As we travel through life we realize that many cultures around the world leave the U.S. in the dust when it comes to attending the elderly, the ill and people with special needs. We can readily see the differences in the attitude toward, and caring and treatment of unique people.
Though young people don’t have the cerebral arsenal they need to make the best choices in any part of life, there are adults who fall short as well. Still, compassion and respect can be taught and learned, thereby superseding the limitations of life experiences or those frontal lobes, which are incomplete until at least age 21.
Beautifully, we have become more aware of uniqueness in the last two generations or so, and that’s a very good thing. Perhaps because of the rise of childhood cancer awareness, the ubiquity of autism and respect of veterans who have been severely injured, we discuss and have become more sensitive to people’s struggles when they are different, unique or compromised. We see a growing trend toward inclusion and understanding today, due to that awareness. It’s long overdue, humanly necessary, and always a joy to behold. We need more of it.
Last night, at a baseball game, at the end of the row, was a young man who clearly had difficulties. The beauty of these angels is that they, themselves, don’t see their limitations. This young fellow was cheering on the team, giving high-fives to passersby, introducing himself and chatting with whoever would engage him … and almost everyone did, including young kids who passed by. His mother was with him and was delighted that he was interacting.
Many years ago, here at Chatterbox, we talked about these angels among us. We all know some special people who enlighten us with their simpler expectations, deeper perception and great hearts. They help us realize our good fortune and, hopefully, remind us to be kinder not only to them, but to everyone. That is, many of us believe, their hallowed purpose in life.
Often, the fortunate ones don’t really see them. We need to be aware so as to ensure that we greet them, that we don’t talk past them as if they aren’t there, or ask other people questions that we could ask them, even if we ultimately learn they are unable to verbally respond. Of course, smiles work anytime, anywhere, and in every language around the world – even in an angel’s private world.
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