This is photo taken on my 4th birthday, my sister Alice is standing next to me & my brother whom I speak of in this post is sitting beside her. Look at the beautiful, cheeky life filled smile on his cherubic face.
His spirit is alive & intact and will always remain so because he is cared for and loved. This is what we want for all children ... isn't it?
I think it is crucial for all people to remember that the human spirit can be delicate and can only take so much before it will be broken. This is even more so in the case of people with disabilities.
Once a spirit that's been broken it no longer holds hope.
It fails to see beauty.
It loses it's childlike ability to imagine or dream.
If we can cushion the human spirit, protect it from being broken by the insensitive words and actions of others, who's priorities are skewif ... it may then be possible to keep hope alive. Thus allowing people to see the beauty in themselves, others & the world.
They will remain curious, imaginative & dream.
As a carer in the disability sector & as a sister of a brother with a disability I believe with every fiber of my being, that by achieving this & doing this well, we would be undoubtedly making this world a much better place for ALL people of all abilities.
In protecting the spirit from losing those innate qualities, we are able to create a new & better reality for these people. New ways of 'being' for people whom have already been born into this world with hurdles to cross!!
so true, we must protect the human spirit...such a beautiful post writen with a loving heart :)
ReplyDeleteKatherine: I could not agree with you more! I so wish that people would attempt to cushion the human spirit, instead of trying to break it. It doesn't cost anything to be supportive, but many are not. Your words are wonderful, and you have already made our world a better place.
ReplyDeleteI agree Katherine. People can restore the human spirit by being more thoughtful in their words and deeds. Parents should especially be aware of this, as how they speak to their children can impact and shape their spirits.
ReplyDeletesmiles. we resonate in this area...my heart goes out to those that are viewed as different or "strange"...and yes they have a lot to offer if given the chance...
ReplyDeleteNever Trust A Person Who Doesnt Still Have A Child Inside Them !
ReplyDeleteSo very true, Kat...and so very well said. That photo is just adorable, too! You look exactly the same! Your brother...yes, the smile is amazing. xo
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post! And so true. The picture is beautiful :), Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters
ReplyDeleteYou said this so very well. I wish we could put our children in a bubble, so they wouldn't be hurt by the cruel words that people say. Words can cut like a knife and that wound sometimes stays with a person for a lifetime. So sad.
ReplyDeleteOn a positive note...your birthday photo is adorable!!! : )
light shines from your words. beautiful. thank you.
ReplyDeleteAmen !
ReplyDeleteWonderful photo, Katherine - so many memories ...