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Wednesday, February 20, 2013

I Hope You Don't Fit In

As parents, I feel as though we worry about our children not fitting in with the crowd.  We worry that they will be isolated or feel sad or have their little feelings hurt at some point or another.  Well, I think we all know this is inevitable and we can't always avoid it... nor should we.  I know we want to protect their hearts.  We can't help it.  But, in the world of shaping and molding our children into good people... they must learn.  Sometimes that means letting them fall, just so they know how to get back up again.

As a parent of a child with physical differences (and I can imagine this stretches across the board and it is safe for me to say that with parents of children with any kind of special challenge), this worry only intensifies.  Sometimes differences aren't so obvious, and sometimes, when a child has obvious differences, it can be a source for an easy target.  And to tell you the truth, my heart fears this... so much.  But my head... it tells me that my little one will be stronger and better because of it.  It will be hard.  Learning always is.

She is three months old.  And I admit, I am getting ahead of myself.  But I am a woman and that's what we do.  We picture our babies going off to kindergarten, off to middle school & high school and off to college.  And with bittersweet tears in our eyes, we picture her wedding day and the smile she wears so big and so happily.  We try to anticipate the bumps along the way and we attempt to hammer them out to create a smooth ride.  After all-- all we ever want for our children is happiness and we will go to leaps and bounds to help them achieve this.

But for now, I am going to focus on teaching.  Teaching my little one and her big brother that it is ok to be different-- and someday, this is what I am going to say:

When everyone is stomping and marching and going to the right.  "This way!" they are shouting with all of their might.  And you feel like you could, you would, you should, even if it means you are misunderstood...

I hope you don't fit in.

I hope you dance in circles around and around, twirling and jumping with your feet off the ground.  I hope you sing a song that's different from theirs, and break out a game of musical chairs.

I'm glad you don't fit in.

When everyone is yellow from head to their toes-- neon yellow, mustard yellow and on so it goes.  They want you to be yellow and look all the same, but you are blue and red and you feel the shame.

I hope you don't fit in. 

I hope you take your blue and your red and add purple too and green and orange and every other hue.  I hope you paint your world with colors every which way, putting hearts and rainbows and love on display.

I'm glad you don't fit in.

When everyone jumps in without thinking twice, they turn to you and say, "Here's some advice.  Do what we are doing because it's the "in" thing to do.  What's there to think about?  You know you want to."

I hope you don't fit in.

I hope you go your own way blazing your own trail.   Not afraid to move on and let your dreams set sail.  Lead with your heart and keep your eyes open wide.  Let love and compassionate and joy be your guide.

I'm glad you don't fit in.

When everyone uses words that should have remained unsaid and you feel the negativity start to spread.  When ignorances and prejudices come out to play and the feeling of hate begins to give way.

I hope you don't fit in.

I hope you shine like the light that I see in your eyes and know that you don't have to compromise.  Integrity and character are things to hold dear.  As well as a pure heart and a consciouss that's clear.

I'm glad you don't fit in.

When everyone feels entitled and demands become great.  And gratitude is lost and nothing's worth the wait.  When others are stepping stones to get to the top. And they turn around only to see your big flop.

I hope you don't fit in.  

I hope you treat others with kindness and respect and know how your actions can directly affect.  Lift others up and up and you will soar too.  And to yourself... always be true.   

I'm glad you don't fit in.

Yes, this world will tell you which way to go.  Who to be, what to think and what you should know.  It will want you to take the easy route, but then you wouldn't know what life's all about.

I hope you don't fit in.

As you fly through the sky on your very own cloud, know that it's ok not to follow the crowd.  Different is good; different is allowed.  You should know your mama is already proud.

I'm so glad you don't fit in.










  

27 comments:

  1. This is beautiful, so beautiful. The love for your children shows so strongly in your words and what perfect words they are! I think every parent should read this to their child! I know I will. Your babies are lucky to have you:)thank you for sharing.

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    1. Thanks Lynsey! That means a lot and I really appreciate it. These children are truly gifts, aren't they?!

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  2. what a precious girl you have! God is so good. Loved reading this. Saw the link from Kelle Hampton.

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    1. Thank you for reading! God is SO good, you are right! Kelle is an inspiration to me... thanks for coming on over!

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  3. Amazing!! Loved it!! You have a new follower now! Got your link from Kelle Hampton :)

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  4. LOVE this. i'm bookmarking to read to zayn for when he's older. thanks for sharing. :)



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    1. Thanks Anna! I am honored you would read it to Zayn. Thank you!

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  5. She is beautiful, your family is beautiful, and that's all!

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  6. My heart loves this so much! Thank you for blessing this new mama tonight. My sweet Baker was born with Down Syndrome, and this is what I want for him. Oh, how I want this for him. LOVE!

    http://bakerisourdreamcometrue.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thank you, thank you. I wanted this to relate to all mamas/babies and I think it does... But those of us with kiddos with special needs, I think it hits a little deeper. Thanks for reading and supporting us! Xoxo

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  7. She is one of the most beautiful babies ever and I loved every single line of this post. Stopping by from Hello Hue... so glad I did! God bless! xo

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    1. Thank you Heather! So sweet of you to stop by! I appreciate you finding room for us in your heart.

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  8. She is perfection! Absolutely gorgeous. What a beautiful baby & post!

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    1. Thank you Jess! That really means a lot. Thanks for supporting us on this beautiful journey! Xoxo

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  9. This is a beautiful post, Leslie! Your daughter is absolutely adorable. I love all the faces she's making in these pictures!

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    1. Thank you Annie! She is lots of fun and oh so sweet! And, very expressive!

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  10. What a beautiful post. Such sweet words for a sweet, sweet little girl. She is beautiful!

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  11. Absolutely beautiful! Do you mind if I steal this for a post on my blog?

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    1. Hello! What is your blog URL? I would like to check it out. Thanks! Xoxo

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  12. Hey Leslie! It's Leslie LOL.......
    Lilah is beautiful! Love the pics and the beautiful poem! I can tell you because my Lyla is 2 that I have not once gotten any negativity towards her. People love my Lyla. Kids and adults flock to her and are constantly telling her ( and me) how adorable she is.
    I truly feel that she will grow up feeling loved and having many friends. She is perfect just the way she is. Who wants ordinary when you can have extraordinary! Xoxo

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    1. Hi Leslie!! First of all, I need your phone number so I cant text you! Or maybe we can skype sometime! Anyway, I love that you are reading our blog and that you have become a part of our circle of friends. I am so inspired by your positivity and the goodness that beams from your heart. I think you are absolutely right and I couldn't agree more. I hope to talk soon! XOXO Leslie :)

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  13. I found you on Instagram via Enjoying the Small Things. Your daughter is magnificent and this particular entry is wonderful. I'm going to share it with my 14 year old son, who doesn't think I'm nearly as cool as your children think you are right now! :) I look forward to checking in on your beautiful family and watching your sweet kiddos grow!

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    1. Thank you so much Lori... I really do think we can all relate to this poem I wrote... I know when I was growing up I didn't always fit in and now in hindsight, I am so glad for that. I am who I am because of it. If we all had a super smooth ride in life, would we ever take the time to learn? Thank you for sharing with your son. It means a lot!
      XOXO

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  14. She is absolutely precious. I went though all these same emotions after finding out about Madison. Frankly I still do 2 years later. I think it is human nature for us to worry about their futures. Please let me know if u ever want to chat!!

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