The Dignity of Risk

(© Grace Lee, www.cutecolors.com)

A long time ago, when Master J was newly diagnosed and we were going through that Must. Have. Much. Information. Now phase, I came across this little piece online somewhere. If someone can help me out with a credit, please do so. I believe I got it originally from a parent advocacy site.

*UPDATE* Hat tip to viola-playing Liz, who informs me this is from Linda Stengle's book, Laying Community Foundations for Your Child with a Disability. Thanks again Liz :)

The Dignity of Risk

What if you never got to make a mistake?
What if your money was always kept in an envelope where you couldn't get it?
What if you were never given a chance to do well at something?
What if your only chance to be with people different from you was with your own family?
What if the job you did was not useful?
What if you never got to make a decision?
What if the only risky thing you could do was act out?
What if you couldn't go outside because the last time you went it rained?
What if you took the wrong bus once and now you can't take another one?
What if you got into trouble and were sent away and you couldn't come back because they

always remember your 'trouble'?
What if you worked and got paid $0.46 an hour?
What if you had to wear your winter coat when it rained because it was all you had?
What if you had no privacy?
What if you could do part of the grocery shoping but weren't allowed because you couldn't do all

of the shopping?
What if you spent three hours every day just waiting?

What if you grew old and never knew adulthood?
What if you never got a chance?

This has always struck a chord with me. Perhaps because I can forsee a future of difficulties for my own son :) So, the next time you sit in a car, order at a restaurant, speak freely to another person without the aid of your hands, view the world through clear and functional eyes, walk on two legs and lament the cost of gas or milk, be thankful that you have the option (*smile*)

Cheers,
Lizzie