I can't help the way he makes some people feel

It's funny how people react to someone who is disabled. Some are completely at ease, others uncomfortable, some stare and some look elsewhere.


We went to a social event recently and one that called for me to feed Zack at the venue. I used to be uncomfortable doing this as people would often stare, now I just don't give a crap. Zack needs his food and this is how he eats. End of story.


What I don't like is people who blatantly stare at what you are doing. Yes it does look unusual I am pushing food down a tube from a 10ml syringe into my son's stomach. In all honesty I would probably look too. Stare? No I wouldn't do that. 


I want to say for the record, just ask me. Ask me what I am doing. I don't mind, I'd rather your curiosity be satisfied than you just stare. I usually stare back, or glare, makes most people look away.


Friend's reactions to Zack are also interesting. Some people we know are very good with him. Get straight in there, hold his hand, say hello, give him cuddles, talk to him. Just as you would with any other child. 


Others don't really respond to him at all and that upsets me. I don't want people to feel uncomfortable around him. I don't want them to not know what to say or do with him. Come and say hello to him, talk to him for God's sake. Okay he won't always respond but ignoring him is rude. I can't help the way he makes some people feel and I can't help the way some people feel about disability. Maybe they need to understand that being different is hard enough without others treating you differently. I don't ignore the children of friends so why should my child be ignored. 


For those of you who may be reading this blog and do not know of anyone with a disability next time you see someone who is disabled talk to them, they understand, they deserve to be treated with as much respect and courtesy as you would expect people to give you. 


Don't be afraid of a child that cannot speak, or walk, or talk he has much more to teach you than you could imagine.