A “Special” Girl

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 Moshiach 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.