Published on May 17, 2023
Recently, my children and I had an unforgettable morning at our community pool. This expansive venue boasts various pools, a splash pad, thrilling water slides, and a lazy river. We met with friends, and it felt like a small army of strangers joined us. Normally, I shy away from crowded places, but the allure of this swimming adventure was too enticing to resist.
Swimming pools often bring insecurities and differences to the forefront. Funny enough, I only realized this upon returning home. Amidst hundreds of people, I didn’t dwell on my son Leo’s uniqueness, nor did I consider what others might think. There were no curious stares or pointed fingers. All I saw were my son, his sister, and their friends having the time of their lives. The only sounds I heard were their laughter and the joyful chatter with friends. It’s remarkable, but this blissful moment might never have happened had I been more aware. It seems the saying is true — ignorance is bliss.
I’ve heard that phrase countless times, often casually tossed around. However, I’ve come to see it as a significant contributor to my happiness. Leo has a rare condition that makes him smaller than his peers. While his differences were subtle during his baby years, they’ve become more apparent as he grows.
To me, Leo is simply my little boy. I don’t focus on his stature; I see Leo. Perhaps this is my ignorance at play. His small size is our normal, and I often forget that he isn’t like most kids. Our life is filled with love and joy, and Leo embraces who he is just like any other child.
Yet, outside our home, it’s clear that Leo is different. Our normal isn’t what most families experience. I’ve always feared the potential for stares, name-calling, or ridicule due to his condition.
But here’s the surprising part: my ignorance has shielded us. Who would have thought that being blissfully unaware could be so liberating? The harshness of the outside world doesn’t affect us. It’s not that the stares and comments aren’t there; it’s that we simply haven’t noticed. We’re too busy living our lives, wrapped in the warmth of our happy, protective bubble. We don’t concern ourselves with others’ opinions, so there’s nothing to upset us.
Occasionally, I do catch a glance or two. But I find that my ignorance transforms those looks into smiles, which I interpret as compliments. After all, they could be admiring what they see. I refuse to think otherwise because what’s the benefit of that mindset? I prefer to bask in the bliss of not knowing. Misinterpreting a glance as an insult only brings hurt. I’ve chosen to embrace ignorance over hurt and anger.
As Leo and his friends continue to grow, I’ve started to hear more distressing stories from fellow families living with similar challenges. It’s disheartening to learn about the cruel treatment some kids endure, such as name-calling and mocking right to their faces. It infuriates me how some individuals can be so unkind to those with disabilities. I’m aware that my ignorance may not last forever, and we’ll likely face similar challenges. However, having enjoyed this blissful ignorance for so long, I’m committed to learning from it to make such experiences less impactful.
As my ignorance wanes and the world’s harshness becomes hard to ignore, I must remind myself of the peace I’ve found in blissful ignorance. When faced with hurtful comments, it’s essential to choose joy over sadness. I need to remember that while there are unkind people out there, their words don’t have to wound deeply.
Ultimately, I have a choice. I can either let hurtful words affect me or embrace bliss. If I can diminish the power of cruel remarks, they won’t hurt us as much. While some hurt is unavoidable, it’s possible to move forward and choose happiness — to choose blissful ignorance.
You might worry that ignoring such behavior means missing opportunities to educate or confront wrongdoers. Yet, ignorance can still make a powerful statement. Actions often speak louder than words. By selecting bliss, the hurtful remarks lose significance, and we can carry ourselves confidently. Leo may be small, but he is not a punchline. Despite his size, he embodies larger-than-life qualities in every meaningful way. Go ahead, glance our way. Stare if you want. We have something remarkable to share.
For more insights on navigating parenthood and fertility, check out our other blog post here. If you’re curious about how your child’s zodiac sign can influence their personality, visit this excellent resource here. And for information on pregnancy and home insemination, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development is a fantastic resource here.
Summary:
In this reflective piece, Taylor Mitchell shares her experiences as a parent of a child with dwarfism, highlighting the joy found in ignorance towards societal judgments. Despite the challenges that may arise from being different, the author embraces a positive outlook, choosing to see the beauty in her child’s uniqueness while navigating the world with love and support. This perspective fosters resilience against negativity, emphasizing that happiness is a choice, even in the face of adversity.