Because of Ted...

Today's entry may be a little deep.. so I apologize up front. For those who know I lost my brother on February 9, 2002. Because the anniversary is coming up this time of year is always hard. I have learned so much about life between then and now. The only thing Ted wanted is for people just to treat him like everyone else. He always told me that when people didn't it was because "they were just afraid of what they didn't know". He always believed people just needed to be educated. I think Ted still speaks to us. Which leads me to Emma's best friend..you see Emma's best friend is Rachel who happens to have down syndrome. The two of them are inseparable. Rachel's mom has told me some very mean things that other girls have said and done to Rachel. Emma is always defending her friend. Not because she has down syndrome but just because she is her friend. I love Emma's heart so much. Did she just happen to be this way? Of course I taught her at a very early age to be accepting of everyone but there is something deeper there. Curt has it too. A certain spirit in them. Teachers have commented to me how unusual it is for kids their age to help so many special needs kids so often. There is a boy name Heath in Curt's class that has autism. He will not talk to anyone and does not like to be touched. Well, his aide told me that all year Curt has been working with Heath; reading with him, sitting with him at lunch, including him in games at PE. Just on Friday Heath actually hugged Curt before he left for the day. His aide told me this was a real breakthrough. Did Curt just happen to be this way? No, I think Ted speaks to Curt and Emma and Colin; educates them, whispers to them that we are the same in God's eyes. We are all beautiful...we all need the chance to be part of the world without the stares. Thank you, Ted. They are listening.