The boy arrived disabled into the world. That’s why he will now get hit.


This American mother had had enough of her son being bullied every day at school. The boy had sat across from his teacher and said it was "okay, I'm getting used to the bullying", and it broke his mother's heart. "That made me feel awful. It made me very angry because he shouldn’t be getting used to it. He should not be OK with it. Bullying is not OK. It's not acceptable and you do not get used to it."
Facebook/maryann.parisi
So she decided to set an example. She sat down at her computer and wrote a Facebook post:
"This might be long winded. I apologize for that. We all have children in our lives in some way or another, I challenge you to show and teach your children (or the children in your lives) my son's story. Maybe knowing his background is the difference.
Even the best children have moments of insecurity and weakness. Teaching and showing them why he (or anybody else) is different might be the more positive way. Sometimes knowing is learning and growing. Sometimes we all need a reminder, because we all can have our moments.
Michael was born at 26 weeks. Just over 3 months premature. I am not his bio mom. But in every other way, I am his mother. He spent the first 3 months of his life fighting to survive. Shunts, blood transfusions, etc. His mother left him 3 months later. He has survived failure to thrive and numerous other health issues to become the strong, healthy boy he is.
He didn't learn to talk till he was 3 years old. Walking was very delayed. He didn't have teeth till after his first birthday. He was so very behind. But he loved. Oh how he loved. To this day, his smile is the best thing ever. There is not one person he doesn't like/love, including those who tormented him today. He forgives and honestly, he forgets too. There is not one judgemental bone in his body. I strive to be more like him daily but fall very short. 
You called him brace face today, before you were picking on him because of his eating habits. Did you know he physically can not control the food staying in his mouth. Or how very bad his hand/eye coordination is. Those braces are just one of the many steps he will endure, to help align his lower jaw that never fully developed. So he doesn't spill his food or chew weirdly anymore. So you won't pick on him. 
Kicking his chair, calling him stupid, ugly, brace face, bucky beaver. Telling him to sit down and shut up is not the way. You don't have to like him, but you do have to respect him. He's a fighter, that's a very small portion of his story. Share, teach, grow. Most importantly respect those around, you never know what they have been through."
Facebook/maryann.parisi
After making the post, she received thousands of comments and "likes", all of which supported her and the bravery of Michael. She had not counted on getting so much support and is so deeply moved from all the warm words and wishes of wellbeing.
The boys that Michael had a problem with, have hopefully also learned something, and will continue on with more respect for humanity in the world. If you also find it fantastic how many people one Facebook post can reach, then SHARE this article with all of your friends.
Powered by Blogger.