in different times. I dont know that I ever heard a parent question the safety of an immunization or the after affects of it. Not at any fault of our parents either. You really trusted your doctors and pediatricians back then. It was an age where you went to the same doctor from age 5 to age 18. I remember seeing my pediatrician at 19, because he'd been my doctor almost my whole life.

It's different now. The world, is different now. The first time I said that we didnt want to have Addison immunized to someone, I was met with, "How can you do that to your child?" and "They'll never let your child go to school". I appreciated your chiding and unsolicited opinion, but really, to all of that, I say, bullshit, and thanks.

We are fortunate with Addison's ped. He's a really great ped number one. Number two, he's open to hearing whatever we have to say, ask etc and meets us with objective information, information we feel is honest and truthful. He will get us any information we ask of him and he is patient and honest. He is also open to doing whatever it is that we'd like him to either do, or not do. We are fortunate. We have friends who are not so fortunate. Some are tongue lashed and ridiculed for asking questions or seeking information. From what we've heard, it sounds more like their peds feel as if they're questioning their skill as a doctor, instead of just hearing it for what it is; parents wanting what's best for their child.

If my friends immunize their children or not, is their business. I will continue to love them and their children, either way. I will continue to say "There's an amazing mama and my strength feeds off of hers". I will not say "She doesnt do what I do for my children, so I cant be associated". I will continue to listen to the information shared by mothers on why they do or do not immunize. I will continue to support those mothers of children affected poorly by the immunizations they've received. As for Addison, the subject of whether she is or isnt immunized, will stay off the market. If you looked at her right now, would you really know? I doubt it. I'm pretty sure you'd just look at her and say, "That's one healthy lookin' baby". Oh, and "Boy, she really is cute" ;)