Thursday, December 23, 2010

Seasonal Reflection

I am always endeared by Dicken's A Christmas Carol. We are presented a tragic hero in Tiny Tim, the youngest in the Cratchett Family. He is portrayed as a sage who reflects during the Christmas Eve worship that his presence will remind people of the birth of the one who made cripples walk. He embodies the true spirit of Christmas whereas Scrooge lacks it.

Tiny Tim and the story came to mind on Tuesday when I was assigned to assist a student with cerebral palsy. He has a wonderful smile that brightens everyone he meets. He uses a walker to move through the school. The faculty and the students make allowance for his zig zag progression through the corridors. What impresses me the most is the reception he receives from the other students. He is valued by his classmates. This has impressed me the most. So much is known about bullying and cruelty in the schools. How wonderful to witness the inclusiveness for this boy. Children can be humanized when they have a child with disabilities with them. He doesn't evoke pathos as Tiny Tim but he does in a way embody the Christmas spirit. He is gifted in his special way. I feel privileged to meet him and work with him for one day.

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