They have an annual beach event on the east coast of FL for special needs kids and adults. If you can keep a dry eye while watching it, you're dead inside. The pure, unadulterated joy on their faces is something to behold.
It's also a very American thing. Years ago when I was a medical student I made friends with a man in his 40's from a Middle-Eastern country who was re-doing all his training so he could practice in the US. One evening after a particularly bad day he told me, "Back home I was an Associate Professor of Surgery at [good university]. I still have a nice property there, and a big house."
"Then why are you here taking this shit?"
He looked around reflexively to make sure we were not being overheard, then said quietly, "I have a son with Down Syndrome. Back home it is considered shameful and dirty. We had to keep him at home inside so he would be safe. Here in the US he can go out and play, he is accepted, and even strangers are kind to him. Yes, I gave up a lot to come here, but of course I did: he's my son and I want him to have the best possible life."
Despite all the problems and craziness going on, this is still a country full of good, kind and generous people. It is easy for persons from all over the world to see, yet we are being gaslit by a small minority of our own that wants to tear it all down. It's hard sometimes, but important to remember that the vast majority of Americans are really good people.
Anybody that works with the mentally handicap is usually a very unselfish person. I remember years ago my brother was getting divorced (he was young) going on about how the world had screwed him over and our father looked him right in his eyes and told him the only people on this earth that have been screwed over are the handicapped stfu and do something with your life, never forgot his wise words
Down Syndrome...? I thought that was Elon Musk having his first successful endeavour,.. No seriously, I have hired DS people in the past and I didn't even think that when I saw the picture. In 2nd viewing,.. yeah,.. pure unadulterated joy. The reason you give DS folks a job in the 1st place.
What a great picture. Thanks for posting this!
ReplyDeleteIt's one of those WOW pictures, isn't it?
DeleteIt really is. Thanks!
DeleteThey have an annual beach event on the east coast of FL for special needs kids and adults. If you can keep a dry eye while watching it, you're dead inside. The pure, unadulterated joy on their faces is something to behold.
ReplyDeleteI have nothing but respect for anybody that works with disabled, physically or mentally, adults and kids.
Deleteabsolutely beautiful.....nice choice WC.
ReplyDeleteA happy boy and a good man.
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful photo.
ReplyDeleteIt's also a very American thing. Years ago when I was a medical student I made friends with a man in his 40's from a Middle-Eastern country who was re-doing all his training so he could practice in the US. One evening after a particularly bad day he told me, "Back home I was an Associate Professor of Surgery at [good university]. I still have a nice property there, and a big house."
"Then why are you here taking this shit?"
He looked around reflexively to make sure we were not being overheard, then said quietly, "I have a son with Down Syndrome. Back home it is considered shameful and dirty. We had to keep him at home inside so he would be safe. Here in the US he can go out and play, he is accepted, and even strangers are kind to him. Yes, I gave up a lot to come here, but of course I did: he's my son and I want him to have the best possible life."
Despite all the problems and craziness going on, this is still a country full of good, kind and generous people. It is easy for persons from all over the world to see, yet we are being gaslit by a small minority of our own that wants to tear it all down. It's hard sometimes, but important to remember that the vast majority of Americans are really good people.
He does look happy. Makes you think there could be something beyond
ReplyDeleteIt is such as these that are the Kingdom of Heaven.
DeleteTruth.
ReplyDeleteAnybody that works with the mentally handicap is usually a very unselfish person. I remember years ago my brother was getting divorced (he was young) going on about how the world had screwed him over and our father looked him right in his eyes and told him the only people on this earth that have been screwed over are the handicapped stfu and do something with your life, never forgot his wise words
ReplyDeleteThank you.
ReplyDeleteDown Syndrome...? I thought that was Elon Musk having his first successful endeavour,..
ReplyDeleteNo seriously, I have hired DS people in the past and I didn't even think that when I saw the picture.
In 2nd viewing,.. yeah,.. pure unadulterated joy. The reason you give DS folks a job in the 1st place.
It will be awhile before that smile goes away!!!! Grayman
ReplyDelete