It's been three months since Able Bodies launched. The four of us have been so honored to share our stories with you, and we hope to get you more involved as well. We all have stories to tell and would love to hear yours. Recently, I commented on a news article on Facebook. I don't remember which news outlet, but the article was about conjoined twins and their parents decision not to separate.
The thread of comments were mostly negative. People behind their computers typing about the horrors the children would face, how it wasn't normal to be joined, and that the parents should separate - even if only one would live - at least that child would have a chance at a normal life. Positive comments were scattered through the thread, but I must admit those were few and far between.
I was disgusted. I was sad. I wondered if people would EVER get over the concept of normal. I decided to comment. It was a long comment, filled with pride, passion and honesty. I didn't know if anyone would read it, but at that point I didn't care. I wanted to add my twosense.
And then I got a Facebook message. A woman I had never met, but she is from Michigan and read my comment. Her name is Jennifer and she is as passionate as I am about spreading the word about people with disabilities. I asked if she would write to our readers. She agreed.
Hello my name is Jennifer.
I'm an advocate for those whom have mental and physical disabilities. I have a few relatives with mental disabilities and friends whom have family who have mental or physical disabilities.
I 100% stand up for each and every single person who this effects because we as humans all have the right to be treated fairly, equally fair without being bullied. We are all born uniquely! And we all deserve to be free to live in the bodies that we were born with.
I feel that it is wrong for those with disabilities should be in a "class of their own" no matter if it's mental or physical or even the same as each other. They are not all the "same" every single one is a human being and has feelings.
The ability to live freely isn't just for the "working" class it's for all of us. We all live, breathe, bleed the same. My question to anyone who thinks I'm wrong on feeling like this is why do we must be so cruel to those who look and act differently then us? If we live in a country that is free then why aren't they?
She has set up a Facebook page to help educate others about people with disabilities. Click here to check it out!
Hearing how Jennifer interacts with her family and friends, and her passion about educating others about people with disabilities, makes me so excited! There are those out there that GET IT! Thank you Jennifer and everyone out there who is making a difference in their own way!
So what is your story?
- Lucia -
Fantastic! Thank you Jennifer!
Posted by: Brandon | 05/04/2014 at 07:42 PM