It's my Talent ....and you can't have it!

I was very inspired by a post yesterday by Ellen at To The Max about how people respond to special needs children. In reading through the responses (and there were a ton of them) I began to realize that I have a very different perspective than most parents. I guess I haven't really thought about it to much, but I thought I would at least try to explain my theory.

Now I am not going to get overly preachy, but the Bible states in the Parable of the ten Talents, that you are to take your gifts from God and go forth and use them. One of my favorite verses Matthew 5:16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Anyway, I have brought Regan up to see her cerebral palsy as a talent from God. She is supposed to do her best with it and share with others....not bury it away like the misguided servant in the parable. There are several ways we do this. First of all she leads a life that isn't centered around her disability....it is just a different way to showcase her talent to others. Through Tap, Ballet, Cheerleading, Track, Golf .....and not mention she has been in 4H, active in church, and in the mentor program at school (as a mentor). Every year she has the privilege of spending time with the newest Pre-K class to tell them about her disability, let them walk in her walker, try on her AFO's....and instantly she has made a dozen new friends.

I want to express that we have worked very hard to never focus on the things she can't do....we just find a new way to do them.

The funniest thing ever for me....was after Regan had participated at a national Cheer Competition in an Individual event (where she used her walker for jumps, and then went down to her knees for a forward roll, and brought the crowd to tears and a standing ovation). Several complete strangers bought her congratulations gifts and wanted to spend time with her at the competition talking to her. On the way home, Rebecca and two of her friends from the squad were talking about how lucky Regan is and they wish people treated them that way.

Rebecca said:"I wish I had cerebral palsy"

Regan quickly said: "It's my Talent, and you can't have it!"

I wouldn't have it any other way.