Theresa sent me an email from one of her friends recently that really touched my heart. This woman, Kathy Snow, having raised a son with a disability, echoed my feeling so well in an article she had written. I have been so impressed with her website that I thought it would be a good idea for everyone to check it out.
Her first few lines states, "disability is a minority group that anyone of us could join at anytime." I don't think we really realize how important that statement can be. Whether is be from an accident or illness or just getting old, we can or will become a person with a disability.
I remember going to McDonald's to meet Theresa a few years ago. The second I walked in I could tell that a couple of teenage boys had been staring and snickering at Theresa while she waited for me. After I sat for a couple of minutes I couldn't resist going over and asking them what was so funny. I then asked if they thought it would be funny if I dumped their milkshake on their heads. After I said that then I sat down at their table and told them about a little about Theresa and how smart and accomplished she is. I then pointed out to them that tomorrow one of them could get in an accident and would then be a person with a disability and how it could happen to anyone at anytime. This seemed to shock them into the reality of life for people with disabilities. They apologized and then I went back to visit with Theresa. Of course the whole time I was talking to them Theresa was sitting there giggling!
I never think of Theresa, or Rich or Cindi for that matter, as anyone but who they are and so it has been easy for me to do things like teach special needs seminary. But sometimes I have to stop and remember that everyone doesn't have the opportunity to interact with people with disabilities on an everyday basis. We are the blessed ones for having these brave and courageous people in our lives.
Please check out Kathy Snows' website. She does a wonderful job with it and it's very uplifting to read her articles!
http://www.disabilityisnatural.com
2 comments:
Life is hard enough without having someone pushing you down--all I can say is WAY TO GO Theresa!! She's one of the most beautiful individuals out there inside and out and I hope she continues to giggle life away while everyone else stands by and watches her!
good blog mom!
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