So last night I sent a post out on FB to see what my next topic would be and it seemed everyone wanted me to talk about "Plan B" or "Friends." Well I woke this morning after spend a majority of last night thinking about what to write in these and was preparing to write when I noticed I had a message from a friend I had not heard from in quite awhile. She is a reader of my stuff and had very sincere message giving feedback as I asked in the previous blog. So I know I promised to write what y'all demanded but this seemed more meaningful. I'll get to the others, just not today. Sorry if your disappointed and if y'all really want I'll write another one within the next few days. Just let me know.
Story 1-
This is a story of a girl who grew up living life as a normal kid(We'll call her Sam). Sam went to school everyday just like everyone else and was one of the more popular kids in school. She liked to have a good time so she didn't pay much attention to her actions or the things she said. Growing up in a small town, her family was close to each other, always being there and supporting each other through the thick and thin. On July 21, 2004 a young boy was born into Sam's family. Not knowing yet but this young boy would have an impact on the her life forever. The boy was diagnosed with Mytochondria and was told he wouldn't live passed the age of One. He can't see, talk, walk or eat on his own and has severe seizures. Sam became very close to the boy by learning how to care for him and eventually created an emotional connection with him. One day Sam went to the grocery store to get a few items and ran into a friend so they decided to shop together. While shopping they noticed a lady and her son who had a mental handicap. The friend saw the boy do something and said "Hahaha, Sam, did you just see what that retard did?"
Story 2-
I was with one of my friends that I had not seen in awhile due to college and we were getting ready to go out and have a night on the town. After we were ready, we hopped in the car and went to the bar where we were meeting a group of others. Upon arriving, we go in and start shaking everyone's hand and telling everyone hello. One of my more crazy friends came up and said "TK, whats up my crippled friend?" I replied with my normal "not much dude, how have you been?" After we caught up, I introduced him to the friend I came with, who had had a disgruntled look on his face. As the night went on I could still tell there was still tension between to the two, so after we left I asked my friend what was the matter. He said "Did you hear what that guy called you? That didn't bother you?"
The Point-
In theses two stories, there are words used that are offending. These are words that we use in every day situations without even realizing what the true meaning of the word is. These words don't just effect the person they're directed to but others connected to this person too. In story 1, Sam's family member is not only highly offended by this word but Sam is also. Sam hates hearing these words because despite of the boy's disabilities, he has fought and proven against the odds. The boy is now 8 years old even though he's a "retard" he's done more in his life than any of us have. In story 2 my friend called me crippled. This had absolutely no effect on me because I could care less what people call me. On the other hand, my friend was highly upset by the gesture and would of probably fought the guy if I would have let him. So when you go out these next few days pay attention to the words you say. You may not mean anything by it but to others words DO hurt, not only the directly affected but those around them too.
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