Extra-Special
Monologue trilogy: Down Syndrome speaks30 total reviews
Comment from Goodadvicechan
This is a complex subject to deal with. The author throws in a lot of medication to educate us. I am more interested in the emotions between the couple. I think the father is bit inhuman to let the woman taking care of the child on her own. I feel she is a hero to bring Cindy to this world.
I like it though.
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2020
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This is a complex subject to deal with. The author throws in a lot of medication to educate us. I am more interested in the emotions between the couple. I think the father is bit inhuman to let the woman taking care of the child on her own. I feel she is a hero to bring Cindy to this world.
I like it though.
Comment Written 21-Dec-2020
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2020
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Thanks for stopping by. This was inspired by a hypothetical scenario that would have ensued in both my marriages had I been carrying a "defective" child. I'd have kicked the dicks out if they hadn't already left! Cheers. LIZ
Comment from sammielwf
Elizabeth,
Very powerful and full of emotional but factual turmoil. Having been a teacher, I have taught the extra special kids with Downs and other illness on the spectrum. The challenges they face are enormous- but the achievements accomplished ( little steps at a time) are incredible. The bullying is real- until caring and understanding steps in- then the support by other kids is amazing.
The two sides of the issue you present from the adult standpoint are heart wrenching and deal as well. No one knows exactly what they will do on either side until in that moment.
Thank you for sharing this powerful writing.
Sammielwf
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2020
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Elizabeth,
Very powerful and full of emotional but factual turmoil. Having been a teacher, I have taught the extra special kids with Downs and other illness on the spectrum. The challenges they face are enormous- but the achievements accomplished ( little steps at a time) are incredible. The bullying is real- until caring and understanding steps in- then the support by other kids is amazing.
The two sides of the issue you present from the adult standpoint are heart wrenching and deal as well. No one knows exactly what they will do on either side until in that moment.
Thank you for sharing this powerful writing.
Sammielwf
Comment Written 21-Dec-2020
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2020
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Ho Ho Ho--You are full of ssssssurprises!
More valuable than the virtual stars, is your literal eloquence.
I'm pleased you were touched by this piece--it's a repromotion--originally released a few months ago--it was inspired by a hypothetical scenario that would have ensued in both my marriages had I been carrying a "defective" child. I'd have kicked the dicks out if they hadn't already left! Thanks for stopping by. Cheers. LIZ
Comment from Wendy G
Beautiful story. Our society condemns all who are not 'normal' to death, or abuse. Our values are strange when we can prefer inducing death to trying to show love and acceptance to all. You would enjoy reading the story called 'Love Beyond Words', if you can find it. Thank you for such sensitive and thoughtful writing.
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2020
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Beautiful story. Our society condemns all who are not 'normal' to death, or abuse. Our values are strange when we can prefer inducing death to trying to show love and acceptance to all. You would enjoy reading the story called 'Love Beyond Words', if you can find it. Thank you for such sensitive and thoughtful writing.
Comment Written 13-Nov-2020
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2020
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Thank you Wendy! So pleased you liked the trilogy. You are quick. Stop by anytime. Cheers. LIZ
Comment from Ric Myworld
Wow, I don't know whether to reach out and give some kid a hug or just sit here and cry. But since there are no kids around, I guess, you know the answer. This is a powerful piece. Very deserving of a six that I sadly don't have. Thanks for sharing. Although, I almost wish I hadn't read it as it replays across my brain over the next few days.
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2020
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Wow, I don't know whether to reach out and give some kid a hug or just sit here and cry. But since there are no kids around, I guess, you know the answer. This is a powerful piece. Very deserving of a six that I sadly don't have. Thanks for sharing. Although, I almost wish I hadn't read it as it replays across my brain over the next few days.
Comment Written 18-Jul-2020
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2020
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Thanks for reading--so sorry to bring you down when there are no kids up for grabs (poor choice of words). Re the rating: It's the thought that countssssss. Cheers. LIZ
Comment from Margaret Bednar
... this really moves me. I know a family with a DS boy and he is so special. So full of life and love. I think he was child number... 4 or 5. His siblings adore him and he is very happy. It is so sad they get aborted just because people are afraid of different.
I wish Cindy was more positive - it, for me, would point to how precious and wonderful these DS children often are. An affirmation that their lives are worth being born. I know they range in severity - but most I have met (or seen on tv) seem very high functioning. I also know of a woman who was told her baby would be DS and it wasn't!!!! Imagine!
I think this is a very moving monologue - it could be performed by one person - in three different roles. I think that would be the most interesting.
I wish I had a six to give you - and I wish you'd rewrite Cindy a bit - the jeering and mean words are affective - I just wish she also showed how strong and positive she is...
reply by the author on 02-Jul-2020
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... this really moves me. I know a family with a DS boy and he is so special. So full of life and love. I think he was child number... 4 or 5. His siblings adore him and he is very happy. It is so sad they get aborted just because people are afraid of different.
I wish Cindy was more positive - it, for me, would point to how precious and wonderful these DS children often are. An affirmation that their lives are worth being born. I know they range in severity - but most I have met (or seen on tv) seem very high functioning. I also know of a woman who was told her baby would be DS and it wasn't!!!! Imagine!
I think this is a very moving monologue - it could be performed by one person - in three different roles. I think that would be the most interesting.
I wish I had a six to give you - and I wish you'd rewrite Cindy a bit - the jeering and mean words are affective - I just wish she also showed how strong and positive she is...
Comment Written 02-Jul-2020
reply by the author on 02-Jul-2020
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Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad this piece touched you. Intriguing idea of one person taking on three roles--how would that work as regards various appearances of man/woman/child--or would the stage be darkened? I had intended to convey Cindy as having healthy self-esteem--extra-special--any particular tweaks you can suggest? Cheers. LIZ
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I?ve seen it done effectively before (two professional actors and one artistic designer in the family so far) so we?ve seen lots of performances. One would maybe dim the lights for a second or one would just turn around or just put on a hat or something that would signify a change. It would be in the posture, voice, overall presence that would be the obvious change. It would be a good acting challenge.
As far as Cindy having a more positive and strong life force, it?s in her monologue. I would think we need to see the miracle she is. I?d love to be charmed and like ... lucky I got to know her. (Especially if one ponders she could have been aborted). Very powerful
Comment from lyenochka
A powerful post, Liz! Seems like Nick is going to remain the villain here. I was offered the test when I was pregnant and I refused because we said we would accept whatever God gave us. You bring up some great views here. Great job!
Question:
"Aunt Marlene told to my mommy " (is the "to" intentional?)
reply by the author on 02-Jul-2020
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A powerful post, Liz! Seems like Nick is going to remain the villain here. I was offered the test when I was pregnant and I refused because we said we would accept whatever God gave us. You bring up some great views here. Great job!
Question:
"Aunt Marlene told to my mommy " (is the "to" intentional?)
Comment Written 02-Jul-2020
reply by the author on 02-Jul-2020
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Thanks so much! So glad you stopped by--it is three days into my $40 re-promotion at 90 cents and yours is the only (new) review. So glad this piece touched you--I also refused the test--this play was born from a thought experiment--my ex surely would have walked--good riddance indeed. Cheers LIZ (yes, the "to" is intentional.)
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Oh, I know what you mean about re-promoting - it's always a gamble.
Good for you to stand on values.
Another lady I know had the test and suffered emotionally all through pregnancy because of the false positive result she got.
Comment from Bill Schott
This three-act script, Extra Special, really is that. I feel you have hit the proverbial nail on the head with both the pro and con sensibilities involved in knowing ahead of time that there will be a an extra-special birth. If it wasn't gut-wrenching and life-changing, there wouldn't be a debate. The voice of Cindy is the coup de gras, of course. She doesn't live in a vacuum, unaware of her place in the world. Her feelings are real and her innocence in her life situation is compelling.
Loved this line:'...I'd have given him a pair of my cozy warm boots--one to each "cheek"--so to send him on his way.'
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2020
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This three-act script, Extra Special, really is that. I feel you have hit the proverbial nail on the head with both the pro and con sensibilities involved in knowing ahead of time that there will be a an extra-special birth. If it wasn't gut-wrenching and life-changing, there wouldn't be a debate. The voice of Cindy is the coup de gras, of course. She doesn't live in a vacuum, unaware of her place in the world. Her feelings are real and her innocence in her life situation is compelling.
Loved this line:'...I'd have given him a pair of my cozy warm boots--one to each "cheek"--so to send him on his way.'
Comment Written 29-Jun-2020
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2020
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Thanks for stopping by, Bill--what a welcome surprise bonus--even more appreciated are your thoughtful remarks. Glad this piece touched you--this is my third round of promotion--well received at the time, albeit only a few reviews--I am hoping for wider readership--I often get only a single review for a script even at position 20 (at total cost of 34!) so thanks for biting! Cheers. LIZ
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There is sometimes a season of readers who will only read short pieces for the quick buck. The longer stories or scripts, if not promoted to about where you have it will get bypassed for low-hanging fruit. I try too always read the members I'm following, sooner or later, not thinking that anyone's hanging on for my humble opinion. I certainly enjoyed this presentation, which states teh points of view with an emotional after-hook.
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You're right about that---I'd have to pay well over a buck- to tempt them-which would cost me over a hundred!
Comment from BethShelby
This kind of story calls for a lot of soul searching. I'm not sure what my own choice would have been in such a situation. It sounds like possibility a couple should consider before they get married to see if they are on the same page in case something like this happens. Once the child is born, she needs to feel loved and special. Some of your stories really make people think deeply.
reply by the author on 24-Jun-2020
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This kind of story calls for a lot of soul searching. I'm not sure what my own choice would have been in such a situation. It sounds like possibility a couple should consider before they get married to see if they are on the same page in case something like this happens. Once the child is born, she needs to feel loved and special. Some of your stories really make people think deeply.
Comment Written 24-Jun-2020
reply by the author on 24-Jun-2020
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Thanks for your thoughtful comments, Beth. This scenario would have ensured with my first husband; as to my second, he'd have wanted me to abort a normal baby--an about-face from his assurance before our marriage--when I explicitly brought up the subject--of how he'd react to a "surprise." Cheers. LIZ
Comment from Iza Deleanu
I love this tri-act of react, I don't know how you come up with all these wonderful subjects and bring them in such a funny-sarcastic way. Three lives changed forever because of an extra chromosome. :"more waiting for the birth-day surprise: today we "enjoy" far-in-advance notice should the fetus prove to be in any way "defective" Thank you for sharing and good luck with your writings.
reply by the author on 24-Jun-2020
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I love this tri-act of react, I don't know how you come up with all these wonderful subjects and bring them in such a funny-sarcastic way. Three lives changed forever because of an extra chromosome. :"more waiting for the birth-day surprise: today we "enjoy" far-in-advance notice should the fetus prove to be in any way "defective" Thank you for sharing and good luck with your writings.
Comment Written 23-Jun-2020
reply by the author on 24-Jun-2020
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Thanks for stopping by, Iza. I'm pleased you like this piece--it's a repromotion--originally released a few months ago--it was inspired by a hypothetical scenario that would have ensued in both my marriages had I been carrying a "defective" child. I'd have kicked the dicks out if they hadn't already left! Cheers. LIZ
Comment from Raffaelina Lowcock
This world is filled with dilemmas such as this and unfortunately, not everyone is equipped to deal reasonably with a satisfying answer.
I am definitely in tune with the mother's unselfish attitude but commiserate with what her selfless life has handed her. The great angle here is showing all three sides and possible mindsets.
reply by the author on 15-Mar-2020
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This world is filled with dilemmas such as this and unfortunately, not everyone is equipped to deal reasonably with a satisfying answer.
I am definitely in tune with the mother's unselfish attitude but commiserate with what her selfless life has handed her. The great angle here is showing all three sides and possible mindsets.
Comment Written 13-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 15-Mar-2020
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Sorry for the delay, Raffaelina--trying to catch up here! I'm pleased you felt this piece presented all sides fairly. I didn't think I conveyed a balanced view considering where my sympathies lie--but I try to step back and let my people speak for themselves. Cheers. LIZ
