There was something for everyone in the Sarah Palin e-mail dump that took place over the weekend. Fans would have loved that she arranged to read to local kindergartners when her plane was grounded in upstate Alaska. Foes would have gritted their teeth at the lack of boundary between church and state. There was grist for the frivolous—“I’m going to try and track down the girls tonight (Bristol and I played phone tag all weekend). If you’re back from your trip you should come with us—it’s manicure night”—and for the serious—“I’ve heard that there’s been preliminary work done on the idea of building a road to connect us to our resources in Nome. True? That'd be great if it’s true . What’s the cost? We need to start building infrastructure- esp in areas where the residents truly want the roads. Pls give me a status report on Nome Rd plan. Thanks.” But the one e-mail that we cannot stop considering is the one she wrote to family members shortly before Trig’s birth. It struck us as the Sarah Palin Rorschach test. You might see it as a brave, optimistic way of telling everyone in her family that the new baby will have Down syndrome. Or you might get stuck on the fact that she wrote it in the voice of God. Or you might have a completely different reaction—take a look and tell us what you think.
-----Original Message-----
From: Sarah Palin
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 2008 14:17:11
To:gov.sarah@yahoo.com
Cc:gov.palin@yahoo.com
Subject: Baby
To the Sisters, Brother, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends of
Trig Paxson Van Palin (or whatever you end up naming him!)
:
I am blessing you with this surprise baby because I only want the best for you. I've heard
your prayers that this baby will be happy and healthy, and I've answered them because I
only want the best for you!
I heard your heart when you hinted that another boy would fit best in the Palin family, to
round it out and complete that starting five line-up. Though another girl would be so
nice, you didn't think you could ask for what you REALLY wanted, but I knew, so I gave you
a boy because I only want the best for you!
Then, I put the idea in your hearts that his name should be "Trig", because it's so
fitting, with two Norse meanings: "True" and "Brave Victory". You also have a Bristol Bay
relative with that name, so I knew it would be best for you!
Then, I let Trig's mom have an exceptionally comfortable pregnancy so she could enjoy
every minute of it, and I even seemed to rush it along so she could wait until near the
end to surprise you with the news - that way Piper wouldn't have so long to wait and count
down so many days - just like Christmastime when you have to wait, impatiently, for that
special day to finally open your gift? (Or the way the Palins look forward to birthday
celebrations that go on for three, four days... you all really like cake .) I know you, I
knew you'd be better off with just a short time to wait!
Then, finally, I let Trig's mom and dad find out before he was born that this little boy
will truly be a GIFT. They were told in early tests that Trig may provide more challenges,
and more joy, than what they ever may have imagined or ever asked for. At first the news
seemed unreal and sad and confusing . But I gave Trig' s mom and dad lots of time to think
about it because they needed lots of time to understand that everything will be OK, in
fact, everything will be great, because I only want the best for you!
I've given Trig's mom and dad peace and joy as they wait to meet their new son. I gave
them a happy anticipation because they asked me for that. I'll give all of you the same
happy anticipation and strength to deal with Trig's challenges, but I won't impose on you...
I just need to know you want to receive my offer to be with all of you and help you
everyday to make Trig's life a great one.
This new person in your life can help everyone put thingsin perspective and bind us
together and get everyone focused on what really matters . The baby will expand your world
and let you see and feel things you haven't experienced yet. He'll show you what "true,
brave victory" really means as those who love him will think less about self and focus
less on what the world tells you is "normal" or "perfect". You will grow and be blessed
with greater understanding that will be born along with Trig.
Trig will be his dad's little buddy and he'll wear Carhartts while he learns to tinker in
the garage. He'll love to be read to, he'll want to play goalie, and he'll steal his mom's
heart just like Track, Bristol, Willow and Piper did. And Trig will be the cuddly,
innocent, mischievous, dependent little brother that his siblings have been waiting for in
fact Trig will - in some diagnostic ways - always be a mischievous, dependent little
brother, because I created him a bit different than a lot of babies born into this world
today.
Every child is created special, with awesome purpose and amazing potential. Children are
the most precious and promising ingredient in this mixed up world you live in down there
on earth. Trig is no different, except he has one extra chromosome. Doctors call it
"Down's Syndrome", and Downs kids have challenges, but can bring you much delight and more
love than you can ever imagine! Just wait and see, let me prove this, because I only want
the best for you!
Some of the rest of the world may not want him, but take comfort in that because the world
will not compete for him. Take care of him and he will always be yours!
Trig's mom and dad don't want people to focus on the baby's extra chromosome. They're
human, so they haven't known how to explain this to people who are so caring and are
interested in this new little Alaskan. Sarah and Todd want people to share in the joy of
this gift I'm giving to the Palin family, and the greater Alaska family. Many people won't
understand... and I understand that. Some will think Trig should not be allowed to be born
because they fear a Downs child won't be considered "perfect" in your world. (But tell me,
what do you earthlings consider "perfect" or even "normal" anyway? Have you peeked down
any grocery store isle, or school hallway, or into your office lunchroom lately? Or
considered the odd celebrities you celebrate as "perfect" on t.v.? Have you noticed I make
`em all shapes and sizes? Believe me ,, there is no "perfect"!)
Many people will express sympathy, but you don't want or need that, because Trig will be a
joy. You will have to trust me on this.
I know it will take time to grasp this and come to accept that I only want the best for
you, and I only give my best. Remember though: "My ways are not your ways, my thoughts are
not your thoughts... for as the heavens are higher than the earth, my ways are higher than
yours!"
I wrote that all down for you in the Good Book ! Look it up! You claim that you believe me
- now it's time to live out that belief!
Please look to me as this new challenge and chapter of life unfolds in front of you. I
promise to equip you. I won't give you anything you can't handle. I am answering your
prayers. Trig can't wait to meet you. I'm giving you ONLY THE BEST!
Love,
Trig's Creator , Your Heavenly Father