A dear friend of mine has a granddaughter who has Down syndrome.

Just like any proud grandparent, Jane shows photos of an engaging and happy 4 year old decked out in a pink tutu and kissing her doting grandmother. Jane tells stories of Emma's antics and how she delights those who meet her.

It is obvious that Emma is dearly loved and a blessing, cherished by her family and friends. Ask anyone who knows someone with Down syndrome and they will tell you about the love and joy that surrounds them.

Imagine the hurt Emma's family feels when someone thoughtlessly uses the word "retard" to describe someone in a negative way. In an attempt to do something about this, Jane's son and daughter-in-law have joined a campaign to erase the derogatory r-word from our vocabulary.

Here is a letter Jane's son, Dave, sent to bring awareness to this problem:

""Today is a special day. Tuesday 3/31/2009 is a day of awareness, started by the Special Olympics, to end the word “Retard” in everyday language.

People with intellectual disabilities are here to do one thing: teach us all about unconditional love. That is what they are equipped to do. They deserve better and they definitely deserve respect.

Please take the pledge to remove the word from your vocabulary, or to take the time to point out to someone you hear use the word that is it hurtful.

Please help spread the word to END the word.

Check it out at http://www.r-word.org/ ""

Emma's family has raised my awareness and reminded me of how harmful words can be. I have taken the pledge, and I hope you will, too.