For the past few years I’ve taught a class of disabled
young women. They’re all just under twenty years old and most of them have Down
syndrome. They’re cheerful, happy girls, and I looked forward to the time we
spent together. This school year my assignment was changed. I have a larger,
slightly older class now. They have a wide variety of issues, including seizures,
cerebral palsy, ADHD, autism, and muscular dystrophy. Cognitively, they’re way
ahead of my previous class. But they’re so very negative. If I ask how they’re
doing, I get a list of all the sad things that have happened, or that may
happen someday. It takes enormous effort to keep our discussions from becoming
mired in gloom and doom. I wish I could teach them that your focus defines your
reality. If you’re determined to be happy, you will be. And your happiness can
lift everyone around you.
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