I was so excited to have an opportunity to speak with a group of girls who are part of the American Heritage Girls Club. I had not heard of this organization before, but my friend is a troop leader, and she asked me to come and share with them what it is like to be a parent of a child with special needs. (Or as I left the message with these girls, a parent of a child who is differently abled.)
These girls were amazing, and so open to learning about Down syndrome and about ME. By the end of the presentation, many of them asked me if they could play with her at the park. My answer... um, absolutely! They were so sweet!
The girls, about 40 or 50 of them, ranged in age from kindergarten to high school. So I was trying to reach them all, each at their own level. Let me tell you, I was impressed with every single one of them, and what they learned about Down syndrome tonight, and for that matter, people of all abilities.
They asked very thoughtful questions, and truly wanted to learn about MaryEllen, and our journey. What a wonderful group of girls.
I enjoyed teaching them about Down syndrome, about MaryEllen, and about our journey.
One of my favorite things to share with those who are learning about Down syndrome is this: How ironic is it that Disney Princesses have almond shaped eyes, just like people who have Down syndrome. This fun fact is always a place where people pause, and have to think about what I just said.
It is a great way for kids to appreciate that differences are a part of our life, even if we don't notice it every day.
My first realization of this was on baby plate I had from when ME was a baby. Every character on the setting had beautiful almond shaped eyes. I had never noticed this until after she was born. I remember thinking to myself, "Wow, Disney used a feature that is typical for a person with Down syndrome, to make their princesses more beautiful."
I gotta say, I love ME's eyes, and most of what I love about them is directly related to the almond shape! They are so expressive, and gorgeous.
Disney, you know elegant when you see it.
I love being able to tell those I speak to that my daughter's eyes are so amazing that the creators at Disney have a habit of using that radiant shape!
I will let you be the judge.
Three out of 4 have almond shaped eyes. Disney knows beautiful! |
My princess and her beautiful almond shaped eyes. |
Di
xoxoxo
I am so glad you got to meet us!! Thank you for sharing with the girls, we've been learning and helping others at Hope with their Special Kids. I thankful you were able to share, the girls were listening and hopefully we can begin a journey to teach others that we all are different and unique in our own special way. Blessings to your family and please bring your daughter to some of our events, we would love to meet and play.
ReplyDeleteDiane...thank you so much for speaking to our girls. My daughter, Emma Grace, came home telling me all about your wonderful speech. It sparked an awesome conversation about "differently abled" children. Many blessings to you!
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