People are forever telling me that my daughter, Racheli, who is almost seven-years-old, is special, and I readily agree. Paralyzed from the waist down and wheelchair-bound since infancy, she was at one time in a special school for special kids, on a special bus with a special helper, taking special time during the day to do special exercises. But one quiet evening, I found myself thinking about my daughter and how she's special in another sense of the word too.
Lessons I Learned From My Daughter
- You can have a lot of fun, even if you can't walk.
- Your body does not define who you are
- You don't have to answer every question
- Overlook small slights
- Sometimes it's good to cry
- Speak gently
- Be kind
- Look for ways to help others
- Be creative
- Be strong
- There's a big difference between "impossible" and "hard"
- Sometimes you just have to take a deep breath and do it
- Friends can be any age
- Friends like to be given treats
- It's okay to share
- Some things are not for sharing
- It's okay to say "no"
- Speeding downhill in a wheelchair is fun
- Speeding downhill in a wheelchair is dangerous
- A leader doesn't have to be loud
- It helps to be pretty
- Dress nicely
- Respect teachers
- Make up songs
- Enjoy singing
- Thank G‑d for what you have
- It's okay to be the center of attention
- Speak calmly to two-year-olds
- Have lots of patience
- Try
- Adapt games
- Draw pretty things
- Eat slowly
- Chocolates can be sucked through to the end
- It doesn't matter if you get wet in the rain
- Find ways to cheer yourself up
- Anticipate
- Pray for others
- Want Mashiach to come very soon
- Say "thank you" like you mean it
- A positive attitude goes a long way
- If you make it enjoyable, others will want to join in
- If you don't know what to do, smile.
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