Mr. Speaker, the events of the last few days have given me occasion to once again evaluate at a very deep level the value of human life.
You see, Mr. Speaker, my sister Marian was born with cerebral palsy, injured at birth because of errors made by medical staff. My parents accepted their responsibility for her and she became a very important part of our family. She has never learned to speak and has required total care all her life. But she laughs and sometimes she cries. She loves to sing along when my mother or I play hymns on the piano, although her only words are “da, da, da”.
Marian has added so much to our family, helping us not to become consumed with secular pursuits and keeping our focus on that which is truly important in life. Some would say that her life is not worthwhile, but I profoundly disagree.
Thank you, my dear sister for loving us and accepting our love for the last 52 years.