Silver Lining

I have to be honest for a moment. This project has consumed my entire life for the past 6 months, and I am exhausted both physically and emotionally...and we still have a long way to go. While passion can be the greatest motivator, I think that it can also be our worst enemy. I was sitting at my computer last evening, wondering if this project is truly going to have impact; not only in my community, but on a larger scale as well. Don't get me wrong, this will be a great opportunity where I live, but I am truly dedicated to improving the lives of ALL children with disabilities through outreach and education. I know that there are so many other parents out there who have been thrown into the world of "special needs parenting," struggling to keep their head above the water. Parents, like myself, who have watched their child struggle; who's heart broke when they first realized that their child couldn't do what other children could; who worried about what the future would be like for their child. How was this small scale project going to make a difference in the world??

Then I received this message.

"You don't know me, but as I was laying in bed tonight I happened across your article "To the woman who questioned funding for an inclusive playground". As I started reading, I must admit that I thought this was going to be someone being overly sensitive about something or other and a poor me story, not sure why I kept reading but am glad I did. Your short article has opened my eyes. Particularly in the way you address the perspective of the rest of the population should have in regards to children with disabilities.

As I read, I did, as you wrote, try to put myself in your shoes. Not that I can entirely relate, but it broke my heart thinking about it. I see now, that I started reading your article with a callused, jaded, selfish, and cynical perspective. For that, I was wrong and am sorry. You completely have changed my perspective of this particular issue.

I actually climbed back out of bed to get my computer to type this. I just wanted you to know that you are making a difference. We need people like you, to reach people like me in this world. Without reading this, it is doubtful I would have ever realized this is an issue. Thank you for fighting, writing, and working to change things for the better".