Denzels da man!
I read once that the foolishness of people to judge others is as ridiculous as judging the strength of an oceans wave by the frailty of the foam it can generate. The same would apply to all of us at different times I suspect. I have a tendency to look and judge people by what I see, hear and feel. But occasionally, I am reminded that there is always more to people than what may appear. Just like the words in a passenger side mirror of a car, I have certainly found that with Denzel, my son who has Down Syndrome objects or people's skills and abilities may be closer (or much greater) than they appear.
The tendency of some is to dismiss him and put him into a basket that says "handicapped" or worse still be in a room where people talk above him, around or through him without talking with him. I have slowly learned to appreciate that the short sightedness of people including myself at times is temporary, and I like that I am sometimes challenged to look deeper. I am becoming less harsh in my assessment of short sighted people, I am striving to find a way that makes a more positive contribution to their understanding, which will live beyond the moment and have an impact for the rest of their lives.
One man I know asked me one time if I would be offended if his children got to play with Denzel on the odd occasion, with the view that they might get to understand, appreciate and respect people with differences. I was humbled at how much he wanted his young children to be positive contributors to the society they will be growing into. My answer of course was yes. I am grateful for my son, who teaches me humility, patience, respect and real love - perhaps more than I ever imagined I could come to know.
Comments
I have a few thoughts:
Quoting Craig in Entry “Denzels da Man”
“I read once that the foolishness of people to judge others is as ridiculous as judging the strength of an oceans wave by the frailty of the foam it can generate.”
An interesting quote…can you remember where you read it?
I also really enjoyed your analogy with the car mirror.
Quoting Craig in Entry “Denzels da Man”
“…Or worse still be in a room where people talk above him, around or through him without talking with him.”
As a parent that must be very difficult for you to deal with Craig.
Is Denzel aware of people overlooking him, or is he blissfully unaware of peoples’ lack of confidence in interacting with him?
It is possible that these folk have ‘handicaps’ of their own. Handicaps in terms of interacting with Down Syndrome people. These handicaps include fear and lack of experience.
Often people just do not know what to do or say and freeze up so that they end up not doing or say anything at all to acknowledge the Down Syndrome person. It might come across as rudeness or dismissiveness but at its core, it is fear.
Then again, I have repeatedly witnessed people talking above, around and through children without Down Syndrome. Children are often rendered invisible by big folk. Something we can all keep in mind.
Quoting Craig in Entry “Denzels da Man”
“I am grateful for my son, who teaches me humility, patience, respect and real love - perhaps more than I ever imagined I could come to know.”
Then you are a lucky, lucky man. Very few people in the world are blessed with such a magnificent mentor. God bless Denzel.
I cannot recall easily where I read the quote but if I come across it again, I will let you know on this post. As for whether it is difficult for me when people look through or ignore Denzel, no not anymore. It did bug me initially. I am learning to accept people at whatever level I find them, but as I indicated, if the opportunity presents itself where i can share or show them to help their understanding grow or improve I will. But yes, at it's core, it is fear! Thanks for your post!
Natalie, I Thank you for your comment and for visiting. Please visit again!
I like the photo you chose to use of Denzel.
His face is protected and therefore so is his identity.
We still receive a fun boyish impression without compromising his privacy.
A wise choice Craig – well done.
Well done, B.
eM ;-)
Just a thought I would like to add.
I like the photo you chose to use of Denzel.
His face is protected and therefore so is his identity.
We still receive a fun boyish impression without compromising his privacy.
A wise choice Craig – well done.
September 25, 2007 6:05 PM
Craig Peihopa said...
Anonymous, thanks.
September 25, 2007 8:57 PM
...my pleasure Craig....V2T
Thanks for your visit, and thanks for noticing the subtle influences in the image like the bench and the leaves, and of course da man!
cheers