Beauty in Disguise

By: Tiffany Smith

The Lord works in mysterious ways and blesses each and every one of us with something special to give to the world. Some talents or skills are easy to see – famous athletes or evangelists – and others are disguised. But no matter what, we all have something to give. Some of us can find the beauty in others easily, but others cannot find it within themselves to look deeper than the outside appearance of a person.

Maybe I was blessed, due to the fact that I grew up with an aunt with disabilities and I am lucky enough to know how wonderful and special people with disabilities are (whether they have mental problems or physical). She was a very special part of my life … and I learned so many things from her. I think that this is one of the reasons that I want to educate people and teach people to accept others for who they are.

She was not able to speak to you in the form of words. When you walked in the room, her eyes would light up and she would make noises. You knew she was happy to see you. She had the mind of a 10 year old. I learned to communicate with her in our own “special” way. She brought so much joy to my life.

When my Granny, Rozella, and I would go shopping, you could see people staring. It broke my heart that people acted this way. But Rozella, was oblivious to the fact that people were making comments about her. She was in her own way blessed -- she never realized the mean ways of the world. She loved anyone she came in touch with that paid any attention to her. My little brother and sister came along 10 & 12 years later and loved Rozella like I did. She was like a sister to us.

I consider education very important for people with disabilities. Rozella went to school 3 times a week her entire life. She loved it. The school took her class on fieldtrips and shopping. Rozella would always come back with 4 gifts (me, brother, sister, her). She was loving and giving. She had one special teacher who she loved. Anne was like family to us. She dedicated a great amount of her time to Rozella. Our whole family appreciates everything she has done over the years. Schools and teachers like these make a difference in families' lives.

I want to commend my granny, who dedicated her whole life to Rozella. It takes a strong woman to dedicate 47 years of her life to taking care of a child with a disability. In my family though, we never saw Rozella as “different”.

I share this story with everyone, to educate people and let them know that they should try and accept everyone and embrace them, for they have a lot to teach us and a big heart to love us. Don't judge a book by its cover … and remember that you may not realize that many people with severe mental disabilities can understand you and be hurt.

Governments and state authorities need to continue to support educational opportunities and programs dedicated to this great group of people. It opens so many doors and opportunities to them.

My aunt passed away in May 2004 and she will be missed greatly by all of our family and friends. The Doctors were never sure what was wrong with her when she was born. They were not sure what even caused her to pass away. One thing that is certain, is that she is greatly loved and missed.

I would also like to encourage people to volunteer with www.nscd.org or volunteer with the local Special Olympics. If you are an employer, open your doors and encourage people with disabilities to apply for a job with your company. Volunteer or donate to a school for people with disabilities in your area. Be a friend! These are just a few ideas out of the hundreds of ideas of ways you can help!

Contact your local government and encourage funds for their schooling

Get to know a person with disabilities – I promise it will be a fulfilling relationship

My story is just one story in a million. There are millions of people with disabilities all over the world. They all have their own story, own family, own triumphs, and heartaches. I want to encourage people to open your heart.

Open your heart to someone like Rozella, and let them touch your heart like she touched mine. Her innocence was heart warming.

DEDICATED TO ROZELLA WILCOX

By: Tiffany Smith