Parenting Insights
Envisioning a World of Empathy and Awe
I dream of a world where my son, Lucas, exists among many others, each with their own unique traits. A world where these differences are not labeled as disabilities, special needs, or developmental delays. In this imagined realm, individual quirks would go unnoticed and unremarked upon. Instead, the richness of each person’s character would be celebrated.
In this land, what truly matters is the essence of a person—their compassion and their capacity for wonder. Here, joy is found in simple pleasures, like experiencing the delight of blowing bubbles on a breezy spring afternoon, rather than being preoccupied with deadlines, bills, or health concerns.
I long for a place where everyone can set aside their devices to accompany their children on whimsical adventures, like mimicking the erratic flight of butterflies. A world filled with joy and wonder.
I envision a society where skin color is as inconsequential as the hue of someone’s socks. A land where love is the universal bond that creates families, irrespective of societal judgments or political standpoints.
In this world, kindness is recognized and valued, while material possessions, such as handbags or shoes, fade into the background.
I wish for a playground where my son Lucas thrives alongside a younger companion, and the focus is on their shared joy rather than any disparities in language or play skills. An environment where everyone can revel in the happiness of two boys bonding over a found ball.
Can you picture it? I can. I witness that joy and wonder reflected in my son’s eyes every day. He sees magic in the ordinary, reminding me to rediscover it myself.
In this envisioned realm, I could view my son’s recent school photo without scrutinizing it. I would embrace the warmth of shared laughter with my partner upon seeing it, thinking, “Oh my! He looks so playful! So grown up! So beautiful.” Instead, I often find myself analyzing that image late at night, worrying if it betrays signs of autism—wondering if his squinted eyes signal fatigue or if he felt overwhelmed and lacked the words to express it.
I yearn for a world governed by empathy and wonder, where our differences do not define us.
The beautiful truth is: this world is attainable. It exists now, within us. We possess the ability to transform our surroundings, our desired lands, and our homes into sanctuaries of empathy and awe.
Change begins with you, with me, with our children. It starts with our choices in the next five minutes, the coming hour, the following year, and throughout our lives.
Tomorrow, when you feel stressed or annoyed, pause for a moment. Make eye contact with someone who seems uncomfortable. Greet them warmly. Share a smile with a weary parent, conveying that we are all in this together. Your simple act of kindness could be the spark that reminds someone of the empathy and wonder that exists all around us.
This article was originally published on September 27, 2013.
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Summary:
This piece envisions a world filled with empathy and wonder, where differences are embraced rather than labeled. It emphasizes the power individuals have to create such an environment through simple acts of kindness and understanding. The narrative reflects on parenting and the importance of celebrating joy in everyday moments.
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