To those who notice my daughter’s unsteady walk and her careful approach to physical activities and assume she can’t do much: You don’t truly know my daughter.
To those who see her speech delays and think she doesn’t grasp everything happening around her: You don’t fully understand my daughter.
To those who see her struggling to write her first letter while her peers write their names and conclude she isn’t smart: You don’t appreciate my daughter.
To those who read the list of diagnoses and labels she carries and presume she’s not like the other kids: You don’t recognize my daughter.
To those who glance at her standardized test scores and underestimate her abilities: You don’t realize my daughter.
To those who perceive her calm and sometimes timid demeanor and say she won’t keep up: You don’t see my daughter.
To those who think it’s safer not to challenge her out of fear of failure: You don’t know my daughter.
You may not be aware that she is incredibly strong and can swing on the monkey bars like a pro. You don’t see that she has a heart of gold, picking up on even the faintest emotions around her. You might not know she can hold meaningful conversations with those who truly listen, despite her limited language.
You don’t know that she is thoughtful and has a remarkable memory for the smallest details. You may not realize how much she adores school and can hardly contain her excitement about starting kindergarten soon. Since she was just 5 months old, she has been in early intervention and makes significant strides every single day.
You don’t know that since the moment she was born, she has defied the odds and faced challenges that many adults never encounter. She’s a fighter who underwent two open-heart surgeries before she was even 8 months old, carrying both literal and figurative scars that show her resilience.
You may not know she’s a loving big sister to her baby brother, or that she enjoys the soothing scents of lavender and fresh banana bread baking. You might not realize she loves watching both the Disney Channel and The Big Bang Theory.
You don’t know how funny, quirky, and quick-witted she is, bringing laughter to our lives every day. You might not see the immense love her mommy and daddy have for her, along with the unwavering support from a circle of family and friends. Even at just 5 years old, she possesses wisdom beyond her years.
You don’t know that despite not fitting your expectations, she’s a typical kid who loves to play, sing, and enjoy ice cream. You might overlook her capabilities and motivation to reach her goals. Give her a chance, and she will surprise you with what she can achieve.
No, you don’t know my daughter, but I wish you did. You are truly missing out.
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Summary
My daughter with special needs is strong, intelligent, and full of love. Despite the challenges she faces, she continues to defy expectations and achieve her goals. Those who underestimate her are missing out on an incredible person.