In a world where negativity often dominates the headlines—filled with harsh words, violence, and a lack of understanding—we often forget the power of kindness and compassion. A simple email shifted my perspective, reminding me of the goodness that exists, even in tough times.
My daughter, Lily, was born two months early and faced several physical challenges. An ultrasound revealed clubbed feet and various joint contractures. Her wrists barely moved, her knees were locked in place, and she struggled to bend her limbs. Her left arm had more mobility than her right, which presented hurdles for her fine and gross motor skills. After nearly two years of physical and occupational therapy, she can now lift her right arm about halfway. However, grasping objects remains a challenge for her tiny fingers. We often take for granted the ability to use our hands; for Lily, it’s a skill she’s still learning.
Her legs, which sometimes seem like they’re weighed down by heavy bags, hinder her movement. Instead of the traditional crawling, she adopted a modified army crawl, leaning heavily on her stronger left arm while dragging her lower body behind her. Now two years old, we practice walking every day, yet balancing is still a struggle. With the help of braces for her ankles, she can sometimes stand long enough to take a few steps, but without them, her feet lack the strength to support her small frame. Despite these challenges, Lily is a determined fighter who has made significant progress, meeting her goals in her own time.
As a mother, it’s heartbreaking to watch her unable to run freely with her peers, walk to the dinner table, or stand long enough to dress herself “like a big girl.” I constantly worry about sending her to school, fearing criticism and bullying. However, upon dropping her off, I notice that her classmates remain blissfully unaware of her differences, embracing her warm spirit instead. They see her cheerful smile, friendly greetings, and eagerness to share, while Lily herself wears her braces with pride.
Subject: A Note of Praise
Recently, I received an uplifting email from my brother-in-law, which came from my niece’s first-grade teacher. It was a beautiful reminder that not all children are unkind or dismissive of those who are different.
Subject: A Note of Praise
Hi everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to highlight your daughter’s wonderful behavior lately. She has been supporting a classmate with additional needs and has shown kindness, patience, and maturity. I’ve loved watching their friendship grow, and her ability to multitask while learning alongside this student is truly impressive. If you have a chance, ask her about her new friend!
Best wishes,
1st Grade Teacher
My niece has a heart of gold; she adores animals and babies, and she effortlessly makes friends. What struck me most about the email was how, at just six years old, she embodies a compassion that many adults strive to achieve but often fall short of. We often get caught up in appearances and materialism, yet here she was, demonstrating a genuine desire to help—without any expectation of reward.
Her actions illuminate the playground far brighter than any bullying could. She reached out to include her peer, filling a need with grace and love. I now hold onto the hope that as Lily continues her school journey, she will encounter children like her cousin. Perhaps someone will help her carry her books if she struggles, or include her on their team during gym class, regardless of her limitations. I dream of a nurturing environment where Lily feels valued, secure, and as vital to the community as any other child.
As a mother, the worry never fully dissipates. But that email brought a sense of relief; it reminded me that children can display extraordinary kindness, often more than we expect. Maybe the world I hope for Lily isn’t just a dream.
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In summary, one simple email can shift our outlook and remind us of the goodness in the world. As we navigate parenting challenges, the kindness of children can inspire us to hold onto hope for a brighter future.