I think ours become more frequent as Gabi gets older. The other day we went to Six Flags and Ryan waited with her while I went on my one and only ride of the day. He told me a little girl walked by Gabi looking at her and passed by without ever taking her eyes off of her. Gabi looked up barely from the corner of her eyes and proclaimed, "Don't look at me!" It was the first time ever that she has said anything to a stranger. Ryan said he just sat there trying to figure out if she had really just said what she had said. I guess we have finally entered the stage in her life that she is noticing the points, looks and stares. I have been dreading this day.

I often go out of my way to speak to families of children with special needs, even adults with special needs if possible. I have wondered if they found this offensive, and if it was obvious that I was speaking to them because they were different. But I talk to them not out of pity but because I want to add joy to their day. I also talk to them because I want to add joy to MY day and I revel in the unique perspective that they bring. I talk to them to teach my children that we should love and accept everyone.

I wanted to participate and time to write something new got away. I do want to share one of my previous posts written at a very raw moment after therapy with Lee, who lives with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and all its difficulties.

I fully understand your words. I too am changing, with Myah as my guide. Thank you for helping me see that.

Seriously.