A special thank you to Bridge Street Electric for creating custom fixtures and donating a large part of the lighting for Color Me Orange—Color Me Kind. It was a pleasure to work with the owners, Jim and Deb Dagley, and their staff at Bridge Street Electric.
Life’s Circles
Mom, 39
I remember when I was about 10, a mom with a young Down’s syndrome girl was walking down the beach. The young girl was making “fart” noises with her mouth. My friends and I laughed and mimicked her. We mocked, “Did you hear that? She’s farting!”
The mother overheard and approached us. She kindly confronted the situation, explaining her daughter’s condition and her inability to control certain actions. She asked us how we would feel if we were mocked. I felt humbled and bad about what we had done.
Fast forward 25 years when I was given a child with special needs. He too was made fun of at times. Then I had the opportunity to explain my child’s disabilities to “bullies” and ask them how they would feel if they were mocked.
I never forgot that woman and her daughter. I’m still ashamed—remembering how we mocked that little girl. Even writing this memory is painful. I now know what it’s like to be on the other end as a mother with my special needs child. That woman prepared me, years ago, to deal with my own special needs child. I hope I can do the same for others.
Understanding Bullying: Check out the Pine Rest resource on bullying…
Color Me Orange—Color Me Kind
Coloring with Kindness
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
September 21 to October 9, 2016
Vote 62626
(Located outside on the museum plaza)
Tell Us Your Story. #ColorMeKind
