Seeing beyond.

I was browsing the internet looking for other blogs and networks to connect with in this field and I couldn't find much. I did find a lovely blog by a mum who has children with complex medical needs, she writes a blog all about her children (link below). I saw a beautiful quote on there and it really got me thinking.

'I wish you could see the beauty — look beyond a disability to see the person, just the person. The beauty not only from the outside, but the incredible beauty that’s found in the heart.'

This is something I have always thought to just be obvious. For me when I look at Tom I see Tom. I see a beautiful boy that is filled with love and laughter. I see a boy that shows more strength than most fully grown adults. I see a boy who is so loved by his family that he is rich with happiness. How is it that others couldn't see this?

What is it that you see? How is it that you could see anything different to me? Is it your own naivety, the fear of someone different or your own shame for not knowing how to approach. The answer is very simple, say HELLO. Rather than ushering your equisitive children away, encourage them to say hello, to ask Tom's name. By doing that you'll not only welcome Tom in, but you will learn so much. You will see what I see. You will see that beautiful boy with the cheeky smile and the loving heart.

Tom is an incredible boy, his warmth reaches all over the world.

Tom's disability does not define who he is as a person. It is of course part of Tom's life but it is not who he is. Why does society always feel the need to group people? People are just people, everybody is different in one way or another. This isn't only the case for children with disabilities but also for people who have different hair colour, people who have different skin tones or people who like to dress differently. If we were all the same the world would be a very still, boring and lonely place.

Never be afraid to stand out, to be different. This is what makes the world a beautiful place.

For me and so many others Tom makes the world a better, more beautiful, bright and happy place to live.

If you see someone around that is different to you for whatever reason and you feel the need to stare, whether this be out of curiosity or just naivety why not say 'hello' you might find a whole world beneath your feet that will inspire you.

Also please make sure you check out Ellens blog below, she makes some very beautiful points.

https://www.ellenstumbo.com/blog/