I hear three words far too often: “Look at her!” These words can be heard at the park, the museum, the grocery store, or even at the mall.
These words escape from the lips of young children, teenagers, and sometimes even adults, directed at my delightful daughter, my 4-year-old Mia. Mia was born with a rare skin condition that means her skin is sensitive and prone to infections, making her appear as though she is suffering from a severe sunburn.
Look at her? Look at this child who seems so different from you? Yes, take a moment to look. Look at her beaming smile, the way it lights up her face when she laughs with pure joy. It’s a laugh that can make anyone around her start to chuckle too.
Look at her. Look at her stunning eyes, a vibrant blue reminiscent of the ocean on a clear day. Those bright, sparkling eyes are filled with mischief, especially when she’s playfully teasing her little brother or engaged in a game of hide and seek. Yet, there’s a flicker of anxiety in those eyes whenever she hears “doctor” or “hospital,” a reminder of her worries about needles and medical visits.
Look at her. Watch her dance to her favorite songs, twirling in her dress and waving her arms as she grooves to the beat of “Shake It Off.” See how she instinctively starts to sway whenever music fills the air, her sweet little voice attempting to keep up with complex lyrics.
Look at her. Observe her determination as she attempts new challenges, often physical feats that many of her peers mastered long ago. Witness her thrill as she slides down a park slide for the first time or climbs a staircase independently, beaming with pride over her small but significant achievements.
Look at her. Listen to her compassionate questions, asking why a child is crying or why someone at the store looks unwell. Her empathy runs deep, shaped by her own health hurdles, hospital stays, and surgeries.
Look at her. Notice her excitement, whether she’s at the playground, the library, or even the grocery store. She is eager to be around others, to play with new friends, and to dive into new experiences.
Look at her. Observe the curious expression on her face as her parents explain to yet another onlooker that no, she isn’t terribly sunburned; this is simply how she was born. Notice how she inquires why her parents address unkind comments from other children who label her with words like “weird” or “creepy.”
Look at her. Appreciate her tenacity each day. This determination often manifests as classic 4-year-old stubbornness, which sometimes drives her parents to the brink but also reassures them that she will stand strong for herself in the future. This tenacity brings them hope, knowing that she will navigate life with confidence.
You may not see all these aspects of Mia at first glance, likely fixating on her peeling red skin, shiny from lotion. You’re not the first to stare, and you certainly won’t be the last.
But please remember, there’s so much more to Mia than what meets the eye. Next time you encounter my daughter or anyone who appears different from you, I hope you’ll take a moment to look a little deeper.
If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination and related topics, be sure to check out our other blog posts here. For those exploring artificial insemination, this link offers valuable insights as they are an authority on this subject. Additionally, an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination can be found at this link.
Summary
This heartfelt reflection emphasizes the importance of looking beyond surface appearances to appreciate the depth and uniqueness of individuals, particularly children like Mia, who face distinct challenges. It encourages a deeper understanding of those who may seem different and the rich stories they carry.