What Do You See? Post-Op Week 21!

What do you see?

When I see this, I do not see the medical equipment. I see a little three year old who is waving to his daddy. To me, the walker just melts into the background. It is just apart of our daily routine, it's what Cliff needs right now, it does not define who he is or change the way we look at him.

He is just a little boy who likes to do all the things any other little boy likes to do.

Now that Cliff is walking so well, we are venturing out in public with his walker more and more. I have noticed that there are two groups of people in this world. The first group are those who are instantly intrigued and inspired by Cliff. Those people who smile, look at Cliff and say "Wow! Look at you go buddy!" There are people who stop to encourage Cliff to keep walking even when they are in a hurry and he is blocking the whole isle at the grocery store. Complete strangers who want to take time out of their busy schedules to hear Cliff's story and rejoice with us over the miracle that we are witnessing with each step he takes.

Then there is the group of people that see Cliff's walker and turn the other way to avoid him. Cliff is completely oblivious to these people, which I pray he will remain to be so for a long, long time because quite frankly they do not deserve his time or to affect a second of his life. I feel sorry for people who see someone that is different and try to avoid them at all costs. They are missing out on meeting some of the most wonderful people on this planet. Having Cliff has taught me that when I see someone who limps or has a walker or who is in a wheelchair that they are just like you and me. Just because someone looks different or sounds different or gets around a little differently does not mean they are unimportant members of our society. They are not invisible. They have feelings. They notice when people turn away to avoid them. And while Cliff is completely unaware of this second group of people, I know that at some point in the future he will notice them. And his heart will hurt. And there will be nothing I can do about it except try my best to raise awareness for all people with special needs.

So please, next time you are somewhere and see someone who is not like you or me, look at them. Acknowledge their presence. Smile and say hello to them. They will not bite, I promise! This not for them, or for me, but for YOU because you just may learn something new that will change the way you view your life and this world by taking a second of your day to acknowledge others who are different. Listen to their stories, you don't have to go to lunch with them, just listen for a second. And when you walk away, you will be changed. The grass will be greener, the sky bluer, you will count your blessings and you will feel good knowing that you made a difference.