Ask Not What Your Country Can Do To Include You, Ask What You Can Do To Include Yourself In Your Country

I got nearly 100 likes on Facebook when I posted this, so I decided to Blog It!



I heard behind me at my local Recreation Center (pool) today,
“She can’t talk.” in a young sweet voice.

I turned my wheelchair around and in a kind cheerful tone said, 
“Yes I can. How are you doing today?”

A few seconds went by, The four young girls started smiling. The staff person with them said they had went into the deep end of the pool.

“Was it fun?” I said with a smile.

They nodded and one of them said yes.
I love kids, they say what is on their mind. so simple and without malice.

All you have do is show up regularly. The general population will get used to you. 
it’s no big deal.
Relationships and even friendships might form. Wow, what a concept.


ALSO this makes me ponder and remember.
- This young girl couldn't have been more than 6 and already the "can't" stereotype had set in. I can't wait for a couple of more weeks until Youth Leadership Forum ... a whole 5 days of telling them "You Can".

- Today I’m reminded of the reverse lie I told myself in tough situations when I was young. 
I told myself, “Ivy, you do belong." 
I really did belong that's why I’m calling it reverse. Fake it until you make it. Shame on whatever people or situations that made me reassure / lie to myself.



In the Facebook comments I said:

I hope parents don't 'unteach' my example. lol! It's the adults you have to worry about you know.
&
As I think back on this moment today, it was so awesome the staff person helped the convo along. She KNEW what I was up to. Major kudos to her.
Either I got there a minute too late or I wasn't listening until I heard CAN'T but I’m curious why the young girl said that in the first place? So cute! I’m very tickled by this little moment in time.

.