"Pretty Cute"

Abby rocks.

She knows she does, but that's okay. We know it too.

We've spent a lot of time over the past few weeks discussing "B" and the "What if's" and "What can I do next time's"...almost too much time. I think Abby was getting a little tired of me ridding myself of my motherly guilt by having spontaneous chats about differences every five seconds. I truly internalized what everyone had to say about the "B" situation and was so grateful for the outside perceptions. I was so touched with the support shown to our little family, in what was seemingly a simple and small situation. Thank you for your love.

I decided to chat with Abby's teacher, as a friend, and without Abby knowing (she would've been mortified). She was, of course, angry and sad to hear about what was said - and wanted to help in whatever way she could. I told her that Abby was over it now, but my heart still broke at the thought of someone thinking Deakon looked funny. I let her know I was unsure how to handle it, and needed her guidance. Abby's teacher decided to give a general lesson on respect for other people and discussed how it is unkind to comment on other people's drawings and pictures in their classroom books. Abby's teacher later told me that during the middle of this discussion with her class, Abby turned to "B," looked him in the eyes and said out-loud, "That's what he did to me." She said it was hysterical to see his face after being "called-out" and mentioned that he has been much kinder since that moment.

It's funny what a little confrontation does for the soul.

Abby's teacher also had the idea to let Abby bring Deak for Show-and-Tell; she suggested that Abby teach the class about his syndrome and all that Deakon can do. Although I was a little leary (and protective)...Abby thought this was a FANTASTIC idea! She worked really hard, on her own accord, making two posters with pictures of Deakon and magazine clippings of his likes (Basically cars, animals and lots of different foods:)

I will cherish them forever, because they were made with Abby wearing her little heart on her sleeve.

During the course of the presentation, Abby told her class (with some guidance) these things about her brother:

*He pulls her hair when he's mad at her.

*He has some "funny toes" (which she displayed)
*He really, really likes food.

*He can almost crawl and moves on his back good.

*He LOVES Yo Gabba Gabba.

*He loves clapping.

*He can talk lots:)

*Oh, and he has Ring 18. And, we got to go to Texas and Boston to see other families with Ring 18 and "other syndromes' like Deak."

We also had a minor incident when Abby tried to force Deakon to crawl and smashed his face (with the glasses on) into the carpet. But, what's a show-and-tell without a demonstration of reality?

I then asked the class if there were any questions...and one little guy raised his hand,

"Umm... I just think your baby is cute."

Little did he know, his sweet remark reminded me of what I know is true. Deak will have his moments with people of ignorance, but those moments will only come from those who have not had the opportunity to spend a few moments with him. Because, in those moments...countenances change and people understand. Even if the change is as simple as "funny-looking" to "pretty cute."