BEATITUDES OF THE DISABLED

Blessed are they who don’t shun me

Just because I have a disability

Blessed are they whose concern for me

Goes beyond pity and charity

Blessed are they who make me feel

That I should be given an equal deal

Blessed are they who think I should be

Given a chance to develop the skills in me

Blessed are they who encourage me

To overcome the embarrassment of disability

Blessed are they who don’t hide me away

Just because I am different from they

Blessed are they who because I am blind

Don’t also think I have no mind

Blessed are they who do not balk

When I dribble all over or struggle to talk

Blessed are they who are patient and kind

Knowing it takes time to work things in my mind

Blessed are they who looked away

When I was clumsy at mealtime today

Blessed are they who put themselves out

To include me too in what they’re about

Blessed are they who give me way (in a queue)

Knowing I can’t stand as long as they

Blessed are they with a cheery smile

Who stopped to chat for a little while

Blessed are they who see in me

A person of WORTH & ABILITY!

(adapted from Beatitudes of the Aged - Jacqueline Colaco)

‘THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR’