Of course we cannot forget the wonderful and the light and the happiness and values and such that we also see. I just got off the telephone with my daughter who shared with me a wonderful story that made me cry tears of joy. This little girl, who the story is about created the joy by the wonderful little person she has developed into. I cannot discount in any way the proper teaching by both he parents that helped her to do such a wonderful thing, all by herself. She is indeed a rare find. Let me tell you about this story.This past week, a family traveled to Idaho to spend some time with extended family. While there many of them went to a particular lake and did some boating. They were also joined by friends of this couple and their families. One of the friends families has several children, but one child was born with cerebral palsy. She had a traumatic birth, which left her disabled in many ways.
As a side note, I personally gave birth to a handicapped child, and I understand the love that a parent has for their children and what a special bond and love there is between parents and their handicapped child.
The little girl who this story is actually about is 5 years old and is bright and beautiful. She is talented and exceptionally smart, and loves everyone.
I have noticed in particular times when someone has been sad, this little girl makes her way to the sad one and eventually makes her happy. This 5 year old named Brinlely, has a gift to love no matter how abled or disabled they will be. I have to credit once again the teachings of her mother and father, as they too were brought up to love others and be compassionate to all. This compassionate and loving nature has rubbed off on their daughter and so now I will tell the rest of the story.Brinley noticed this little girl who was handicapped and proceeded to ask questions about her to her parents. Receiving all the right answers, Brinley proceeded to go over to the little handicapped girl and ask her daddy "Can she hear me?" Her daddy replied, "Yes". She asked him what she liked to do and her mother told Brinley that she liked to be sung to, and the kind of songs that she loved to hear. At that, Brinley burst out in son, with her beautiful 5 year old vibrato voice, and sung her little heart out. You would have to know Brinley to understand that she is very animated and loves to dance and be dramatic. Brinley brought so much joy to this little girl that the little girl was smiling and happy by the attention and song. Brinley talked to her and made friends with her and spent time with her, though she could have ignored her like so many other children do.
All those who were there watching this secne unfold, were fascinated by the sweet disposition of charity and love and innocence that was being extended to this little handicapped girl. This is the way that all parents dream that their children, handicapped or not, will be treated.
Childlike love, behaving like Jesus, showing genuine kindness and interest in the life of another is what Jesus taught. Looking past the handicap to see the child inside, and becoming a friend. This is what Brinley did and this is what parents should teach their children to do and how to behave when they meet or come upon someone who has differences about them. You know that darling Primary song that goes something like this....
"I'm trying to be like Jesus,
I'm following in His ways.
I'm trying to love as He did,
In all that I do and say....
Love one another as Jesus loves you
Try to show kindness in all that you do,
Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought
For these are the things Jesus taught."
Little Miss 5 year old Brinley, If I could see you right now, I would want to hug all the stuffin out of you, as my Grandmother use to say. I am so proud to have you as my little grandaughter, and deeds like this are just what Jesus taught and I know that Jesus is smiling.
For years and years, I have to say that there were many kindness' extended to my own daughter who is handicapped. She has been somewhat befriended and for a great deal of the time, and mostly treated with kindness. I do have to say that there were many times I have been ashamed of people and their children for the unkind manner in which they treated my daughter. This created in me one of my greatest faults, as it hurt me so much to see my little girl treated so cruelly by others, whose parents simply didn't teach them correctly. Each time someone pointed or stared at my daughter, each time they laughed and said, "Look at her" or each time they made fun of her or called her a monster, I wanted to lash out with all the anger I could muster, and tell those people a thing or two. When my little girl would see that I was ready to do just that, she would sweetly say, "Mom, don't let that stuff bother you, they don't know me, and if they did, they wouldn't be acting like that." "Ignore it Mom, they just don't matter."
I guess the reason that I am writing this blog, ends up being that Mothers who teach their children to love and be compassionate with everyone, and not just those who have differences, are raising children of the Lord. Children need to be taught how to be genuine and kind to everyone around them. They need to be Brinley and be genuinely interested, compassionate, and loving towards everyone. There needs to be less selfish children raised, less bullies, and many more Brinleys! Once again I want to say "Hooray for Brinley" you certainly did the right thing, even though it was not even preconcieved before it happened. It was an spontaneous expression of kindess, and I am so proud to have you as my Grand daughter!
Hear the words of the living prophets.
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