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A mum of four, was shopping when her son experienced a minor epileptic fit. A fellow shoppers comment left her shattered.

Tori Brooks, was shopping at Caneland Central in Mackay, when Travis, 4, experienced a minor epileptic fit, which left him drooling a little bit and needing some tending to.

“I took him into the parents’ room to get him cleaned up and give him somewhere to wind down and not be upset,” she told The Courier Mail.

“As I walked in the door I was confronted by another mother who saw him and said, ‘children like that are the reason why euthanasia should be legalised in this country’.”

“It hit me hard and I didn’t have it in me to say anything back at the time but I was left in tears – like you just told me my son should be dead or that I should kill my child because he has this condition,” Ms Brooks said.

“Believe it or not, there is a damn good reason why euthanasia is not a legal treatment option for special needs kids.”

Travis has been diagnosed with uncontrollable epilepsy and global development delay; however, despite his conditions is still capable of living a full and enjoyable life.

“He’s actually off to kindergarten this year and he’s a really bright, bubbly and loving kid,” Ms Brooks said.

“Yes, it can be challenging, but at the same time it’s not the end of the world.

“And I’m fully aware that the sight of someone mid-seizure can be confronting; but special needs people, adults and children alike, no matter how small or great their disability, deserve to live happily and be equally accepted in the community, just like anyone else.

“My son has complex needs and while they will never go away completely he is a clever young man and can do many things that other kids his age cannot do. Above all else, he loves me as mum and smothers me daily in cuddles and kisses.”

Ms Brooks encourages other parents who have encountered similar behaviour to “keep their chin up” and continue doing the best they can for their children.

“You are your child’s best advocate, people are scared of what they don’t understand and you shouldn’t be made to feel bad about that,” she said.

“You’re doing the best you can, so just keep going and hold your head up high.

“My grandma used to say something I think too many people have forgotten – ‘If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all’.”

You know the old saying – “If you don’t have anything nice to say….”. Come on people!

Share your comments below.

Image via Courier Mail

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  • that is just so rude. why say that to someone? it is not like that kid affected that other woman in any way at all so why even comment?

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  • Wow..some people’s ignorance, truly amazes me!

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  • Words can hurt, but we must learn to switch off when ignorant people open their traps.

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  • I can’t imagine saying something like this, let alone to a stranger.

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  • What a horrible indecent human, how dare she comment on a situation she knows nothing about. How dare she comment and judge someone as harshly and brutal as that. I hope they find this horrid human,she should be made to make an apology publicly. I can’t believe a mother would subject another mother to such emotional brutality

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  • Absolutely disgusting. I can’t believe someone would dare think such a thing, let alone say it out loud.

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  • wow! and i thought i encountered some horrible things being said by having twins. (i have had people say things like wow, if i found out i was having twins i would kill myself). People just have no manners, or no filter. The things that come out of peoples mouths can be so disgusting! This poor lady, this is a shocking thing to say to someone about their beloved child!

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  • I was heartbroken when I read this but now I’m quite angry at the woman’s ignorance in thinking it was okay to make a comment like that.
    I wish ms brooks and her family all the best for the future and hope they never have to encounter that sort of thing again xx

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  • I am gobsmacked! The gall of this heartless woman! As mentioned below, ignorant people who think like this are thankfully in the minority

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  • Repulsive and ignorant thoughts and words and absolutely shameful too! No mother should have to hear these words from another person and the ugliness of these words is unfathomable. I do pity people that have such dark and heartless thoughts, but please know that most people do not have these thoughts and most people in this world display kindness and love for each other. Sending so many kind and caring thoughts to you and your precious son.

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  • I would be furious if someone said this to me but as a mum to a son with severe special needs you just don’t have the time or energy to waste on the ignorant people in this world. You just have to stay focused on your special boy and help him with what he is going through and ignore the nasty rude people. Big hugs to this mum, she is doing a great job and deserves nothing but love and support!

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  • Unbelievable what kind of thought people can have and express !
    Remember they are the fools and we could pity them.
    Shake it off and keep your head up high indeed !

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  • Just say nothing at all.

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  • People can be so cruel at times when seeing things like this. Offering to help would be better or as you said “if you can not say something good, then say nothing at all”. My gr aunt was put into an asylum for having this, we have come a long way from that and parents can cope better. Others should learn to be better.

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  • Unfortunately the world has some vile, nasty despicable people in it but fortunately the good, caring and kind-hearted folk out number them. Pay no attention to this cruel creature. I have another saying : “what goes around comes around” so Karma will bite her one day.
    Sending much love your way and wishing you and your son all the very best. :-)

    Reply

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