Kids These Days!!

I hear this often, and it’s not usually in a positive context. As a person living with several disabilities, I have been given a unique perspective on the subject. I am happy to report that my experiences have been extremely positive with today’s youth.

Last year, our family took a trip to Northern BC to visit with Cory’s mom and some other family members. We had a Thanksgiving dinner I would have loved to partake in, but I still sat at the table with my tablet so I could be a part of the conversation. My niece’s boyfriend, whom I had never met, arrived last, and surprise, surprise the only open spot at the table was beside me. (I am not the most exciting dinner conversationalist lol) He sat down, gave me a warm smile and set about eating. Once everyone had finished dinner, I typed out a message for Cory. My niece’s boyfriend looked over to read what I had written, and before I could even play my message, he called to Cory and told him that I was ready to eat. I just thought, how thoughtful and sweet!

I was at Silas’s volleyball regionals last November. I don’t get to all of his games, but love the ones I do get to see. This particular game was being held in a high school gym that had bleachers for the audience. Cory sidled my wheelchair up beside the bleachers and  sat within arms reach so he could prevent flying volleyballs from hitting me in the face. 😉  Being on the ground is definitely not ideal, as the view of the court is often obscured by people standing in front of me. As the game began, the other team’s remaining players stood up from the bench to cheer on their team. Right in front of me. Ughh!!  What happened next pleasantly surprised me. One of the standing teens turned around, saw me, and told his teammates to back up. I could see! A few more times during the set, this sweet teen shuffled his friends back as they gradually inched into the space in front of me. I was so impressed by the kindness and awareness of this young man, even more so when several other adult onlookers stood in front of my chair, completely oblivious. Grr!

I have yet to go to my kids’ school and not have a student open the door for me. Even when they are inside the building and notice me, they go out of their way to help. Silas and Olivia still always have friends over and these friends stop to say hello and wait patiently as I type out messages. One of Olivia’s friends, who I hadn’t seen for awhile due to Covid, came straight over to me and gave me a hug. On two occasions, Olivia and her friends went back to school clothes shopping, and when they got here, proceeded to treat me to a fashion show of their finds. It is so nice to be kept in the loop, but even greater knowing that the kids’ friends feel comfortable around me.

Obviously there are always exceptions, but I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to witness just how sensitive and considerate today’s youth are. They have been educated to not only accept, but appreciate diversity. Rarely is it teens or young adults who stare at me, instead they just go about their business. For someone who doesn’t like to stand out, I am more than grateful for that! 😉

Thanks for reading…

Leanne xo

 

 

6 thoughts on “Kids These Days!!

  1. I’m glad to hear when young people are considerate of not only people with disabilities but people in general. It’s easy to fall in the trap of being overly critical of them forgetting that we were young and learning our way at one time also. We need to build them up to handle the uncertainties of the future! Great post!

  2. Thank you for a positive post Leanne! I believe that children and teens today have a much healthier experience and understanding of disability that my generation did.

  3. That’s really nice to hear Leanne! I think there are plenty of “good” kids out there…it’s just the bad that always seem to get the Press! By the way, we’re on V. Island now, I’ll private message you the details. Take care, I’ll message you soon…gotta take my husband to the airport tomorrow & some friends are here from Kelowna. I’ve had more visitors here in the first 2 weeks than I’ve had in a whole year in Calgary!!! It’s all about the destination…I try not to take it personally! LOL!

  4. Hi Leanne,
    I was diagnosed with ALS in August 2020.I stayed away from reading any internet information on the disease as I found it very difficult to accept my diagnosis.I am 55 year old living in Calgary and from Nova Scotia.I tried not to think about the progression of the disease and take things day by day.After my third monthly visit to the ALS clinic in Calgary,the reality of what I am dealing with finally hit home.I typed in how to live with ALS on google and came upon your blog.I find great comfort in reading your posts as I can relate to a lot of what you are saying.I would like to communicate with you through a bit more private means like email or other as I feel that you could help me with a few questions I have about coping and family.I would also like to become part of your advocacy group.
    God Bless,
    Paul

    1. Hi Paul.. I sent you an email awhile ago. Just checking to see how you are doing. You can also reach me through the Contact Me section of the blog. Blessings, Leanne

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *