Just Too Tired to Educate Today... - Little Mama of Faith

Today is National Dwarfism Awareness Day. I was wondering what I could share that I haven’t already shared with you over the years. And this came to mind…

I’m in a new neighborhood and heard only yesterday that today is our trick or treat. I was wrestling with whether to run out and buy candy.

I love kids and seeing the fun they have all dressed in their costumes and getting free candy. I also remember how much fun I had as a kid going trick or treating, and then the fun of getting my daughter dressed and ready for it.

But to be honest, I’m going to be a party pooper and not hand out candy this year. I really haven’t met many neighbors yet, so people here aren’t familiar with me and my dwarfism. These would be kids who probably never saw me. There potentially could be long stares, questions from kids to parents, giggling, embarrassed parents who may or may not handle it well…and any number of awkward reactions.

Normally, that stuff doesn’t bother me. In fact, I usually thrive on it and enjoy the opportunity to educate a child or parent and basically just let them get to know me a bit. I feel these experiences are a little window for them into something new and someone different. And hopefully, the more encounters they have like that, the less “weird” it will seem to them. And I personally love meeting new people.

But today, I’m tired. I’m a little achy. I’m a little weary. So you know what? I just don’t feel like answering questions and educating today.

So my little nugget of wisdom to share with you today on National Dwarfism Awareness Day is that little people are first and foremost people and secondly we are each unique.

If I rush away and don’t take time to educate your child, don’t assume I’m being rude. I’m human. Maybe I’m tired. Maybe I’m having a bad day, just like you do some days. Maybe I have to get home quickly to a sick child. There could be any number of reasons I may appear rude but am actually not trying to be. (But then again, just like any other population, we are human, and there are some little people who are jerks, so maybe the person you encounter is just being rude. LOL.)

Also, don’t assume little people (as a whole) do/don’t like to talk about their dwarfism. We are all different. As I said, I do like to educate any chance I get, but not every little person does. And that’s their right.

And now in 2020, I can see how this all relates to America and the human race in general. We’re seeing so many divisions (politics and race come to mind first). So my plea for today is for us to have an open mind with each other and to remember that we are all human and each unique.

Let’s love and be willing to get to know each other, rather than judging based on a single difference or trait. And let’s cut each other some slack. (And trust me, I’m preaching to myself here, too.)

If we really took the time to get to know each other and listen without judgment, I think we’d realize just how similar (rather than different) we really are.

If you read all of this, thanks! Have a great week!