Monday, April 12, 2010

Please Don't Stare...

Please Don't Stare...

She cannot see you staring, but I can...
Have you never been taught that staring is rude???
No you were not; your mom is staring too...
When you stand and stare...
It makes me feel as if there is something wrong with her...
She is my flesh and blood...
She is a little girl, just like your little girl...
She is blind, not deaf...
When you want to know something, ask her...
She has no shame in being blind, nor should she...
When you are talking about her, she can hear you...
Her hearing is acute...
When you say comments like...
"Oh, isn't she cute, they even cut her hair in a wedge..."
I WANT TO HIT YOU!!!
Why wouldn't we???
She is a little girl...
Please treat her with the respect that she deserves...
Someday when she is making well over six figures...
You might be saying,
"I wish I would have gotten to know her...
Instead of just staring at her..."
She has feelings...
She has likes and dislikes...
She is crazy gifted in music...
She has a memory that I covet...
She has a zeal for life like no other person that I know...
She is the most loyal friend you could ever have...
She will never stare at you...
She will never judge you for your looks, clothes, color of skin, or weight...
She is the real deal...

I understand when you are staring it is out of ignorance...
So let me educate you...

You are staring at MY DAUGHTER...
You are staring at a little girl that did not choose the way she was born...
You are staring at one of the 5 most precious things in my life...
You are staring at a music prodigy...
You are staring at a high honor student...
You are staring at the South Side valedictorian of 2019...
You are staring at a future grad of Juilliard...
You are staring at an actor...
You are staring at an author...
You are staring at A LITTLE GIRL WHO HAPPENS TO BE BLIND...

You are staring at Hannah....
PLEASE STOP!!!
I understand a look, her blindness is unique...

BUT STOP THE GAWKING, FINGER POINTING, AND PROLONGED STARING!!!
She is just a little girl, just like yours...
She cannot see you staring, BUT I CAN...


9 comments:

One Crowded House said...

she is an amazing kid... and you are an amazing mama! Love you....

Jessica said...

beautiful pics of Hannah. i can't imagine how frustrating the staring is....Hannah is perfect and normal! :)

Rhyan said...

I am so glad I had the honor of of meeting HANNAH last year. I am so glad she is yours, you are blessed to be able to claim her! I am a better person for knowing your daughter! When someone stares, count it an opportunity to teach them of the gentleness that Jesus taught. Take the chance to show them love and compassion and take it as a chance to show them what faith, hope and determination can do!! I am humbled and thankful that I was allowed to know and love your amazing family. God knew exactly what He was doing when He threw this crazy mix together! ;)

Momto16 said...

I can't wait to meet Hannah someday she is so beautiful and talented. I am thankful to have you for a friend and wish we lived closer!!
I completely understand about the staring and how hard it is to deal with rude inconsiderate people.
Love ya!!! Hugs!

Phyl said...

Thanks for the pics - I haven't seen Hannah since those pretty front teeth came in. Love to all the kiddos!

pinkdaisyjane said...

How is it that when your Mama Bear comes out it sounds like beautiful prose? Glad God gave that amazing young lady such a fantastic mom! Loving the pics. Can she get any more beautiful?

Brady and Heidi said...

Love this post! I work with children with special needs of all sorts and yeah, some people just can't help themselves! I sometimes just stare them back right in the eyes! She is a cutie that's for sure!

Heather BT said...

One Mom I met at the Braille Challenge last year said she taught her son to say, 'it's not okay to stare, but it is okay to ask questions.' and turned him into a mini ambassador for the Vi world. I thought that was excellent.
take care my friend

Gwen said...

I LOVE her and I never even met her!! She is so YOU, Rebekah! And I never met you either - I talked to you several times and I loved talking to you! You are ONE amazing woman and a woman of God! I know that because Hannah is your daughter, she will surely be doing all those things you mentioned!!! There is NO doubt in mind!
You are truly blessed, as your children are truly blessed wih you and Ryan as their parents!
May God continue to bless you and your family!!
Much Love and Many Prayers!