This is about me! A few weeks ago, on a cool Wednesday evening, I went to church feeling tired and in need of succor from the Lord and brethren. My little angel was by my side singing and dancing excitedly to her maker when suddenly some little boys aged between four (4) and six (6) years old sported her and started pointing and laughing at her because she looked and danced differently. I was not surprised adults around them didn’t bother to caution them. In most cases, they were not better informed than those poor little children.
Believe me, I was beside myself that day! From my position ( three rows) behind, I challenged them to stop and face their front. What happened to virtues such as kindness and love?
I was really upset because it felt silly for me an adult to be talking to little children in that manner. It felt wrong for me to be speaking up for a child who was by far their senior and who was by far better mannered and dignified than they were ( my Mimi girl is very well mannered).
Above all, I wondered when this would end? What about those times similar things would happen and I am not there to defend her? What kind of society do we have that does not care for persons living with a disability?
When would I stop playing ‘god’ over her? I find myself fighting with the system and almost everything around her. Mimi taught me about ADVOCACY.
Why do our Engraced Ones have to fight to be accepted, loved, trained, play or just be human???
Why do we have to switch from parents to advocates whether it is in our nature to do so or not?
Well, dear reader, do not think I am lamenting, I am only reaffirming my resolve to keep on fighting, speaking, praying and pressing until the change of all children living with special needs in Nigeria comes.