January 20 is International Day of Acceptance.
"Tell the world you embrace who you are; a person with social rights, who has an opinion, who has interests, who has goals and who loves life; a person who is empowered to make a difference in the world and not be without a voice in society. You are not living disabled, you are living."
Everyone has a challenge and we need to become accepting and understanding of disabilities and differences. This post is dedicated to the individuals with disabilities, their families, their supporters and those working to make the world better for persons with disabilities.
Please don't be afraid of me
I want to be your friend.
And if you get to know me
Your rigid thoughts might bend
Thoughts that I am different
From others that you know,
I really am no different
And this I'd like to show
I live and breathe and laugh and cry
I love to play and learn,
I sometimes do things differently
Which can cause some concern
You see, some say I'm special
I guess this much is true,
But if you were to ask me
I'd say you're special too
We're all a little different
No two are just the same,
It's really something wonderful
that way there is no blame
When things don't go just perfectly
And others get confused,
And say things like "poor child"
and other terms they use
It's okay if you look at me
And might not understand,
It's okay if you touch me
And even hold my hand
My life has many obstacles
Much more than you could know,
But that's not what I dwell on
I'm me, that's all, and so...
Please don't be afraid of me
I want you just to see,
How truly great and wonderful
A friend like me can be
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With Love, Tracey Porreca
Oh my gosh. This is so beautiful. I love, love it. Thanks for sharing. I had not heard of this day before.
ReplyDeleteOMG Andrea I am bawling like a baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is soooooooo beautiful!!! Thanks so much for doing this post. I love you!
ReplyDeleteShannon - You and Ashton have taught me so much about life and the importance of living each day to its full potential. And to just keep smiling. Everything is better when you smile, right Ashton?
ReplyDeleteYour challenges have affected many people, you cannot imagine the impact. Anything can happen if you just believe!