A Commentary

Recently, I had the good fortune of being invited to participate as a parent panelist at a local university. The subject was disability, and the panel was comprised of parents and caregivers who take care of children with atypical needs. Each parent took turns responding to a series of questions for the student audience.

It was a wonderful learning experience! Listening to the other parents share their personal stories and opinions was comforting and informative. And I walked away from the evening feeling much stronger for being publicly asked how I felt about things that are sometimes difficult to admit to myself, much less to a room full of people.

This month’s featured story was told by one of my counterparts from the panel and is one that needs to be heard by more than just those among the closed and cozy confines of that evening. I was granted permission to post it and am presenting it as a supporting example of the importance of cultivating the gift of good manners among everyone.

I thank the author, Theresa Jeevanjee, for letting me share this because it certainly made me think.

It is never too late to learn!