Understanding

A few years ago, I confided in a friend about some of the struggles we were having with MG and about my fears to be more open about it.  Her response gave me the courage and confidence (over time) that others would be kind and empathetic.  She said, "I agree with you that SOME people will hear a diagnosis and label MG, but I also think there are a lot of people who will use the diagnosis to show more patience/understanding toward her."

With that hope, we started sharing our experiences with family and friends and recently, I made this slide show to help MG's peers understand her.  She belongs to a church activity group for girls her age and I had noticed some of MG's behaviors were isolating her from the other girls.  A few of them were responding with aversion and subtle teasing.  Understandably, some kids don't know how to react to the unusual behaviors or abnormal responses they might see or hear. So I shared this with them to educate them. I think it was well received.  Our decision to be open and frank, has led to more acceptance and less judgement.  I notice others go out of their way to talk to MG and put an arm around her or listen to her.  Her peers seem more knowing and accepting.

It seems my friend was right.