I'll just be over here with my coffee mug...

A cappuccino at Havanna in Buenos Aires

Today it hit me. (well, okay, it hit me yesterday. I started this post yesterday.)

 I will not be going back to Argentina this year.

For the first time in two years, I have not spent these past few months feverishly writing thank you notes and skipping joyfully to the mailbox. I have not gone to any mission trip meetings. Today I shoved my paint stained jeans to the back of my closet, because there is no upcoming trip to the Southern Hemisphere.

I have a bag going of gifts to send in a package to Argentina at some point in time. This bag is cathartic for me, because otherwise I just feel so helpless. It is something to go from my hands to the hands of loved ones there. Something that will fly over the ocean and make them feel my love when I myself can't fly over.

But it's not the same.


As if my internal clock knows it's almost time to be back, I have been craving the coffee I had every morning over there. Seriously craving it.

As I have been working on this blog post, my mom and sissy were at the grocery store. When they came back my mom had a surprise for me--instant coffee like what I had in Argentina! When I tried it this morning, the smell and taste was just what I wanted. Sentimentality was in abundance as Mason and I enjoyed our (multiple!) cups of coffee and a slice of toast with dulce de leche on top.

My mom's sweet little gift was an encouragement to my heart.

I don't know when I will be back in Argentina. There are so many things I miss about that place and I know I will go on missing it as long as I'm not there--just like I missed little things about home while I was there. But you can't always hold everything ( and everyone!) you love right next to you. No matter how many times I click my heels together and wish I could.

Last October I really struggled with my deep desire to return to Arg and my feeling of responsibility to my family after Benjamin's surgery. I heard this song one day that said the following: 

"Where You go, I'll go

Where You stay, I'll stay

When You move, I'll move

I will follow"

That verse really impressed upon me the fact that we aren't always supposed to go. Sometimes we are supposed to stay right where we are, and serve where God has planted us. My heart is in international missions, though, so when we sing that song I usually bust out the "Where You go, I'll go"....and then quietly echo the part about staying. Because I am ready to go! Russia! China! Argentina! Anywhere God opens the door and I will be off and have fallen in love with the country before our plane lands (true story). 

But for this summer I'm staying. And I'm really excited about it. My mom and I have a list going of projects to accomplish, including reading through all of the Mitford novels in prep for the newest book. (That's a warning for the inevitable book review, by the way)

I'm hopeful to start orientation to volunteer at PCH. I'm also really looking forward to some good time with family and friends, as I want to cherish our last high school days.

My Mom's gift of coffee was a good reminder to me that each day is to be cherished. Wherever we are. 

And so I will pray for my loved ones over there as I enjoy my Nescafé. And I will thank the Lord for the people who are right here in the United States and these moments I have to love on them and hold them close. These Arizonans might not greet me with a kiss, but I do think they're pretty special. ;) 

Good night, friends. I hope you are able to cherish your week--whatever it brings your way. 

Many Argentine kisses, 

Your Blogger

For this child I have prayed

"For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him." ~1 Samuel 1:27

Dear Readers,

In December 2011, I saw this picture.

She grabbed my heart. I had just found out about Reece's Rainbow, an adoption ministry that helps orphans with special needs find their families. I had scrolled through several pages of children, my heart breaking at each picture. But for whatever reason, hers was the one I was drawn to. I couldn't stop thinking about her. 

And so I prayed and hoped with all of my heart that she would have a family. 

On the day I found out she was transferred to a mental institution I sobbed. I learned that she was struggling with the change and had lost hope. I pleaded with God to rescue her from that place. 

Over a year after I had first seen her beautiful picture there, she was unlisted from Reece's Rainbow. It seemed that she was not going to be adopted. Friends, a mental institution is a rough place. Especially for a child. It's hard for them to leave their baby house, the only home they have ever known, to go to a place full of crying children and adults. It is hard to sit in a bed all day untouched because there just aren't enough nannies to go around. Many children die in these places. 

I thought that was going to be Marcia's fate. I framed a picture of her and placed it in a prominent spot in my room. I was afraid she was never going to have a family place her picture on their refrigerator, and so I wanted to honor her in that small way. I prayed for her to feel God's peace, hope, and even joy. I checked occasionally to see if she was still listed on another site, knowing that the day she was unlisted from there she would most likely be with Jesus. I flinchingly prayed for His will to be done in that sweet girl's life. 

God knows every day of sweet Marcia's life, and He has perfectly planned each one. 

I found out a few days ago that Marcia walked out of that institution with her mama. As I type, the tears well up again. She is free. She is home. 

God had a plan for her, and His plan was for her to be adopted in her home country. What a beautiful, beautiful plan. 

Will you jump up and down and scream for joy with me, friends?!?!? It deserves a million exclamation points--

MARCIA IS HOME WITH HER FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Lord is good. And He is in control--even when it feels like evil is winning out, He is in control. 

Will you continue to pray for Marcia and her family with me? Will you pray that she knows her Father who loves her so greatly? 

And please, in Marcia's honor, do not forget all of the other millions of orphans in the world who are still waiting to come home. 

I never knew how greatly you could love someone you've never met until I loved Marcia. I know that sounds ridiculously cheesy, but it's the truth. That girl has a special place in my heart, and she always will. I love her dearly, and pray for a day in Heaven when we can meet and I can finally hug her close. 

This will be my final post about Marcia. I am honored to have been able to share her story with you all, and to have been a voice for her these past couple of years. 

I wish you so much joy, beautiful girl. Know that you will always have a friend across the globe who is praying for you and loving you from afar.  I love you, Marcia. 

Your Blogger,

 Claire

It is currently today, not tomorrow.

Just in case you were wondering!

Dear Readers,

Yesterday we fished out one of Mom's high school year books. The pages are covered with well wishes and stories from her friends. I have always loved reading through Mom's old yearbooks and scrapbooks, seeing a part of her life growing up in Tupelo, MS. I especially love to open a book of hers to find a note fall out addressed to "Carol Leigh".

Next weekend we are going to visit Azusa Pacific University. I'm pretty excited because I've heard great things about the school and they have some wonderful missions opportunities. We've visited Mississippi State and Grand Canyon University this year, as well. While I love looking at these wonderful schools, the thought of leaving and attending one is a bit...overwhelming.

One of Mom's friends wrote in her yearbook that she knew they would always be close--no matter if they lived in separate states. My Mom has tried many times over the years to reach this friend, but she hasn't been able to. That breaks my heart. 

Dear ones from Seussical last semester!

I don't want to lose touch with any of our dear ones someday. I want to be just as close in ten years as we are now. Why does change have to come along and ruin this good thing we have going here?

Another from Seussical :)

 I know that God has plans (great plans!) for each of us, and I know that will carry some of us away from our little patch of desert. 

And I'm going to have to be okay with that. (because, you know, kidnapping is illegal. :)) 

From Honk! 2012

But today I'm not okay with it, and I don't know that I will be in a year and a half, either. Goodbyes are hard no matter how great that college/job opportunity/whatever is.

They might kill me for this one, but it is too cute to not share!
From Snoopy! 2010

It will be okay, though, because we will all be right where God needs us to be, wherever that is. (and it may even be right here all along!) 

So for today I'm going to hold tomorrow gingerly, and cherish every moment of today. I'm going to let God take care of the future and try to stop worrying about it. And instead of wondering if we will be just as close ten years from now, I'm going to hug my dear ones close today. 

I encourage you to do the same, dear Readers--squeeze every moment out of today and anticipate the plans God has for you without fear. 

Now go hug your dear ones long and close. 

Your blogger,

 Claire

A story for your Monday

Dear Readers,

I'm taking a moment from studying Marine Biology to write. No matter how fascinating it is (and Marine Biology really is my favorite science!), writing is always my preference. Always.

So here's a little story to satisfy my need to write and your desire for a story: (because I'm assuming if you are here you want to read something, right?)

***

The little girl stood still in the middle of the room. All of the other kids in the classroom were dancing around in a wild game of freeze dance, but she just stood watching.

As I looked around the class of little thespians, my heart went out to her. I knelt next to her and asked if she liked to dance. She shook her head no. I whispered to her, "You know what? I don't either."

I was confessing one of my biggest insecurities to a four year old. She just smiled at me.

I know how she felt. I'm most awkward when dance music is playing. What feels to me like really putting myself out there is almost always just me awkwardly tapping my foot and bobbing my head to the music. Haha...yeah. Pretty awkward.

I sucked it up, though, since the purpose of this game is to pull you out of your shell. And I was teaching it, after all. ;)

So I grabbed her hands and we danced. When I twirled her around, she didn't even smile. We stayed in the exact same place for several rounds. We kept it up, though, and with each round both of us were getting more comfortable. By the end of the game, she was asking to be twirled, spinning me around, and completely enjoying herself. I have to say I was, too. :)

Pretty sweet, huh? I love that God used that little one to encourage me to stop being so stinkin' insecure. I love that she overcame her fear and had fun.

Because, really--life is so much easier when you toss all of your insecurities to the wind. And it's a lot more fun if you just go ahead and dance.

I hope you do something that makes you smile this week--even if it requires conquering fear to do it.

Your Blogger,
 Claire

Needed to share...

Dear Readers,

I hope you have had a good week. :)

I have to get up on my soapbox for just a moment tonight, if you don't mind...:) 

I had a hair appointment today. I sat down beneath a dryer next to two girls who were also getting their hair done. As I read my book, I overheard parts of their *very loud* conversation. At one point one of the girls was talking about this guy she thinks is cute. The other girl's response was, "Eww no! He looks like a retard!" 

Needless to say, I was fuming. I continued to sit there, thinking of what to say to convince them that using that word is wrong. They continued to casually toss the word around, however, and so it just got to where I had to get up and walk away, before I yelled that they needed to shut up right that minute. Or something to that extent. 

The raging fire they sparked on has since calmed to a deep, deep sadness. Those girls could have been sitting next to a mother whose child was recently diagnosed with special needs. She would have walked out of that salon wounded, and with a vision of the future for her child that included peers bullying him. 

I know those girls aren't an isolated case--I know teenagers (and adults, too) use that word all.the.time. 

They can't imagine how hard it is for that mama to face an inaccessible world, any way, without their painful jests.

They can't imagine what it is like to be the one being called the "R" word. 

They can't imagine what it is like to have to wake up every morning and fight the world's stigmas and preconceived notions about who you are just because you look a little different.

Because if they knew, they wouldn't say it. 

That word is not okay to use. You may say, "Why should someone take offense? I'm not talking about THEIR kid." 

But when you decide to use a word that has historically been used as a medical term for the disabled as an insult, you are insulting all people with disabilities. Even if you didn't mean it that way, I assure you--that is how it sounds.

Families who have kids with special needs have a lot on their plates. After a day of appointments and surgery scheduling and therapies, they don't need your verbal abuse to add to their load.

I'm not going to ask you to use a different word, because no one deserves to be talked about the way those girls were talking about that boy today. Don't just choose a different word--make the choice to lift others up, instead of tearing them down.

Your Blogger,

 Claire

There was a little girl...

Mason, me, Benjamin

There once was a little girl who only wanted to wear dresses.

Her mom sewed her dresses, year after year, because this is all she would wear.

 With ruby red slippers, of course.

Despite the freezing temperatures of Minnesota's winter, this stubborn child had to wear something that swirled.

Channah on Reece's Rainbow

Eventually this little girl got older and decided she could tolerate jeans every now and then. ;)

One day, though, she saw a little girl's profile on Reece's Rainbow that transported her right back to the past. 

This little girl's profile noted that she loves wearing dresses. That little girl is Channah, and her picture is above. Isn't she simply beautiful in that dainty little dress of hers? 

I smile to think of her, loving dresses just like me. 

Friends, Channah has a family coming to bring her home from that orphanage!

They are going to bring her home to a  life full of love and hope...and the chance to wear dresses every single day if she so chooses. :) 

But they can't do it alone! Her family is planning an auction to fundraise...would you be willing to donate any items to this auction? It could be anything, handmade, store bought, lightly used...

 Leave a comment and I'd love to help you send it to Channah's family. 

Here is a link to her profile on Reece's Rainbow: 

http://reecesrainbow.org/61169/sponsormonier-2

More important than any donation, however, are your prayers. Please pray for this precious girl as she waits...and pray for her family as they work to bring her home.

Thank you, wonderful Readers!! 

Your Blogger,

 Claire

   

A letter for Renzo

* Nota del autor: Esta Navidad mi  primo se quedó con nosotros. Ella encantaba ser preguntado qué vacas decir, y al instante me hizo recordar "La Vaca Luluz". Un día le dije a ella: "Como hacemos Las Vacas?" "Las Vacas no hacemos meow." Jeje ... Todavía tengo partes del libro memorizados. :) *

*Author's note: This Christmas my baby cousin stayed with us. She loved being asked what cows say, and it instantly made me remember "La Vaca Luluz". One day I said to her, "Como hacemos las vacas? Las vacas no hacemos meow." Hehe...I still have parts of it memorized. :)*

 Dear Renzo,

After I stayed with your family for the first time in 2012, I spent the whole year longing to have you in my arms again. I was so excited to see you and your family again when I came back the next year! When the plane landed I was literally shaking with excitement. I couldn't believe I was finally back.

When your mom, Isabella, and I got to your house, you were outside. I was just as shocked by how much you had grown up as I was when I saw Isabella--you had changed so much over the course of a year! It was a moment of pure joy when I picked you up and held you in my arms for the first time in a year.

These are some of my favorite pictures of you! You and Isabella put on a little music show for me--she danced and you accompanied her on the saxophone. I think you both have a future as brother/sister musicians. :) 

Every moment with you was special. I loved sitting on my bed with you and Isabella and reading "La Vaca Luluz"...I loved drinking mate with you...and most of all, I loved being greeted with your precious hugs in the morning. 

One night your silly sister Isabella fell asleep in my bed. She was so peaceful and content, I wouldn't dare wake her up. So I slept in Nico's bed, with you asleep in your bed right next to me. I have a confession: I woke up a lot that night and rubbed your back while you slept. You looked like a little angel, and I wanted to soak up every moment watching you sleep. 

Those big, brown eyes just touch my heart. On my last day of the trip, I walked around church with you and told you how much I was going to miss you. Tears came to my eyes as I said that, and the way you looked at me I just knew you understood. 

Not too long after that moment came the time for host families to say goodbye. I held you in my lap as you ate crackers. Your dad got up to speak and I walked over to him, still holding you in my arms. He took you into his own arms and hugged us both as he gave a heartfelt speech. His words were the most beautiful gift to me. I burst into tears near the end, and as I did, you threw your arms around me. You blessed and comforted my heart in that moment. Thank you, my sweet hermano. 

You have a tender heart and always seem to know just when someone needs a hug. I know your bright smile will continue to bring hope everywhere you shine it! 

I feel so blessed to get to watch you grow up and see God's wonderful plan for your life unfold. I love you so so much, Renzito! :) Thank you for your love. 

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." ~Joshua 1:9 

Love always and forever, 

Your sister Claire

Join me?

Dear Readers,

If you've been reading for a while, you've heard me talk about my dear friend Becca before. You can learn more about her at her incredible blog, My Life as a Chronically Ill Young Adult. 

Today, though, I'm asking you to please join me in prayer for my friend. She's in the hospital right now and could really use your love and prayers!

I'm giving you another link to her blog here, just to make it that much easier for you to check out her blog ( maybe read a post or two or ten while you're there--I promise they're amazing), and then please say a prayer for Becca. 

You could even leave a comment sending her your love. (Hint, hint) 

Thank you, Readers. I appreciate your prayers for my sweet friend so very much!! 

My blog is going to stay quiet until she comes home. :) 

Claire

Merry Christmas to you and your dear ones!

Dear Readers,

My family and I got to spend Thanksgiving in New York City, and I wanted to share a bit of this special trip with you all. Here is a photo slide show! I hope your Thanksgiving was filled with so much joy...and pray your Christmas is delightful! Much love to you, my dear Readers!!

Personalize a slideshow

A letter for Nico

This is from last year...I can't believe how much you have grown
since then!

My sweet sister Nicoletta,

I smile every time I think about you. I wish I could give you a hug everyday. I miss you with all of my heart.  I am so thankful we are sisters and friends! 

Do you remember the first time I met you? You had just finished skating, and your dad was working on Vamos X Más. I really had no idea what was going on, to tell you the truth! I knew very little Spanish, and everyone around us was speaking it very rapidly. You were so sweet, though, acting as a little interpreter. I braided your hair and it was the start of a beautiful friendship. :) 

Since then you have asked me to fix your hair many times...and I have cherished doing it!  I also remember when you taught me the word for hair in Spanish--pelo. You have taught me so many words in Spanish...

This is from this year. I fixed your hair at the school! :) 

I still laugh thinking about when you taught me the word for pillow. I just couldn't pronounce it correctly!  Actually, I still struggle to pronounce it, and always say it kind of like this; "almohaaaaaada". Haha!

Another from last year..I love you this picture of you, Cami, and I!

I just found this one that you took today. I love it! :) 

Remember taking all these pictures? They make me laugh!

We took so many pictures this last trip...

amigas del alma <3 td="">

Thank you for loving me, Nico. I know I came to your house as a stranger to you, who barely spoke your language...but when I left we were family. That is the biggest blessing ever.

I can't wait for the day when I am back in your home...we will take many more pictures like this! :)

This is one of my favorites!

Nico, thank you for your smiles and laughter. 

Thank you for all of the sweet memories you have blessed me with. 

Thank you for being my sister!

I pray for you to know how special you are. You are such a gift and light to the world! I also pray for you to continue following the Lord and for Him to continue using you to touch people's lives. You have definitely touched my life!! You are so beautiful on the inside and outside.

You are so loved, dear girl. 

Much love and so many hugs,

 Your Sister Claire

Adding my voice

Dear Readers,

There are many blog posts, news articles, and books about special needs. My heart resonates with many of these articles. In fact, most of the blogs I follow are written by someone affected by disability. 

Yesterday, however, I read a blog post that my heart did not resonate with. It was written by a mother who has two sons, one of whom has Down Syndrome. She has recently published a book on her parenting journey with this child, and her other son asked if she would ever write one about him. She was quite frank that she would not be writing a book about her other child. Why? This is the reason she gave: 

So far, he has hit all the usual milestones. He makes friends easily, has quirky interests and is successful in school. I think he’s brilliant, charming and special. I also know that none of this makes for very good reading. The fact of the matter is that it is unlikely his turn will ever come. (source) (I took out the little boy's name to respect their privacy)

I completely understand her reasoning. Completely. I even agreed with some other points she made in her article. But as the 'other' sibling, the one without special needs, this paragraph hurt. More than that, her words made me want to cry. 

I want to cry for all  the typical siblings out there who think their story "doesn't make for very good reading". I want to cry because her words cut at some of my own insecurities. When I was little I felt as if I wasn't 'special' because I didn't have CP. Does that little boy feel 'not special' because he won't have a book written about him? 

Her words also made me want to write. I don't write much about this sibling thing, because, quite frankly, it's hard. It would be much easier to just not write about it. But if I don't share my own story, how can I prove to other siblings that their story is worth being told? I can't. 

So here I am.

First of all, this writer is wrong. Her other son's story is very much worth being told. His own personal journey with disability is something others could benefit from hearing. Brothers and sisters are affected by their sibling's disability just as much as parents are. 

But there are many other experiences, questions, and fears that come just with being the sibling.

"Why do I not have Cerebral Palsy?"  

 

I've left the hospital and cried because all I want is my mom back home with us. And then I've cried some more for how selfish I'm being when she needs to be in the hospital with my brother. 

Do you see what I'm trying to say? We are walking this journey right alongside our siblings and parents. 

We come out of those surgeries and struggles with our families. When our siblings come out from surgery able to sit up straighter or walk longer, we come out changed, too. 

Just as we share in the fears and questions, we share in the joy, as well. 

Those who abandon ship the first time it enters a storm miss the calm beyond. And the rougher the storms weathered together, the deeper and stronger real love grows. ~Ruth Bell Graham

We know what real, strong love is because that is the love we have for our families. Often we feel a fierce protectiveness for our siblings, whether we show it or not.

Our stories are worth being told simply because they are ours. A sibling doesn't have to go on to win the Nobel Peace Prize, or find a cure for their sibling's disability, for their story to deserve being told. 

Dear siblings, please know you are so so special. Please know that your story is a beautiful one that the whole world needs to hear. And please never be ashamed of who you are, because you are perfect, and made just the way God intended you to be. 

Your life touches the life of your special needs sibling just as much as their life touches yours. You are their sibling for a reason. 

L to R: Me, Mason, Benjamin

                  

When I got up, they fell over...:)

I wrote this post because I didn't want my voice to go unheard. I wrote it because I needed to hug that little boy who won't ever be getting a book written about him, but couldn't, so this is as close as I'll get. I guess I just wanted to convince you that his story, and therefore my story, are worth being told.

Thank you, kind Readers, for sticking with me to the end of this long post. Please know that YOUR story, whatever it may be, is worth being told. 

Your blogger, 

 Claire

Isabella!

Dear Readers,

Do you know what the Spanish word for 'smile' is?

It's 'sonrisa'. Don't you just love that? 

It makes me think of the English word 'sunrise'...which is so perfect because a smile really is just like a sunrise.

I want to do a post for each of my Argentine siblings, and thought I would start with Isabella.

So of course this post has to do with smiles. Because Isabella always has a smile on her face.

Dear Isabella,

I had so much fun with you while I was in your home! Thank you for welcoming me in and for showing me so much love! Even though it had been a year since you had last seen me, you were so precious to me. You are such a blessing.

We did so many fun things together that I am so thankful for. 

This is one of my favorite pictures. :) 

One of my favorite things we did together was reading "La vaca Luluz". You would get so excited about this book and were so patient with me when I didn't know how to pronounce the words! We laughed a lot over that book. 

You loved my suitcase. Some times you would lie down on it, and other times you would rummage through all the silly things I had inside. You found the Minnie Mouse I had for you! You were absolutely adorable--you gave out an excited shout and took Minnie with you everywhere you went from then on. 

You loved my camera! Once, you were upset, but when I pulled my camera out you immediately turned toward me and posed, a huge smile on your face. I have so many pictures of you!!

Isabella, you fill my heart with joy. I love you so much! 

 Thank you for loving everyone with all of your heart! Thank you for your hugs, kisses, and sweet laughter. I feel so blessed to get to watch you grow up, and I know the Lord is going to do (and is already doing!) amazing things through you. Keep smiling, beautiful girl! 

Love,

 Your sister Claire :) 

I hope you, my readers, have a wonderful week...and I hope you find a reason to smile as Isabella does! 

Your Blogger,

  Claire

Four Little Lives

Dear Readers,

 Please take four minutes and watch this video. 

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/26332429/ns/dateline_nbc-international/t/serbias-horrific-institutions-relic-past/#.UkcLK7_N7FI


Then look at the below children...all of whom are facing transfer to mental institutions like the one in the video.

Janna, facing imminent transfer to a mental institution

Marla, facing imminent transfer

Salome, facing imminent transfer

Jefferson, already transferred.

Now please take a moment to pray for these children. Please pray for their biological parents and the hurt they may be feeling. Please pray for these precious ones, pray for them to be filled with peace during this time. And please pray that adoptive families will come for them before they are transferred. 

Your Blogger,

 Claire

Let's swap shoes.

Dear Teenagers,

 When I was little, I really struggled with making friends. Actually, I still struggle with making friends. But when I was little I would often get reduced to tears, asking my mom why I couldn't find good friends.

I know you've been there, too. People make careless comments that hurt. For some very sad reason, teenagers make a lot of careless comments.

For another reason unknown to me, teenagers like to make a lot of jokes about people with disabilities. My honest, totally ungrace-filled reaction is a combination of wanting to burst into tears and scream that person's head off.  I want to shove them in the shoes of someone with a disability so they realize it is not something to make jokes about. I want to force them to feel compassion.


Why do you feel the need to laugh about that kid walking down the hallway with a gait that might be different than yours?

Why do you make jokes about serious illnesses?

Why do you make careless Facebook statuses about disabilities?

And why do you "like" those Facebook statues that are belittling another person?

I don't understand. But I've tried to put myself in your shoes. Can I try to understand you, and then try to help you understand me? Okay.

I think you may laugh because you are uncomfortable. You don't know what to do with your classmate, and so you make a joke to cover the awkwardness.

Maybe you don't know the meaning of the word "epilepsy"...so you use it as a teasing nickname unaware of what it really means, and how it affects people's lives.

Maybe you've never known anyone with a special need before, and so when you make these comments  you aren't doing them out of malice, but purely out of a desire to be funny...just not realizing the entirety of your statements.

Or maybe you really are trying to be hurtful.

I just don't know.


Let me try to explain how I feel to you, because I'm sure you are thinking that I am a crazy over-sensitive girl at this point.

 If you're making a joke about disabilities, I'm pretty sure you don't have a disability yourself. So you can't possibly imagine what it is like to have one.
You can't imagine what it is like for a Deaf person to spend years in therapy learning to speak.

You can't imagine what it is like to learn your way around your world without your sight to guide you.

I know you can't imagine what it is like to be in a wheelchair all the time.

You don't know how it feels to go into an operation unsure if you will live through it.

Can you imagine going through these things, and then having to hear people make cruel jokes? I can't.


Look, I am a teenager, too. So I understand how it is to goof off with your friends and not even notice who's listening. I realize, too, that this probably accounts for 80% of the rude comments teenagers make about disabilities.


But there may be a mom whose child was recently diagnosed with a disability sitting right next to you as you laugh about that kid in your school. And you, in that one, careless moment, have confirmed all of the fears she has for her precious little child.

Our words have consequences.

I'm writing this post out of a deep pain in my heart from so many comments that have been made around me even just over the past six months.

Please think through your words before you post them to Facebook. Don't make a joke merely because you don't understand. Think about how it might look to someone who is walking that journey.


Thumper from the Disney movie Bambi gives the greatest advice ever..."If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all!"

Your Blogger,
 Claire