For some reason, my mind is on the memoir 'Riding the Bus With My Sister' by Rachel Simon. I've only read a fraction of it in Reader's Digest, but it's basically about this 'normal', very accomplished woman learning to appreciate and love her severely mentally disabled sister for who she is simply by spending time with her. It's a beautiful story that I'd encourage y'all to find and read, as it will give y'all a greater appreciation for your blessings and the people God made y'all to be. It might even give you a greater love and compassion for people like me and those who endure a deeper intellectual struggle than I do. What do you think?
Another person I'd encourage y'all to read up on is Joey Moss. Joey was born with Down's Syndrome, but he rallied with support and has thrived as a result. Positive reinforcement and compassion applied can help anyone succeed even if they have impairments. I hunger for positivity very much, but is there any left for me that I might thrive despite my constant struggles? I don't want to be seen as worthy of abandonment.
The point I am trying to make is that I struggle on a daily basis, but I can thrive with compassion, patience and positive reinforcement. Reading stories about those who struggle inspire me to keep enduring, yes, but they also remind me that I'm forever going to struggle even if I don't intend to or want to. My hope, however, is that there are and will also be people around to cheer on my progression and celebrate my success, no matter how small it may be. I would hope that those same cheerleaders would also guide me when I struggle and patiently educate me when I do wrong. I am just scared that I have been written off as a lost cause to be forever abandoned and left alone with my battles.
Are there any cheerleaders out there for me? Is there any compassion left for me? Does anyone love me?
