I have been struggling...I have overheard entirely too many ugly things said about my girl lately...in several places that I was sad to hear... I admit, although some were a surprise, some were just a confirmation of what I suspected. I witnessed a little girl that Elise was desperately trying to talk to, get out of the pool, circle it, and get in on the other side after giving Elise a look usually reserved for gum that you find on the bottom of your shoe... I have been saddened by the prejudice that has been passed down from generation to generation. I am increasingly burdened by the idea, that while skin color is becoming less and less of a debilitation, disabilities are not feeling nearly as accepted...in some circles, I feel like less than perfection is positively scorned...and the extrapolation is even being put on the parents...
But I am pleased to say, that there have been a couple of moments of pure, unadulterated acceptance, that made my heart cry with relief...that made the barrage of disgust that I felt like I was drowning under, push back like the Red Sea for Moses...
One, an adult who was clearly disconcerted by being addressed by Elise, actually held a 5 minute conversation in the isle of Target. Elise liked her shirt, and had one like it, and Elise attempted to tell her... And this woman, actually attempted to understand. And when I was forced to translate Elise's garbled words, she looked at Elise and answered HER, not me (which is what many people attempt to do)! Elise was so pleased with the interaction, it has come up twice. And she insisted on wearing the shirt that "matched" that lady's a few days later.....
On Monday, there was a 4 year old that played "whales and mermaids" with her in the pool...for an hour...and talked with Elise like a house afire...and did not ONCE ask for a translation...and they had a ball. It was obviously a learned acceptance, because her little brother and mother were just as warm and accepting. Upon leaving, she told Elise that she would play with her next time and I absolutely believe her. I also learned that this little girl's name was Gracie. And I definitely needed a few moments of Grace...
Do not underestimate the value of a few minutes of effort on your part...or your children's...
Tiffany, great post. The last few paragraphs have given me hope! I love how Elise must wear her "matching" shirt! A few minutes of time make a great difference in someone else's life. So very true!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post!! Oh, how I wish everyone could be like the last two examples you mention. People fear what they don't understand, unfortunately. It's something that will likely continue for a long time to come. But that was just so cool that Elise wanted to wear that shirt because the woman made such a positive impression on her!
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