by John Cargile

Created on: September 08, 2008   Last Updated: August 25, 2011

It was heart-warming to read Sarah Palin's speech from the Republican National Convention as she spoke about special needs children.

Politics aside, the Palin family appears to be "real" people who will be great advocates for children with disabilities even if her party wins or loses in the November election. Even with all the publicity about their unmarried 17-year-old daughter's pregnancy just shows how "real" this family actually is. Most every family has dealt with experiences as the couple from Alaska.

But what truly excited me were Sarah's words about special needs children. In the greatest sense of the word, their 17-year-old daughter and five-month old child each are special needs children. Here's what Sarah said in her acceptance speech as the Republican vice-president. Their youngest son, Trig, has Down syndrome, a chromosomal disorder.

"And in April, my husband Todd and I welcomed our littlest one into the world, a perfectly beautiful baby boy named Trig. From the inside, no family ever seems typical. That's how it is with us.Our family has the same ups and downs as any other ... the same challenges and the same joys.

Sometimes even the greatest joys bring challenge. And children with special needs inspire a special love. To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters. And I pledge to you that if we"re elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House."

The love her large family shows for Trig brings a certain chill. Mrs. Palin's speech on special children brought a great applause.I was reminded again last week how fragile our children can be.

Kristi Noland of Northport shared her story with me about her son, Chase, who had a near death experience at birth. The Noland family is taking advantage of the many community service programs offered in West Alabama. The placenta or protective film around her son burst while he was still in Kristi's womb. Chase's oxygen supply was cut off for an undetermined amount of time. He nearly died.

As the Noland's have learned, there are many support groups available when they need help.A parent's job is to prepare their child for life. Parents with special needs children have an even greater sense and need to learn how to prepare their child to live, as best as possible, a healthy, fulfilling life.

It was especially inspirational when Kristi, a young mother, explained what her

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