Ever wonder what it would feel like to be invisible? Not the fun kind of invisible where you play jokes on friends and can listen to their conversations without them knowing. I am talking about the kind of invisible where people frequently act as if you don’t exist, even if you are in plain sight. The kind of invisible where you are trapped in a body that won’t let you communicate and so people just ignore your presence, even if you are only inches away. This I find is how many people react to the handicapped. Why? What are they afraid of? Where is the compassion? Are we all so wrapped up in ourselves that we have lost the ability to empathize with others less fortunate? What must it be like to be trapped inside your own head, unable to express your thoughts and to some extent really express your emotions? How frightening, how depressing, how lonely and unloved that must feel! Human beings are the only creatures that God endowed with language. When you try to verbally engage someone it acknowledges their “humanness” and gives them a sense of being valued. Maybe even provides a little better sense of having an important place in other peoples lives. Remember, they have very little or no control over their own lives. The verbal connection lets them know you see them as a person. A simple “Hi, how are you doing today?” would suffice, who cares if you get a verbal answer, perhaps you will get the most beautiful smile and if you are lucky, a laugh. Sure makes my day when this is the response I get to my questions.………….Think about it!
Your Thoughts?
Continue to expect a miracle!
7 comments:
you made so many good points and i never truly thought about it that way. i am one of those people that always smiles, offers my assistance, or just says a simple hello to everyone and most importantly to those that are handicapped. i must say that a few times i have gotten less desirable responses and i often wonder if they just thought i felt sorry for them, which was never the case. we are all humans with emotions and possess the desire to be loved. so yes i agree with you whole heartedly...whether they can respond or not we should always treat them as our equals because they are. in reality we are all on this earth together and have the desire to be loved and are capable of loving one another. for me that's what keeps me going everyday and throught the ood times and the bad.
i truly admire you, what you do for melaney and how you are always so positive and enlightening. while i don't know you i can truly see that your family is very special and i bet you are the glue that holds it all together. i hope i get the pleasure of meeting you sometime. in the meantime i will continue praying for melaney's miracle!
wow. i can only imagine how hard it must be for you to see people treating your child with anything less than the respect she deserves. thank you for sharing your story...melaney's story...and your feelings. i think of your family often, and am sending good wishes and prayers your way!
Mrs. Robb...you are so tugging at my heartstrings right now! As a mom, I can only imagine how helpless you must feel to watch people treat your child with such a lack of care & courtesy. I don't get how people can be so heartless & ignorant. You are such a wonderful advocate for your baby :) I'm praying for Melaney & expecting a miracle!!!
Hi, I found your blog through my friend Paige. I have been an avid follower but never left a comment. Your story touches so close to home it's sometimes hard to read without tears...in a good way but hard. My sister was injured at 14 years old on a moped. She suffered severe brain damage and from that moment, life has never been the same for our family. The friends were ALL there at the beginning, they called, sent cards, visited the hospital...then slowly that fades. Family is what will always be strong. Ever since I was little I have had a place in my heart for those less fortunate than myself. I volunteered starting in 6th grade as an elective to work with the special ed classes vs art or choir. I did the same in high school. When my sister was injured we found out first hand how cruel people can be. I have felt the pain as a sibling, the "loss" of your sister you once had, the time you no longer have with your parent's, watching my mom be so so very tired but her UNWAVERING love and strength is second to none. I now have a 3 yr old and could not imagine what you and my mom have and are going through. Gina's accident happened in 1988 and it feels like yesterday. She has come leaps and bounds from what the doctor's ever imagined but it's still a daily struggle. The night I "found" your blog, my mom was visiting and we read your story from the beginning and couldn't believe it. She wants to get your information to follow as well. I will send her the site. Thank you for being such an angel to your daughter and entire family. I am in awe of mom's like you and my own. You two are on pedestals in my eyes and I strive to come anywhere close in my little girl's world. There's no other option but to forever be a mom to your child, no matter the age, no matter the situation. God bless you and your entire family, you all are in my prayers and I am amazed at the arms wrapped around Melany. That miracle IS happening everyday...
I completely agree! If people only knew Mel and the amazing person she is, maybe they would realize that people with handicaps are still people and should be treated with respect. You really are an inspiration, as is the rest of your family. Melaney is so lucky to have you all in her life. Praying for y'all!
I completely agree! If people only knew Mel and the amazing person she is, maybe they would realize that people with handicaps are still people and should be treated with respect. You really are an inspiration, as is the rest of your family. Melaney is so lucky to have you all in her life. Praying for y'all!
Well said. It is so sad to think about, but so true. My daughter Kari had a boy in her class 2 years ago that was in a wheelchair and couldn't communicate very well. At parent/teacher conference, her teacher informed me that Kari was so sweet to this boy and was always talking to him and including him. One day I saw her out at recess pushing him in his wheelchair just talking away with him. Melted my heart! I am so glad she had the compassion and heart to remember he is a person too! I will continue to pray for Melaney :)
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