My cousin is nine years old, a little bit on the chubby side and doesn't do really well at school. As the youngest in the household, she is heavily teased, and thus has developed some resistance and distrust towards adults, who usually don't put high hopes in her.
Yesterday we went to an art exhibition together. There were paintings from kids with disabilities. My little girl has a keen eyes , for the paintings she liked most were also the best of the show. She also voluntarily helped to arrange the chairs and table for a sharing session, painted by herself alongside new friends while I attended the sharing, and cheerfully helped me to get my bag from another room, something that doesn't happen often at home as she's usually glued to her iPad.
We went to buy books together. I bought a book written by a mom recounting her journey with her autistic son. On the bus back home, I briefly introduced the book to my cousin, and to my surprise she was truly interested. She kept asking me to tell more stories about this friend in the book who struggles with small things in life. Even when the subject strayed elsewhere, she insisted on hearing more about this boy. This is the first time I've seen her so interested in a topic. Usually when she talks to me she recounts events at school and at home without a clear focus. I'm very touched that the life of an unknown stranger has find its way into this little girl's heart.
I'm very thankful for the power of books, for the beauty that my cousin revealed to me, and for the time we had together. I pray that I can keep seeing clearly the wonderful things in her, so that whenever the not-so-kind world puts her down, I can remind her how truly wonderful she has always been.
May we all do this for the little ones around us, and also for ourselves.
Yesterday we went to an art exhibition together. There were paintings from kids with disabilities. My little girl has a keen eyes , for the paintings she liked most were also the best of the show. She also voluntarily helped to arrange the chairs and table for a sharing session, painted by herself alongside new friends while I attended the sharing, and cheerfully helped me to get my bag from another room, something that doesn't happen often at home as she's usually glued to her iPad.
We went to buy books together. I bought a book written by a mom recounting her journey with her autistic son. On the bus back home, I briefly introduced the book to my cousin, and to my surprise she was truly interested. She kept asking me to tell more stories about this friend in the book who struggles with small things in life. Even when the subject strayed elsewhere, she insisted on hearing more about this boy. This is the first time I've seen her so interested in a topic. Usually when she talks to me she recounts events at school and at home without a clear focus. I'm very touched that the life of an unknown stranger has find its way into this little girl's heart.
I'm very thankful for the power of books, for the beauty that my cousin revealed to me, and for the time we had together. I pray that I can keep seeing clearly the wonderful things in her, so that whenever the not-so-kind world puts her down, I can remind her how truly wonderful she has always been.
May we all do this for the little ones around us, and also for ourselves.
1523 Reads
- Posted by bluebear00
- Apr 7, 2019
- Comments (9)
Readers Comments
poonamkaria wrote: Such a loving heart god bless you both ðŸ™
Christine88 wrote: Beautiful.
mindyjourney wrote: What a wonderful day! Thank you for encouraging your young cousin to shine like the beauty she is!
laughingsoul wrote: Art has the power to bring people closer, and stories to open their hearts.
leoladyc728 wrote: fantastic sharing today.
ms_joy wrote: She is so blessed to have a cousin with the big heart that you have! :)
petroskryf wrote: The power of books should never be underestimated. Thank you for sharing. â¤ï¸
DANCE wrote: Wonderful! You were kind to spend time and connect with her, also understanding with patience
Mish wrote: It is apparent to me that your presence brings out the best in her. She feels your love & caring for her and it enables her to bloom. Bless you both.
