Yes Jeanne, I think kids do pay if are different, but so do adults. Heaven help the person, be it a child or adult that happens to be different if the child has never either been taught or exposed to anyone who is different. I remember as a child shopping with my mother and seeing a child who appeared to be what in those days we would call mentally retarded and asking my mother what happened to that child. My mother simply explained to me that God made all of us a little different, that none of us is exactly the same. That this child's brain works differently than mine, but that he still likes to play and do the same things I do, and we should treat him the same way as any other child. Then there are parents that tell the mother that it is ok for their child to ask any questions they may have and they'll be happy to try to answer. Those were powerful people. Then another time there had to be something that happened to me regarding somebody with a physical disability or I had a bad dream because I was scared to death of anyone with a wheelchair, or used a cane or crutches, etc. Go figure, looked what happened to me? Yikes, TM!!! I used to avoid like the plague anyone with those, I'd cross the street so I didn't get near them, and my poor great grandfather who ended up in a wheelchair, I thought he'd run me over for some odd reason. I wouldn't get into an elevator if anyone was in there with any of these. My mother couldn't get that idea out of my mind. I got over it way before I got TM though. Hugs, Barbara In a message dated 1/19/2009 3:29:34 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, [email protected] writes:
Good message Barbara. When kids veer off of to be a little bit different, they sure seem to pay for it, don't they? This man is such an inspiration that he just makes me cry for happy..hugs to you, too, and especially you, Todd, for sharing this with us all. Jeanne in Dayton -------Original Message------- From: [email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected]) Date: 1/19/2009 4:31:59 PM To: [email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected]) ; [email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected]) Subject: Re: [TMIC] OT Get Back Up Todd, That was so inspirational and beautiful. He is so amazing and makes me feel like I better do something positive for myself and someone else today. He truly has taken a disability and created an ability to touch other people's lives in so many ways. It's great that he takes to the schools, as that is where he can make such a difference since kids seem to look at differences as being something to criticize and not embrace. Anyone wonder where they learn that from? Hugs to all, Barbara **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1215855013x1201028747/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072%26hmpgID=62%26bcd=De cemailfooterNO62)
