September 3, 2008
Building Bridges
We've seen the looks. We've heard the comments. We've witnessed the pity as you have compared our child to yours.
And released a sigh of gratitude.
At times it seems as though there is not a line drawn, but a wall built, between us.
Between those of us whose children are labeled as disabled, and yours.
But we are no longer content to stay on our side of the wall.
We grow tired of school districts that insist any child with a diagnosis should not be allowed in classrooms with typical students.
Of insurance companies that demand we pay the same premiums, but then deny services based on misconceptions of what our children will one day be able to achieve.
Hearts break as our children are left on the sidelines watching their peers pass them by, forgotten and uninvited.
We understand that many of you are at a loss of how to include a child with special needs. You don't know what to say, or what to do.
We recognize that unknown and fear are often synonyms.
We hope that you will ask questions. Take a chance. Be open to what is deemed different.
We promise to meet you half way. It's the least we can do.
Together we can bridge gaps and open hearts.
Tammy and Parker also hang out at their other blog, Praying For Parker
Filed under Advocacy, Day In And Day Out, Dealing With Public Perceptions, Tammy by Tammy and Parker
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13 Comments on Building Bridges »
#1 - Lynn @ 12:27 pm
AMEN! Well said! Thank you!
#2 - Krystal @ 12:56 pm
I love how this was written. Thank you for writing what so many of us want to say!
#3 - Amazing_Grace @ 1:16 pm
Well said and it should become a commercial for all to watch and listen!
#4 - Melody @ 1:18 pm
You, Tammy, are an architect…you have begun the bridge here at 5M4SN. Thank you.
#5 - Alicia @ Experiencing Each Moment @ 1:54 pm
Wow-you are GOOD
#6 - Kristen@nosmallthing @ 3:02 pm
Beautifully said. You hit the nail on the head.
#7 - Michelle & Kayla @ 4:00 pm
building bridges is a good name! I don't know if you saw my reply to you on the T21 board…I wasn't even sure if I was on the right path as what you were trying to explain, so I just suggested "What It's Like". This should be an exciting new venture here at 5MFSN!
#8 - Barbara @ 4:53 pm
Perfectly said, Tammy! Can we help you find another audience for this post? A bridge to somewhere where the people who read will get a new understanding? Where? Who knows the blogosphere and can help us find a site for reposting or linking this post?
#9 - Janessa Andrioccio @ 5:24 pm
Tammy & Parker:
I read your blog everyday and I often wonder, what would I say if I meet you and Parker (or a family like yours)? I can't have children, but when I look at other families that have children with disabilities and imagine all the hard work they have. What you see isn't judgement, it's a little bit of sympathy. I want to understand. If I met you, I would tell you how brave I think you both are. Is that wrong?
#10 - Slurping Life @ 9:15 am
About Building A Bridge…
Our home is filled with various building components…everything from blocks, bricks, dominoes, tracks, roadways, and magnetic thingies to junk dug out of the garbage and more. The boys constantly build things and explain the intricacies of the why, wh…
#11 - Tamie @ 9:57 am
Beautiful post!
#12 - Jenny @ 2:57 pm
Great post! Thank you for expressing what so many special needs families are feeling!
#13 - Stacy @ 1:50 pm
One of my very good friends has a 1.5 year old little boy that still looks and acts like a newborn. My heart breaks for her that she didn't have that perfect child, but that doesn't mean she loves him any less. Nor does that mean that we that know him and have held him love him any less, either. He's a special little man that has so far defied the odds.
When I see people with children with special needs, I do feel a bit of sympathy for them. Mostly it is because I know how hard they must work to give their children everything they need and deserve. The "system" isn't always kind, but I know these parents, like you, Tammy, are strong and are fighters for their children.