A positive message on others with disabilities

[Guest guest]

This is my last post on the subject. For many years, I have taken my dog to

nursing homes to do pet therapy visits; just something to cheer up the

residents. Last year I decided to branch out into something else.

Now we visit a day care for adults with developmental disabilities. Because of

HIPPA I can't ask what specifically is wrong with a person, but there are some

with severe autism, various degrees of mental retardation, Downs Syndrome,

physical disbilities. In my mind I have a secret/special bond with these

people. I understand a little.

I have come to know and love the residents. Some function on a pretty high

level and others do not even speak. One of my favorites is M who is in a

wheelchair and wears some sort of brace under her clothes. She is very stiff

and cannot move her neck, but she just loves Blossom. When we walk in the room

somebody yells " Hey everybody, Blossom is here. " She's more important than I

am. She rolls over and lets everybody pet her and brings smiles to everyones

faces.

There is a young man named T who does not speak but just kind of wanders around

and sometimes follows me on my rounds. One day someone was petting Blossom when

I saw T motioning me to a nearby table. We went there where he was standing by

B who is blind. T took B's hand and gently put it on Blossom's head so he could

pet her. It was so touching to see the residents help each other I almost

cried.

I truly believe that my scoliosis and hidden disbilities and limitations has

made me more sensitive to others with disabilities. I am very comfortable

around these adults and I don't think I would feel that way if I had a perfect

body.

I am tired of writing but I just had to let it all out. Thanks , and

everyone else for listening. As always, Barbara