A Lesson in Compassion

 

 

 

A little girl named Rebecca (name changed for privacy) was born with an obvious birth defect. She was at the pediatrician’s office when a little boy about her age kept looking at her. Rebecca was two and a half years old at this time.

Noticing her son’s apprehension, the boy’s mother remarked,“You don’t have to play with her.” Rebecca’s mother overheard and was upset by this statement.

But then Rebecca walked over, put her arm around the little boy and said, “Oh, that’s okay.” She too sensed the little boy’s apprehension, but responded with love.

This little boy’s reaction was likely because a child about his age looked different. Very young children are able to notice differences based on symmetry, but how they respond depends on their parent’s response. His mother’s response is likely due to her own discomfort with another child’s physical condition. If she had said, it’s okay, you can go play with her, this would have been a much different scenario.

Then again, Rebecca’s mom would not have had the opportunity to witness her daughter’s beautiful gift of compassion.

Yes, some children have special needs, but for their specific purpose in life they are exceptionally-abled. Every man, woman and child have a place in this world that only they can fill. Even those deemed less fortunate can give far more than what is given to them. For some, they only need the right conditions, encouragement and opportunities for the love from within them to shine through. 

As Barbara de Angelis has said, “No matter what age you are, or what your circumstances might be, you are special, and you still have something unique to offer.  Your life, because of who you are has meaning.”