My little sweet human beings.....
"Look at her! She hasn’t completed her work".
"Oh God, how many times should I tell him, still he
doesn’t seem to follow anything that I say".
"Why isn’t she able to do the chores herself?"
"Does he have any problem? I am tired of explaining him
several times but still he is not able to follow my instructions".
"Why can’t she write legibly? She is now 6 years old
and still not able to write."
---------
These are some comments I get to hear from people around me
on a daily basis. This blog post is addressed to them.
It’s not tough to be a 'special educator' and handle
children with learning difficulties but yes it is painful to explain people
around me to not to keep on complaining about the children with "learning
difficulties".
Yes, they are not like you and me, they are 'different'. But
they are not like other children who forget to wish you ‘Good Morning’ when you
pass by. They just love you with 'full heart' since they are not like you
and me.
They come running to you, cuddle you, shower all their love
on you. They are not like you and me who just remembers others only if
something is required.
At times it takes just a few seconds for them to make you
happy with their innocent smile or continuous imaginary talks. Yes, they are
not like you and me who knows to talk diplomatically only to grab the attention
and to seek recognition.
They clap for their friends without an iota of greed when
their friends get appreciated for good grades or badges. They are not like you
and me, yes, because they just don't know how to fake it in front of the world.
These tiny human beings are simply trying to gain a small
space in this world, in their home, in the school and in your heart. Yes, they are not like you and me. They don't hurt others
deliberately with their tantrums, they simply don't know how to express their
inner feelings in a 'matured manner' like you and me.
Yes, they are not like you and me. But they at times amaze
us with some of their unique talents and even teach us life lessons.... but as
most of the times we are busy ignoring them we don't even recognise them, since
they are not 'like you and me'.
You and me are on a constant pursuit of success, money and
fame, so it is but natural that they don't have time to care about these little
angels who just need some acceptance and recognition. This world is so cruel.
Oh yes I know, they are not like you and me.
Call it a phrase that troubles me, or an outburst of my
emotions or the pain that I feel in my heart every time I see these kids
getting ignored and hear others complaining about my sweetheart--since I am
their therapist and I know them well--I thought I should pen it down today.
Just one thing I can ask you all.
Be more empathetic, loving and caring towards them.
A little more patience, a little more affection and a little
more time to share, will make a big difference to them.
You know better they are not like you and me, yes, but for
me they are above all of us in leading an 'authentic happy life'.
- Suganthi Sankaran
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