Had a cool experience at work last night! I was putting some merchandise on a display, and I hear behind me the following: Little Girl (about 6 years old): Aaawwww! That lady is in a wheelchair! Why is she in a wheelchair? [Oh, good, I thought. Here comes the expert parent who usually makes this situation worse.] Mother: You know, I dont know, but you know what? I think if we ask nicely she might tell you. [Surprised, I turn around. The mother is kneeling and says to me - ] Mother: I thought it better if she hears from you if thats okay? [I nod. She says to daughter-] Go ahead, honey. Little Girl: Why are you in a wheelchair? Me: Well, I have a lot of pain in my legs, and a lot of weakness, and its difficult for me to stand and walk. So, I use a wheelchair so I can keep doing normal things. Little Girl: Oh! Mother: [To girl] Yeah, see remember how Grandpa could walk a little bit but he had to use a wheelchair. Its like Grandpa. Me: Yup, I can walk sometimes but its difficult. Little Girl: So you sometimes have to use a walker like Grandpa? Me: I sometimes use a cane, yes. Mother: But you know whats neat about her? Shes working! She hasnt let it stop her from doing things and being a good person. [The little girl nods in understanding.] Mother: [to me] Thank you. Me: Thank YOU! Ive been having a difficult time recently with using my wheelchair, especially with all of the rude kids that touch it, stare, or play chicken while Im just trying to go about my business. This was SOOOO refreshing! I am so grateful to know there ARE mothers out there who will take the time to teach their children that asking respectful questions to gain understanding is perfectly OK! Most just mumble, I dont know and walk by hurriedly and embarrassed when their kids ask them about my wheelchair. This teaches that its something strange, embarrassing, and something to be ashamed about or to avoid. This mother took time to teach her child that a person in a wheelchair is just a person. You can talk to us. We arent strange, we just have struggles that we are trying to overcome. It also was a good teaching moment because most assume everyone in a wheelchair is paralyzed. By letting me answer myself, the mother didnt teach the daughter a blanket stigma for wheelchair users. And her compliment at the end about me just made my day when Ive been having a really hard time! There *IS* hope for the world!!!!
Posted on: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 15:08:34 +0000
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