See How They Too Shine
As parents and caregivers, we have the ability, some would say the responsibility, to guide our little ones into embracing others and the beautiful differences between humans. Life just feels so much better that way. It doesn’t feel good judging others, or looking for what is wrong with others. We are all beautifully different.
My friend had her son at 24 weeks, and he was only 1 lb 5 oz. Their story is a miracle, and she is someone so strong, loving, and determined that you can’t help but be inspired by her. As I sat in the hospital room with her and her son one night, it was a moment I will never forget. She had the poise and protectiveness over her son that was truly admirable. She might not realize until she reads this post, that I was in awe at the way she handled herself and the situation, and it has forever influenced my own role as a mother, even to this day. She looks for the opportunity in the moment, and I am truly inspired by her. She recently shared this on her Facebook page and I just wanted to share her greatness with you, in hopes that you will share your greatness with others, and your little ones will continue to learn by your example….
Today, I took Ethan out for a mother-son date night to Chick-fil-A. We ate our dinner and then of course, to the play room! Ethan finally has gotten the confidence to play in that room…climb through the tunnels and interact with the other children. This is a BIG and new step for him. He ran in ahead of me, while I was cleaning up our table. When I got in and sat down, I heard a girl say to two o…ther children, “Don’t talk to him, he’s weird.” My heart weeped for my son and I know my eyes shot a look at that child like daggers shooting out of my eyes. I sat there and thought about it for a few minutes. I could continue to dwell on THAT comment, or I could use this as a teachable moment. Then, one of the other girls came up to me, not realizing I was his mother, and said to me “that boy is weird”. There was my chance. I said to her and the other kids that Ethan was very small and very sick when he was born. Because of this, he marches to the beat of his own drum, but if you take time to get to know him, you will find that he is really funny and silly. They did. The kids that all played together and the girl who made the original comment especially made a point to play with Ethan. She also gave me and very sincere “Sorry”. They all had lots of fun together and she was very sweet with Ethan. I suspect that next time she comes across another “weird” child, she will approach them differently.Years earlier, I took a similar opportunity to “teach” another child a similar lesson with a downs child who was playing near Maia. The following summer, that child became good friends with Ethan at camp and was VERY protective of him.As parents, we can all encourage our kids to take time to get to know those kids who are a little different and see how they too shine. It meant the world to Ethan tonight and I am sure it would mean the world to other special children like him.
Love this and love my friend. Thank you for letting me share this with others.