@common.ground.society

It’s called “the stare”: . They glance over with a smile, thinking and declaring out loud, “oh, look, there’s a baby!” And when they get a closer look, they do a double take or their eyes linger a little longer than is necessary. The corners of their smile falters just a little bit and a crease forms in between their brows with concern. . . It’s a stare/look that all medically fragile and/or special needs parents are used to. The one we anticipate as soon as we walk out the door. We’re so used to it by now that we don’t even stop to try and see their reaction, we just continue about what we’re doing like nothing is the matter. Because nothing IS the matter. . . That stare can get annoying sometimes. My baby can look a little different than most but I promise that when you gaze into her eyes, it’s so easy to get lost in them. Her equipment and “differences” make her unique. That’s all. We do our best to live a normal life with our children, as normal as we can make it. So when we’re out trying to do normal things just like you are, please don’t stare. Shared with permission from @nelsonfamilyfeat ❤️ #specialneeds #specialneedsmom #specialneedsmama #specialneedsparenting #specialneedsfamily #disability #dontstare #hellobelonging #inclusion #disabilityinclusion #medicallycomplex #medicallycomplexwarrior #inclusionrevolution #choosetoinclude #bekind #choosekindness #inclusionmatter #sayhello #differentnotless #commongroundsociety #sonomacounty #sonomacountydisabilities