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.
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