What struck me about the article was that the world-view of these pre-schoolers has been changed - forever altered - by the presence of this little girl in their midst.
I don't recall there ever being disabled students at my elementary, Jr. High or High Schools. Of course, I have never been mean spirited towards those with disabilities but I know that is not the case for all people - especially children.
As I read this short article, it made me wonder, "How have these pre-schoolers been changed by this experience? Are they more apt to overlook physical differences? Are they more likely to offer a helping hand to a stranger? Are they now more likely to view the world around them through more compassionate eyes?"
Of course, no parent would wish a disability on their child just so that those around them are forced to become more tolerant and kind. And yet, if that is where you find yourself one day, I suppose "Bloom where you are planted" is the motto.
Naturally, I hope that the world is a better place because of my little Annabelle and I hope that the children of our friends are fuller, kinder and more compassionate adults for having grown up around Annie.
In today's society, we are pushed to avoid all pain and suffering associated with health from the moment of conception to the last breath. And then I read stories like this and it makes me wonder, "What if we were to eliminate all disabilities and suffering from our midst? What would that do to our sense of compassion? Our willingness to lend a hand? Our ability to stop our petty griping about our insignificant irritations for one blessed second - Just long enough to connect with someone living a reality we can never fully comprehend?"
In many ways I think that the world is a better place not in spite of but because of those extraordinary individuals in our midst who carry disabilities and need a helping hand from time to time.
Just a thought.
1 comments:
I went to school from elementary thru high school with a girl who had SB. Her family even moved to the same new district my family did around middle school, which is kind of odd. She had braces and crutches the whole time I knew her. She was in my girl scout troop and did some kind of intense horseback riding stuff which I thought was cool because I am a wuss and terrified of horses. Now she is my facebook friend and is married with a beautiful 1 year old son. I also went to school with a girl in a wheelchair for severe arthritis and there was a boy in the grade below me that basically had no arms or legs - only feet and hands real close to his body. I remember him playing dodgeball and how amazing he was. Like he was seriously good.
I think it does change your view of the world.
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